Savera UK and partners are proud to host our annual Community International Women’s Day event in Liverpool!

This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, calls for tangible steps to accelerate women’s equity. It’s about challenging stereotypes, confronting discrimination, and driving real change. 

We come together to celebrate the remarkable women in our community and the power of collective action, as we work together to end ‘honour’ based abuse and harmful practices for good.

About the event (women-only)

Date: 25th April 2025 

Time: 6PM – 10PM 

Location: Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool

Tickets: Free | Registration Required

What to expect? 

• Stalls from local service providers 
• Guest speakers
• Performances 
• And more!

How to register your interest

Please email [email protected] or call Mala on 0770 123 5102 to express your interest in attending our Community International Women’s Day Event.

If you have any specific requirements or accessibility needs, please let us know. This event is created for the community, with priority given to community members. As a reminder: This is a women-only event.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Why are we celebrating International Women’s Day in April?

This year, we’ve decided to hold our International Women’s Day event in April to accommodate the timing of Ramadan, which falls at the beginning of March. 

As Ramadan is a time of fasting and reflection for many in the communities we work with, we want to ensure as many people as possible can participate in the event. By hosting it later, we hope to create an opportunity for everyone to join us in celebrating this important occasion. 

Can I bring my children? 

You are welcome to bring your children, provided they are under 11 years old.

Why is it a women-only event? 

This is a women-only event designed to create a comfortable and culturally inclusive space for all. It provides an opportunity for women from all walks of life to participate, learn, and encourage each other to take action while enjoying the festivities. 

 

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Our Event Sponsors

  

Social work student, Beth, recently completed a 70-day student placement with our Direct Intervention team, where she gained invaluable practical experience and deepened her knowledge of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices. 

We caught up with her to reflect on her time with us and hear about her journey.

 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?  

“I am 19 years old and currently in the second year of my Social Work Undergraduate Degree at Edge Hill University. Back home in North Wales, I work as a care and support worker, which reflects my passion for helping others. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner/family, and reading books.

My interest in social work began at college when a social worker visited my school. That experience really stuck with me. Before then, I had heard about social workers but didn’t fully understand what their role involved. After researching further, I realised how much the role resonated with me. What’s important to me is the meaningful impact social workers have on individuals and families, and that’s why I’m passionate about pursuing this career.”

 

What was the focus of your work while on placement with Savera UK? 

“Before starting my placement at Savera UK, my knowledge of ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices was minimal, so I knew that I was going to expand my knowledge and gain new experiences. My main focus was to learn as much as I could, and I was excited to throw myself into this opportunity. The team at Savera UK were incredibly supportive, helping me deepen my knowledge in this area.”

 

What surprised you about the role? 

“Everything about this placement surprised me, but one of the main things was realising how much work goes into helping each client who comes into the service. The Direct Intervention team works tirelessly each day to improve their clients’ lives, empowering them after everything they have been through and advocating on their behalf, when they are unable to do so themselves.

What also stood out to me was the amount of behind-the-scenes work that clients don’t see, such as planning training courses for professionals and managing the Savera UK website and social media. It was eye-opening to see how much effort and dedication goes into every aspect of the organisation.” 

 

What did you enjoy most about the role? 

“One of the things I enjoyed most about this role was seeing the impact I could have on people who are at risk of abuse or fleeing from it. Being able to contribute to making a difference in their lives was really rewarding. This experience was made even better by the warmth and support of the team. From my very first day, everyone was so welcoming, and I felt comfortable asking any questions. They were always more than happy to help!

This placement really exceeded all my expectations. My tutors at Edge Hill University had told me that Savera UK is an amazing charity and that I would learn so much here, so I was already excited to start. Coming into this placement with little to no knowledge of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices, I have been able to learn so much and develop professionally.”

 

What was the most important thing you’ll take away from your experience working at Savera UK? 

“During my placement at Savera UK, I’ve learned so much. I developed a deeper understanding of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices and became more confident in identifying when this type of abuse is happening. I also had the chance to grow professionally and build a range of workplace skills that will be invaluable in my future as a social worker. One of the most rewarding aspects was developing relationship-based social work by building meaningful connections with multiple clients during my time here.”

 

What were some of the more challenging aspects of the role? 

