Shining a spotlight on the amazing women making a difference in communities across Merseyside this International Women’s Day

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PCC Emily Spurrell in front of a taxi with Safer Streets 3 branding

To mark International Women’s Day, Merseyside’s Police Commissioner is shining a spotlight on some of the amazing women who are making a difference in communities across Merseyside.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the brilliant social, cultural, and political achievements of women around the globe, while calling for greater action for accelerating gender parity.

A crucial part of creating a more equal, progressive future where women can thrive is building communities where women’s safety is prioritised, and they are protected from harm.

There are some fantastic women leading this work across Merseyside and Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell is using the day to pay tribute to their efforts, give her thanks and celebrate their achievements, which often go on behind the scenes.

Among these women are the fantastic team at RASASC and RASA Merseyside who deliver the PCC’s Victim Care Merseyside service supporting survivors of sexual violence, as well as Afrah Qassim, the Chief Executive Officer at Savera UK, a specialist charity which she funds to provide dedicated support to victims of harmful practices.

It also includes the North West coordinator for charity RoadPeace, Pauline Fielding, who uses her own personal experiences of bereavement to improve the support for others, and Karen Horner, the Operational Manager at fantastic women’s organisation Tomorrow’s Women Wirral.

Also among those being celebrated are Georgia, Ellie’Mai and Lisa, some of the amazing team at WEB Merseyside who do selfless work supporting women providing counselling and self-esteem training and the women who do great work at Tranmere in the Community providing safe activities and spaces for women in their communities.

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘breaking the bias’, that means challenging gender stereotypes, tackling misogyny, and working to build a more equal, progressive future where women can thrive and succeed.

“Crucial to this, is building communities where a woman’s most basic rights and safety is prioritised – so women are safe and protected from all forms of violence.

“There are lots of fantastic partners supporting me in the fight against Violence against Women and Girls, brilliant organisations that share my commitment to making a genuine difference in women’s lives.

“I want to use today to extend a huge thank you to the amazing women leaders, teams and volunteers who drive these organisations and whose selfless work often goes unseen.

“Their commitment to championing women’s rights and campaigning for women is truly inspirational. Their work gives women a voice, it breaks down barriers and it is paving the way to a brighter, safer future for women and girls.”

Throughout International Women’s Day, the Police Commissioner will be using her social media channels to shine a spotlight on these fantastic community groups and pay thanks for their work.

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