Celebrating 50 Years of Women’s Aid.

Marking five decades of courage, solidarity, and the unwavering belief that every woman and girl deserves to live free from violence.

The evening, brought together staff, volunteers, board members, friends and supporters from across the decades to honour our shared journey and look ahead to the future. It was a night of reflection, celebration and hope.

We were inspired by a powerful keynote address from Professor Katriona O'Sullivan, award-winning author of Poor, who reminded us of the transformative power of education, belief and resilience. This was preceded by an intimate fireside conversation featuring our CEO Sarah Benson, Women's Aid chairperson, Ailbhe Smyth, lifelong advocate for women’s rights; Mary Patricia Acom Acom, Deputy CEO and Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Coordinator of AkiDwA; and Jody Duggan, Too Into You ambassador and a courageous young survivor of domestic violence and coercive control. The conversation explored the progress we’ve made, the challenges that remain, and the collective action needed to create a world where violence against women is no longer tolerated. We were also delighted to welcome the family of Women’s Aid founder, Nuala Fennell including her son Garrett Fennell, her daughter Amanda Fennell and her grandchildren Kate and James.

We also read a letter on the night from her husband, Brian. We were thrilled to be joined too by our previous CEO's Margaret Martin and Denise Charlton.