UK Feminista is dedicated to creating a society in which women and girls live free from sexism and violence by tackling the root causes of sex inequality.
UK Feminista campaigns for systemic change so that women can enjoy their rights as enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. They work with schools to tackle sexism through research and training, as well as running a national Award Scheme to recognise schools that take outstanding action against sexism. UK Feminista also works with survivors, policy makers and practitioners to improve policy and practice to combat sexism and sexual exploitation; and they provide feminist resources to support people to create change in their communities.
Connection to Esmée’s strategy
- Priorities:
- Long-term outcomes:
- Gender based violence is reduced through the delivery of preventative work
From Annabel Durling, Funding Manager - A Fairer Future, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation:
We have been impressed by UK Feminista's systems approach to tackling sexism in schools - it is ambitious about creating widescale change and targets opportunities through teacher training providers and inspection bodies amongst others to create significant reach. This helps to mainstream better understanding about how to tackle sexism and sexual harassment and ensure it is a key element of conversations about safety in schools. The work supports both teachers and young people to be better equipped to counter some of the toxic narratives that so many young people are being exposed to in schools and colleges.
From Nina Humphries, Director of UK Feminista:
Esmée’s support has been truly transformative for UK Feminista. It has enabled us to pioneer intensive support programmes for schools and colleges, supporting them embed robust whole-school approaches to preventing sexism and sexual harassment. We’ve delivered tailored support to a diverse range of education settings - from alternative provision and further education colleges to boys’ schools and primary schools. Our training has reached over 15,000 teachers, our resources have been downloaded more than 27,000 times, and through collaboration with teaching unions, we’ve produced vital research to build the evidence base for change. We’ve also celebrated the achievements of 26 schools and colleges taking action against sexism and sexual harassment through launching the UK Feminista Action Awards. Gold Award recipients have reported significant reductions in sexual harassment - providing inspiration to countless other institutions that real change is possible.
This work is not only shaping institutional culture - we’re harnessing the insights and evidence to influence policy and practice nationally. Our voice has reached parliament and key educational bodies, helping to drive systemic change. This work is helping to make schools safer for girls - at a time when change is more needed than ever. None of this would have been possible without Esmée’s support.
