As we reflect on Women’s History Month, we are reminded of the importance of education, celebration, and awareness of the issues women have faced throughout history. At The Haven, we took this opportunity to showcase key milestones from our 50-year history, highlighting the progress made in the fight for women’s rights and the support we’ve provided to women affected by domestic abuse and homelessness. Over the course of the campaign, we shared captivating stories, inspiring collaborations, and impactful campaigns that have shaped our journey.
Here’s a look back at the content we shared throughout the month:
- Kicking Off Women’s History Month: The 1970s
We began our campaign by celebrating the early days of The Haven, reflecting on the progress made during our first decade. The 1970s were a pivotal time for us, as we opened two new hostels and provided safe accommodation for our first service users. Our dedicated workforce, supported by volunteers, began to take shape, offering care and support to women in need. As we commemorated these early steps, we encouraged our followers to join us in celebrating Women’s History Month and the remarkable progress in the fight for equal rights.
- First National Women and Violence Conference: 1991
The 1990s marked significant change for women’s rights, as society’s views on women and government policies around abuse began to shift. We revisited the momentous occasion in March 1991 when The Haven took part in the first national women and violence conference, Perspectives for Change, alongside key figures like Diana Lamplugh and Karen Holden. This conference brought together over 30 agencies and laid the groundwork for important developments, such as the 1993 UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
- The Body Shop x The Haven: 1995
In 1995, we formed a powerful partnership with The Body Shop, a brand known for its activism and ethical values. Through their One in Five campaign, we raised awareness about domestic abuse and collaborated to launch a petition demanding greater support for women’s refuges. This partnership has continued over the years, with The Body Shop’s Wolverhampton store staff supporting our cause in various ways. Our collaboration demonstrated how like-minded organizations can unite to create lasting change and inspire others to do the same.
- Lifetime Excellence Award for Honor Pringle: 2003
As we celebrated our 30th anniversary in 2003, we were proud to honour Mrs. Honor Pringle, our co-founder, with a prestigious Lifetime Excellence Award. This recognition highlighted her unwavering dedication to supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. Women like Honor Pringle are an inspiration, and we used this moment to remind our community of the importance of celebrating and uplifting the women who continue to shape a better future.
- Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Campaign: 2010
In 2010, we launched our Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign, which invited men to walk a mile in high heels to raise awareness about domestic abuse and the daily struggles women face. This event emphasized the role men can play as allies in the fight against abuse. We celebrated the men who participated, recognizing their willingness to listen, educate themselves, and stand in solidarity with women. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that allyship can have on creating a more equitable society.
- First Empurple Day: 2013
Our first Empurple Day in 2013 marked a new tradition for International Women’s Day. Participants were encouraged to wear purple, bake purple-themed goodies, and implement purple themes in schools and workplaces to raise awareness of domestic abuse. Over time, Empurple Day evolved into Empurple Week, a week-long celebration of solidarity and support for survivors. We extended our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us through these purple-filled celebrations over the years.
- Helping Women Worldwide: 2006
In 2006, we broadened our reach by supporting women internationally through a partnership with the Crisis Centre Ekaterina in Russia. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, this three-year project helped women in the Sverdlovsk Area navigate the criminal justice system to seek justice for domestic violence. The project exemplified how the generosity of our supporters enables us to extend our services beyond borders, bringing justice and hope to women worldwide.
- Launch of You Matter: 2020
As Women’s History Month drew to a close, we reflected on our You Matter project, launched in 2020. This initiative focused on telling the real stories of women who reclaimed their lives from abuse, reminding us of the importance of storytelling in raising awareness and building trust in our services. By sharing these powerful stories, we aim to connect with more women who may need our support and ensure that all women’s stories are heard and validated.
Looking Forward
Throughout Women’s History Month, we celebrated the milestones that have shaped The Haven and the progress we’ve made in the fight for women’s rights. As we look ahead, we remain committed to telling the stories of women, continuing our mission of supporting and empowering those affected by domestic abuse.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating and raising awareness this month. Together, we can make history by building a world where all women are safe, supported, and empowered.