“One of the most challenging aspects of my placement was listening to our client’s experiences. It was difficult to hear about what they’ve been through, as many have gone through so much hardship and trauma. It took me some time to process their experiences in a way that allowed me to advocate for them effectively without becoming overwhelmed. I also found it challenging to maintain professional boundaries, as I would often take on tasks beyond my role. Over time, I learned to balance empathy while respecting my professional limits.”

 

Based on your experience working with Savera UK, what do you think are the biggest challenges facing organisations supporting survivors and those at risk of harmful practices? 

“In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges facing organisations like Savera UK is that many individuals are too fearful to speak up about their situation. The fear of repercussions often prevents them from seeking help. Another significant challenge is that when ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices are deeply embedded, it can make it difficult for survivors or those at risk to leave their situation. Additionally, some individuals may be hesitant or nervous to contact organisations like Savera UK because of these fears, which creates further barriers to accessing the services they need.”

 

What do you think needs to be done to combat that? 

“To combat this issue, it’s important to raise awareness about ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices. This can be achieved through impactful campaigns and social media, encouraging those at risk and the wider public to speak up and know where they can go to seek help. Education is equally important. By helping communities and professionals to recognise ‘honour’-based abuse for what it is and help them to understand it is not part of any ‘tradition’, it is a violation of human rights that cannot be justified.”

 

What was the happiest moment of your placement? 

“I enjoyed every single moment of this placement with the team, but my favourite moments were during Christmas time. Whether it was sorting out Christmas presents for our client’s families, watching the service users and their children enjoy a festive film together, or attending the client’s Christmas party.” 

 

What are your future plans?  

“I plan to graduate in 2026 with my undergraduate degree in social work. While I’m still exploring which area of social work I want to pursue, this placement has been eye-opening and has helped me better understand the different areas of social work I want to explore. I’m considering roles like working with children and families or in foster care, both of which I find particularly interesting. To complete the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) I need to complete another placement. My next placement will help guide my decision about which area of work I want to go into.”

 

How will you use your practical experience with Savera UK going forward? 

“My placement helped me develop my Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF), which is essential for me to become a qualified social worker. I also gained practical experience in identifying risks of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices and now know how to effectively signpost individuals to the right services. The amount I’ve learned during my time here is far more than I ever expected to learn in just 70 days, and the opportunities I’ve had have exceeded all my expectations.”

 

Thank you, Beth. In your 70 days, you have truly embedded yourself in the Savera UK team. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

At Savera UK, we are on a mission to end ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices for good. While our mission focuses on safeguarding, advocacy, and raising awareness, it’s also about creating spaces where our clients and their families can feel safe and valued.

This Christmas, we hosted a special event for our clients and their families. It was a warm and festive gathering, offering them a chance to come together, share moments of solace, and enjoy the season in a space where they could simply be themselves.

Beth, a member of our Direct Intervention Team, led and organised the event. She commented “Our Savera UK Christmas party is such a beautiful celebration not only for our clients but our staff too. A lot of our clients have no family, friends or community who they can celebrate the festivities with. However, our Savera UK family is always there for them right through their journey to safety, and beyond.”

The festivities

The Christmas party brought together 50+ clients and their children for a day filled with laughter, and a real sense of community.

The event welcomed families from all walks of life, each bringing their own experiences and traditions. For some, Christmas may not typically be part of their celebrations, but they joined in to embrace the festivities.

Hosted in a private venue, the party created a safe and comfortable space where our clients could relax and enjoy themselves fully. For many, having this privacy meant they could let their guard down, celebrate freely, and feel at ease.

Children filled the dance floor with energy, their excitement was impossible to ignore, while mothers sat together, sharing conversation and smiles— taking a rare moment to just be (and the adults joined the fun on the dance floor too).

A client shared with the team “Savera UK have done it again – year after year. I love coming to the Christmas Parties because it’s such a lovely atmosphere and it gives me hope.”

The gifts that keep on giving 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Cash4Kids @ Radio City, every child left with arms full of presents and smiles that lit up the room. Adults were not forgotten either, with gifts kindly provided by Hillsong Church adding to the festive spirit.

Donations from the general public and our partners made the day even more special, reminding us all of the power of community and being there for one another. It’s not about the gifts that made it special; it’s how the community came together to create moments that matter to our clients and remind us what it means to stand together.

