Women’s Aid at 50: A Royal Celebration
Photo credits: Piers Allardyce
This year marks 50 years since the Women’s Aid Federation of England (Women’s Aid) was founded, officially making it the golden anniversary of the organisation. In commemoration of this monumental moment, Women’s Aid were delighted to welcome Her Majesty to a special celebratory event.
Her Majesty had the opportunity to speak with key staff and supporters of Women’s Aid, along with some of the specialist domestic abuse services from across the country that make up the Federation’s life-saving network, and the organisation’s Survivor Ambassadors.
The Women’s Aid Archive Project, in collaboration with Leeds University, took Her Majesty through half a century of Women’s Aid, with a timeline and pictures of key moments from the last 50 years.
This celebration, which aligned with the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, allowed Women’s Aid staff, supporters and members to come together with Her Majesty, looking back on the incredible achievements of the sisterhood over the last 50 years, while also thinking towards a future where domestic abuse no longer exists.
Speaking about domestic abuse during the visit with Women’s Aid on Thursday 5th December 2024, Her Majesty The Queen, said:
‘It is terrible that after 50 years, it still has not been eradicated but we are making progress. I’ve talked to many many women, and men, all around the country, all around the world and you hear the same devastating stories time and time again.’
‘I am determined to put an end to this.’
Nikki Bradley MBE, Director of Services at Women’s Aid, said:
‘Women’s Aid are incredibly honoured to have welcomed Her Majesty The Queen at our Golden Anniversary celebrations today. We would like to thank The Queen for all that she does to bring awareness to the often-overlooked epidemic of domestic abuse and wider violence against women and girls that plagues our society.
Today, Her Majesty the Queen had the opportunity to hear firsthand about the life-saving work of Women’s Aid and everything the organisation has achieved over the last 50 years. While today was a celebration, it also serves as a reminder that for countless women and children, abuse remains a reality. Women’s Aid is dedicated to creating a safer world and will not stop until we end abuse.’
Sarah Hill, Chair of Women’s Aid, said:
‘Women’s Aid are immensely grateful to The Queen, who has a longstanding commitment to ending domestic abuse, for coming to our Golden Anniversary celebration today and reflecting on the last 50 years of the organisation with us.
Her Majesty The Queen met with some of the incredible women who work tirelessly to maintain and grow our inclusive, future facing federation, as well as the inspiring women who use their experiences to campaign for change as Survivor Ambassadors.
It is our hope that thanks to all the hard work of the women who attended today, in 50 years domestic abuse will be eradicated, and that Women’s Aid will no longer be needed.’