Emma Thompson Among Celebrities Supporting Funding Drive Against Gender-Based Violence
Dame Emma Thompson, alongside pop sensation Chappell Roan and esteemed author Sir Stephen Fry, has united with singer Annie Lennox to champion a critical funding appeal aimed at bolstering women's rights organisations worldwide. This initiative, spearheaded by the global feminist group The Circle, comes in the lead-up to International Women's Day on March 8, rallying more than 60 high-profile figures to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence.
Celebrity Coalition for Change
The campaign, tagged #MakeAStandfor1in3, has garnered support from a diverse array of stars, including Hollywood icons Cate Blanchett, Gillian Anderson, and Keira Knightley. They are joined by Spice Girl Mel B, Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker, former football manager Sir Alex Ferguson, singers Jorja Smith and Hozier, and Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston. This collective effort underscores the urgency of tackling violence against women, with The Circle highlighting that one in three women globally endures physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
Annie Lennox, co-founder of The Circle, emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, "One in three represents the appalling ratio of women facing gender-based violence across the world. These are real people, not just numbers, and in these turbulent times we are in danger of watching the progress made move into reverse. We must not allow that to happen." Lennox reflected on the organisation's origins over 17 years ago, when a group of influential women decided to drive positive change by ensuring robust, well-resourced women's rights groups can deliver essential services and counter anti-rights narratives at their core.
Addressing a Global Crisis
The funding appeal is designed to support The Circle's extensive work, including its network of 12 grassroots partners around the globe. According to the charity, funding for organisations championing gender equality is under significant threat, exacerbating the challenges faced by vulnerable women and girls. Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard added her voice, noting, "We are living through a period of profound global instability, and we know that such uncertainty leads to increased violence against women. The most vulnerable women and girls are always hit the hardest. In times of peril, standing together and taking meaningful action matters more than ever."
Lennox further stressed the heightened need for action, declaring, "Today the need for action is more urgent than ever and that is why I am making a stand this International Women's Day in support of women on the frontlines of the violence." The campaign aims to mobilise public support and donations to sustain critical services and advocacy efforts, with contributions accessible via The Circle's official website.
This celebrity-backed initiative highlights a concerted push to safeguard advancements in women's rights and combat the escalating rates of gender-based violence, calling for global solidarity and financial backing to ensure lasting impact.