Thank you

We want to thank everyone who helped make this event possible— our partners, funders, clients, and finally, our incredible team. 

We believe everyone deserves a life free from fear and abuse, where they can feel safe. Through our Christmas celebration, we were reminded of the power of community and how coming together can bring light and hope for the future.

On Tuesday, 3rd of December, Savera UK will be one of the organisations attending Tomorrow’s Women’s upcoming event, One For The Girls — a women-only club night designed to offer a safe, inclusive environment where women can enjoy an evening of music and dancing free from harassment, while also learning about services that may be able to help them.

The event will provide an opportunity to connect with Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) charities, offering education and resources around personal safety for both attendees and their friends. 

Why safe spaces matter 

A night out for women should be about unwinding, socialising and connecting with friends. Yet, too often, these experiences are overshadowed by the fear of harassment and unwanted attention. This is a reality no one should have to face.  

Alarming statistics show that 68.2% of women surveyed have experienced sexual violence in nightlife settings. What should be a carefree night becomes a concern for personal safety.  

This widespread issue highlights the urgent need for safer spaces where women can truly enjoy their night without constantly looking over their shoulders. At Savera UK, we believe in a world where all women can enjoy public spaces freely and without fear. 

The power of partnership 

Savera UK works to end ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices such as conversion ‘therapy’, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. While many of these issues can affect anyone, regardless of gender, our own data and global statistics show that women and girls are most affected. 

HBA and harmful practices are specific forms of abuse within the broader spectrum of domestic abuse. Responding to them appropriately requires a specialised approach, as the needs of those affected differ from domestic abuse. Providing the right support means understanding these unique complexities and offering specialised services to ensure the most appropriate care. 

In 2023 alone, Savera UK saw a nearly 6% increase in new referrals to its services, which highlights not only the rising demand for our services but also growing awareness and understanding of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices, leading to more cases being identified and reported. 

Working in partnership with organisations like Tomorrow’s Women is vital in educating people about these issues and helping people to better identify them, know how to report them and how to signpost people at risk to help, or get help for themselves. 

Through direct intervention, safeguarding, advocacy, and education, Savera UK works to protect those at risk while aiming to shift harmful attitudes and behaviours. At One For The Girls, the team will offer advice and raise awareness about HBA and harmful practices, ensuring attendees have access to the resources they need to stay safe and informed. 

Meet Tomorrow’s Women 

Tomorrow’s Women is a charity dedicated to helping women make positive changes in their lives. They provide necessary aid for those facing domestic abuse, mental health struggles, and substance misuse, empowering women to build confidence and resilience. 

Their upcoming event, One For The Girls, is a fundraiser event and a celebration of women’s strength and solidarity. It will take place on Tuesday, 3rd December, from 6 PM-10 PM at Future Yard in Birkenhead. The event is organised in collaboration with One For The Girls (OFTG)—a women’s-only music collective. 

Emma Lundy, the creator of OFTG, highlights the need for such events:  

“After some research, we found that 77% of women have experienced harassment in a bar or club and 91% of women said they’d like to see more women-only events in the Wirral, this highlighted an opportunity to create events where women can socialise in a safe environment and not have to worry about harassment.” 

 

 

Small steps, big impact 

While One For The Girls is a powerful step toward safer environments for women, broader societal change is necessary. A recent UK government report shows that 69% of women feel the government’s efforts to ensure their safety are insufficient.  

While events like this provide immediate impact, they alone cannot address the deeper issues that contribute to violence against women. To create lasting change, systemic efforts are paramount. 

Legislation like Raneem’s Law, introduced after failings in protecting victims of HBA, marks progress. This law helps authorities intervene more effectively to protect those at risk,  but more action is needed to ensure meaningful, long-term improvements. 

Join us at Future Yard

Events like One For The Girls show that by working collaboratively, we can create safe, enjoyable spaces for women while raising awareness about VAWG. However, to drive real change, we must continue advocating for stronger protections, comprehensive education on violence prevention, and systemic reforms that address the root causes of gender-based violence. 

We invite you to join us on Tuesday, 3rd December, at Future Yard in Birkenhead. Together, we can dance, connect, and stand up against violence in all its forms—helping to build a future where women have the freedom to enjoy all parts of life without fear. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here.  

To find out more about Tomorrow’s Women, you can visit their website here or contact them directly at 0151 647 7907.