Women from across local communities came together in Liverpool for Savera UK and partners’ annual Community International Women’s Day Celebration.
This year’s event took place later than usual to accommodate women who observe Ramadan, to take part in the celebration without having to choose between observing the holy month and joining the celebration.
The evening was a powerful celebration of community, identity and culture. From traditional dance performances to poetry. Every moment reflected the diversity and strength of the communities we serve, and reiterated our mission to end ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices and ensure that our diverse cultures and traditions are never used as an excuse for abuse.
Accelerating action in ways that matter
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerating Action, shaped every part of the evening.
Community members featured in a short video screened at the event, speaking about the importance of the day and what accelerating action means in their lives. They talked about challenging gender stereotypes, empowering other women to feel confident, and stepping into their role as a successful community advocate.
“International Women’s Day is a day to honour our resilience,” one community member said. “To celebrate our victories and to demand the justice and equality we deserve.”
Another reminded us, “We don’t have to be stuck in a rut. We don’t have to be who people expect us to be. We can be so much more.”
The message was clear: we are the drivers of real change.
Partner voices driving change
During the evening, we heard from guest speakers who brought different perspectives on equality, leadership and creating change.
Jahanara from the Mental Health Research for Innovation Centre (M-RIC) spoke about breaking down barriers to health research through Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust’s “Count Me In” initiative. An effort to widen participation in research and innovation and ensure diverse voices are represented. She spoke passionately about the power of women leading change from within their communities and the importance of lifting one another to drive meaningful progress.
Siobhan from MSB Solicitors spoke about the importance of creating space for women to connect and speak openly through shared experience. She touched on MSB’s work around violence against women and girls (VAWG), and paid tribute to the late Wendy Eves, a solicitor and dedicated advocate for Savera UK.
Reaffirming her commitment to continuing Wendy’s legacy through an ongoing collaboration with the charity, she along with other partners shared their support of our ongoing mission to end HBA and harmful practices for good.
The Remarkable Wall
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Sarah Kirkbride from Liverpool Women’s Hospital took to the stage as guest host. She invited everyone in the room to take part in The Remarkable Wall. An activity that became a space for honesty, courage and self-worth
At the back of the room stood a blank black wall, set up for guests to add their voice. Each person was encouraged to write a sentence beginning with “I’m remarkable because…” on a Post-it note and stick it to the wall.
One by one, the wall filled with powerful words and personal truths. Each note began with the words: “I’m remarkable because…”
“I am alive. I survived. I thrived.”
“I had quite a tough time growing up, and I’m super proud of who and where I am today.”
“I took myself out of my comfort zone tonight!”
These weren’t abstract reflections. They were lived experiences, raw, unfiltered and powerful, many from survivors of HBA and harmful practices, and those who stand alongside them. The Remarkable Wall became a symbol of reclaiming voice and visibility.
Celebrating culture
The celebration included cultural dance performances from community groups, Bihu Group and Iranian Group, that shared their heritage with pride. Around the venue, partner organisations hosted stalls, and guests took part in activities including jewellery making, henna art and massage therapy. There were children’s activity areas and spaces for rest or prayer. Food was shared, and the evening ended with music, energy and unfiltered joy.
Why this event mattered
For many women in the room, this was one of the few places where they could completely be themselves. No judgement. No explanations needed.
This year’s event was about showing what happens when women come together with a shared purpose. It’s about choosing, every day, to hold space, speak our truth, and move forward together.
It was also a celebration of everything Savera UK’s mission stands for. To end HBA and harmful practices for good, and create a future where every woman and girl can live free from abuse, fear and harm.
Accelerating change together
Speaking about the event, partner organisation Maria Fogg Family Law expressed they’re “honoured to be a longstanding partner of Savera UK. Our collaboration is built on shared values of empowerment, justice, and community support. We are proud to contribute to initiatives that advocate for women’s rights and provide vital legal assistance to those who need it most”
Reflecting on the day, Savera UK’s Community Engagement & Networking Manager, Mala Saikia, said: “As I’m new to my role, this was a valuable opportunity to coordinate an event created for the community, alongside our partners. It not only helped me gain a deeper understanding of what goes into planning community events, but also allowed me to build meaningful relationships with professionals and members of the local community.
“Our mission to end HBA and harmful practices is ambitious and challenging. We are committed to it, but we cannot do it alone. That is why we want to thank everyone who helped make this event happen.
“Thank you to the Adelphi Hotel, Maria Fogg Family Law, Sahir, MSB Solicitors, WHISC, Women Reach Women CIC, University of Liverpool, the Mental Health Research for Innovation Centre (M-RIC),RASA, University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, and NHS (Cancer and Health Inequalities, Childwall and Wavertree Primary Care Network, and Cheshire and Merseyside) who donated their time, money, skills and services to help us deliver this event. To the performers who shared their culture and energy on stage and brought the event to life, and the speakers who offered their experience and insight. We’re grateful for your contributions. I also want to thank my colleagues for their support and for getting involved without hesitation, as well as our incredible volunteers who gave their time to help bring the event to life.”
Afrah Qassim, CEO and Founder of Savera UK, added: “Events like this are a catalyst but it’s what we do after that drives real change. Your presence, stories, and voices are powerful. We are building a future where HBA and harmful practices are not tolerated and no longer exist. That future is only possible when we come together and stand together against these human rights violations.”
