Women’s rights organisation Safety4Sisters NorthWest is launching a new project aimed at calling to attention the ongoing needs of Manchester women facing domestic abuse.
To be launched on November 25, the ‘Migrant Women’s Rights to Safety Project’ will provide advice, support and empowerment for migrant women who are experiencing abuse.
This will take place on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which will mark 16 days of worldwide activism against gender-based violence.
According to Safety4Sisters, more support is needed for women who come from other countries seeking safety, but are left vulnerable to British and oversees men who want to exploit that weakness.
Rowetta of Happy Mondays, previously a victim of domestic abuse issues and a resident in a Women’s Aid refuge, will support the launch.
A number of other well respected women in the area are advocating the scheme, which has so far raised enough funding for 12 months of implementation.
Susannah Boubaker of WTB Solicitors and a member of Safety4Sisters said: “As somebody who has experienced domestic abuse in the past I know all too well how difficult it is to overcome the situation.
“If I had the extra obstacles to overcome as migrant women do, I do not think I would have been able to survive.
“I think it is absolutely vital that women in this position get the help that they need and deserve.”
Education and empowerment sessions, research identifying barriers faced and a safety toolkit will also be provided for the women as part of the project.
Dr Kate Cook, of Manchester Metropolitan University and a member of Safety4Sisters, said: “This is an important step for migrant women locally, who are experiencing abuse.
“We want to celebrate the project, whilst we also highlight the risks that women face.”
She went on to say that some of the women can easily become homeless as a result of the violence.
“This is Manchester; we can do better than that for the vulnerabe in our city,” she said.
The launch of the ‘Migrant Women’s Rights to Safety Project’ will start at 2pm on November 25 on the steps of the Court of Justice, Crown Square, Manchester.
Follow on Twitter @Safety4Sisters #LeaveNoWomanBehind
Image courtesy of M Asser, via Flickr, with thanks
