Suffolk Rape Crisis chief executive Sarah Lungley shares a call to action this International Women's Day, encouraging women and girls to 'remember their power and remember their voices'.
Set up in 2011, Suffolk Rape Crisis originally began as a helpline - but eventually grew into a bigger operation.
It now offers counselling, outreach support and various online courses and groups to a number of people across the region.
"We are a small, feminist organisation, but one with a lot of passion and a dedication to empower survivors to access the support they need, when they need it," said Ms Lungley.
Having joined as chief executive last year, Ms Lungley comes from a background of community mental health and wellbeing projects.
She said that during this time, she witnessed first-hand how much difference specialist and timely support can make to those who have experienced sexual violence and abuse.
"I had volunteered as a trustee with Suffolk Rape Crisis before the pandemic and I found myself really wanting to be a part of something which makes such a difference to women's lives," she added.
"It's a privilege to work amongst our brilliant team and witness the incredible work we do."
To Ms Lungley, International Women's Day is much more than just one day of the year taken to celebrate the achievements of women.
"So often we are left feeling like we have to fight. For equality, for recognition, for fairness and in challenging misogyny and sexism," she said.
"It's constant for women and girls and the feeling, for me, grew the more aware I became.
"To be able to take time to celebrate and be amongst other women who inspire you is so important."
In her personal life, Ms Lungley says that when she was younger she drew on the influences of authors such as Angela Carter, Caitlin Moran and Maya Angelou.
She said: "They brought a wider understanding of the struggles women and girls are faced with.
"They really helped me understand what being a feminist means and what it means to me."
More recently, she points to the work of Payzee Malika, who fought for the recent change in law prohibiting marriage for under 18s, and Amna Abdullatif, who is making "incredible waves" in anti-racism in the violence against women and girls sector.
Closer to home, Ms Lungley believes Suffolk has a "slightly unfair reputation of being sleepy," particularly given that Suffolk Rape Crisis' most recent Reclaim the Night event saw more than 100 men, women and children gather at the Waterfront in Ipswich.
"There is so much brilliant work happening, especially in the voluntary sector of powerful women leading and representing change," she said.
"I think there is still a long way to go, and a real need for widespread social change, but I think we are making a great start."
This International Women's Day, Ms Lungley is asking women and girls to "remember their power and their voices" and to use their ability to stand collectively for change and empowerment.
She highlights the efforts of her team, their "care, passion and hard work," and says she's learning from them all the time.
"I hope they remember the huge and vital impact they have every day in their roles: supporting survivors and empowering them, and providing a space for them to feel heard and seen," she added.
Suffolk Rape Crisis support can be accessed via its website. The helpline is also open on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm on 0800 0850 520.
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