News

We are working hard setting up our new online EMPOWER BAB shop to sell the amazing artworks we received – thank you so much to everyone who submitted, we are overwhelmed by the time and thought people have put into their work ❤

The EMPOWER BAB shop will launch in November 2020, with different buying options available to help us raise as much money as possible for Baobab Women’s Project and suit different budgets. All proceeds from EMPOWER BAB purchases will go directly to supporting their vital work.

In February 2020 we put out an open call for artwork responding to the word EMPOWER to sell to raise funds for Baobab Women’s Project. Joyful, moving and thoughtful paintings, drawings, paper cuts, printmaking, embroidery, cross-stitch, collage and poetry came in from far and wide, including artwork made by professional and amateur artists and makers, and women working with Baobab Women’s Project.

Baobab Women’s Project are a West Midlands refugee and asylum seeker women’s advocacy project, working in solidarity with others for positive change. They focus on undocumented, asylum seeking and newly granted refugee women’s issues, particularly supporting women affected by gender violence and trafficking.

Our Spring fundraiser EMPOWER BAB was postponed but we are now working on an online fundraising event PLUS a selling platform for the amazing artworks that we have received, raising vital funds for Baobab Women’s Project. We are in the planning stages at the moment, but we are really excited!

We would like to raise as much money as possible for Baobab Women’s Project and are extending our deadline for your artwork submissions! You still have time to submit an A6 postcard-sized artwork to Grand Union before Friday 31st July. Send your submission to: FWFC EMPOWER BAB, c/o Grand Union, 19 Minerva Works, Fazeley Street, Birmingham, B5 5RS.

We have been blown away by the time, energy and generosity people have put into the work we have received so far, thank you so much to everyone who has made and donated. Head over to our Instagram to see some of the submissions.

If you would like to help us plan the online EMPOWER BAB event, we always welcome new activist volunteers to our planning meetings – and you don’t need to be from the West Midlands! Contact us here to express your interest in getting involved.

We welcome cis men’s support in all areas except at planning meetings. This is because we believe that the voices of women, trans people and gender non-confirming folks need to be at the forefront of our work.

The current Domestic Abuse Bill does not do enough to protect migrant women or children who have been affected by domestic violence and abuse.

We need a Domestic Abuse Bill that protects everyone. Jess Phillips MP is urging Parliament to listen and vote to ensure there is protection and support for migrant women who face domestic abuse, and that children who suffer are not forgotten.

Watch and share these films showing how the current bill affects migrant, refugee and asylum seeking women, and children affected by domestic violence and abuse.

Please Sign the petition and share.

You can help women coming into refuge by donating to a home starter pack fund for women moving into a new home. Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid are supporting women to set up in their new homes, but urgently need help with practical items as many new homes are completely empty.

If you are able to, you can donate here 💚💜

You can make a difference to tackling domestic abuse. Worried about a neighbour, a friend or family member? A new campaign from Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid makes us ABLE to act. Colour in a poster and stick it in your window so that their helpline number is displayed and people know they can get help.

Go to the BSWA Facebook or twitter for regular updates.

You can donate to BSWA here.

We all have our part to play. #NoExcuseForAbuse