JWA supporters come together to ‘Raise Women’s Voices’

More than 150 guests attended Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA) celebrations for International Women’s Day at South Hampstead synagogue.

‘Raising Women’s Voices’ was the first event to be held with the organisation’s new chief executive, Alison Rosen in post. The highlight was an address from veteran feminist broadcaster, Jane Garvey.

An esteemed radio and media broadcaster who started on BBC Radio 5 Live, followed by 13 years as host of BBC’s Woman’s Hour and hosting documentaries, Garvey talked the issues facing women that she had discussed during her on-air career and what has changed over her thirty years of broadcasting.

She told the audience: “The last couple of years have been incredibly grim for women. For all the progress women have made, nothing has changed at all. Violence against women is an international disgrace and it must stop. I was delighted to come along to support Jewish Women’s Aid. We talked about a range of issues and there was a great atmosphere in the room.”

Alison Rosen, JWA chief executive, said the event was an “opportunity for an open dialogue about the fears women live with just because they are women.”

Caroline Ratner, JWA chair, praised Garvey for her support: “Over the years, she has done much to raise awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) both at Women’s Hour and now on her daily Times Radio show. The event was also a lovely send-off for our co-chair, Madeleine Abramson, who will be sorely missed by all of us. We are seeing a year-on-year increase in demand for our services from women from all different parts of the community, and we have never been so busy. This event was a great opportunity to raise awareness (and funds) for our work.”