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Here at Comic Relief we believe in tackling violence and discrimination based on gender and sexuality, and have worked to support and empower women and girls since we began.
Through our Gender Justice initiative we want to give all women and girls, both collectively and individually, equal power and agency in decision making at all levels, and we do so by offering funds and grants to change-making charities and communities. Here are just a few.
1. Cithrah Foundation, UK(opens in new window)
Comic Relief have been committed to supporting women and girls at risk of violence for over 20 years, but more recently funded a tech proposal to develop a phone app or online tool which helps women easily and safely record information about episodes of abuse in a way that can be used in legal proceedings.
The Cithrah Foundation, which supports families suffering from the horrific effects of domestic abuse, is doing so with an app which can help with determining time, place, and series of events.
The tool guides women through tailored, easy to answer questions in a moment of crisis, while still collecting relevant factual data along the way.
The information will then be stored in a secure, online facility and away from their phone or computer, which can be accessed later by the women and anyone they wish to share it with.
2. United Purpose, Kenya(opens in new window)
In coastal Kenya, over 80% of adolescent girls live in absolute poverty and are not in education, employment or training.
Early marriage, lack of sexual and reproductive health education, early pregnancy, gender-based violence and other harmful practices, such as widow inheritance, only make things worse.
Moving the Goalposts, United Purpose's partner organisation and a Comic Relief supported project, delivers a holistic football programme to at-risk girls and young women in Kenya. The aim is to increase their awareness of their sexual and reproductive health and rights, and support them whilst they get an education or find a job.
It also works with young men, community leaders, teachers and health clinics to address discriminatory attitudes.
3**.** Humankind, UK(opens in new window)
Transgender people experience higher levels of discrimination, harassment, and violence in the pursuit to be their true selves, research shows. Consequently they are at a greater risk of depression, self-harm and suicide.
Humankind is a large well established North East England regional charity working on a wide range of issues with a focus on young people and vulnerable adults, including health and lifestyle services for LGBT young people.
Within this they provide a gender identity support service which runs across North East England, undertaking group and one-to-one support work for young transgender individuals.
It assists with various issues including coming out, mental and physical health, family relationships, living situations, education and employment, coping mechanisms, and sexual health.
Funded by Comic Relief, the service aims to empowering them to be themselves, help them cope with their experiences, build their confidence, and reduce social exclusion.
4**.** Action Aid, Somaliland(opens in new window)
Action Aid is changing attitudes in Somaliland towards FGM, and aims to spotlight women's rights in doing so.
It is a difficult topic to broach, with 99% prevalence of FGM in the country and a widespread misunderstanding of FGM practice.
A draft policy on female genital mutilation was drawn up in 2012 as part of the National Gender Policy in Somaliland, and Action Aid aims to support youth groups as they raise awareness of FGM issues as part of a wider women's rights framework.
The work is co-ordinated at a national and regional level with support to ministerial officers and the production of research which can be used for lobbying.
5**.** Redthread, UK(opens in new window)
Mental health issues, poverty, violence and neglect - these are all the chaotic life experiences which can force girls and young women into gangs.
Using the Teachable Moment of South London’s Major Trauma Centre A&Es, Redthread works by reaching out to vulnerable girls in a time of crisis through workers embedded in the clinics.
With Comic Relief funding, the embedded charity workers support practical activities such as helping these women to find housing, access anger management courses, alcohol services and financial independence through long term holistic support.
As a result, the women have access to appropriate support services, are more able to employ positive and safe decision making and have increased mental well-being.
6**.** The Bike Project, UK(opens in new window)
For a young asylum seeker living in London, life can be expensive. With only £36 per week to live off, it’s a tough choice deciding whether to spend £21 of that on bus travel for the week, or a square meal.
The Bike Project supports young female asylum seekers and refugees, most who are under 25.
Through cycling, refugees can save money, and have better access to vital services, experience increased social inclusion as they become more connected and involved in their community, and feel increased aspirations as they feel more independent, happier and empowered.
Thanks to The Bike Project, with funding from Comic Relief, beneficiaries will be provided with a range of training and volunteering, a refurbished second hand bicycle, and opportunities following on from the cycling course.
