On Thursday 9th March, 150 people attended Jewish Women’s Aid’s, ‘Raising Women’s Voices’ event for International Women’s Day with a talk from veteran feminist broadcaster, Jane Garvey, at South Hampstead Synagogue. All proceeds from the event went to Jewish Women’s Aid’s current appeal which is a 12-day fundraising drive, starting on March 8, International Women’s Day, until March 19^th, Mother’s Day.

Jane Garvey is 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. She currently has a radio show on Times Radio with Fi Glover, as well as the podcast, ‘Off Air with Jane and Fi’.

Jane talked about her career on radio, the issues facing women that she discussed whilst on air and what has changed over her thirty years of broadcasting. There was a lengthy Q&A afterwards with very interesting questions and engaging answers from Jane and discussion with the audience. Jane and attendees spent much time together over refreshments, where attendees continued to ask Jane heartfelt questions on women’s issues that are close to their hearts. Jane was incredibly gracious and generous with her time spent discussing and sharing her thoughts on women’s issues and Jewish Women’s Aid’s cause.

Jane Garvey said, “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.”

Caroline Ratner, Jewish Women’s Aid Chair, said, ‘It was a privilege and joy to have Jane Garvey speak at our International Women's Day event this year.  We are so grateful 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 at Jewish Women's Aid.

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.’ 

This was the last event hosted by Madeleine Abramson, Jewish Women’s Aid’s outgoing Co-Chair.

 

Photography credits: Jessica Schamroth