On International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate four amazing charitable organisations in Oxfordshire that are transforming the lives of women in our county.
Today, on International Women’s Day, we are shining a light on just some of the local charitable organisations that are supporting and advocating for women. These incredible grassroots groups have been funded by OCF over the last year, and are supporting the most vulnerable women, helping them to live better lives.
Syrian Sisters was formed in 2016 by Syrian refugee women to provide a space where they can come together to share their experiences and support each other as they resettle and rebuild their lives in the UK. They received an OCF cost-of-living grant for weekly group meetings at Rose Hill Community Centre. This enables the women to come together and participate in training and classes, which is key to alleviating loneliness and isolation during their resettlement in the UK.
Oxford Against Cutting tackles female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage of girls and women living in Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley. Their grant from one of OCF’s named funds has supported their work providing top-quality education and community support to address FGM, honour-based abuse (HBA) and other harmful body alterations of girls and women.
All Yours Period Box believes everyone should have the period products they need for a safe and comfortable period. Their grant from the Didcot Powerhouse Fund (hosted by OCF) helped provide 700 period boxes to individuals and families in the OX11 area, particularly in Didcot town. These period boxes will relieve the financial burden on women and girls with low incomes, as well as enabling them to go about their daily lives in comfort and with confidence.
Oxfordshire Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Centre is committed to supporting survivors of sexual abuse, rape, domestic abuse and harassment. Funding from OCF’s Community Capacity grants, in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, is enabling them to keep providing their vital services, including counselling, support groups, psychoeducation programmes and support with the criminal justice system.
OCF will continue to work with its donors and funding partners to make a difference to women’s lives throughout the year, and to #InspireInclusion.
Find out more about International Women’s Day.