Funny Women and refuge 

We are delighted to announce that Funny Women, and our leading Award sponsor Benefit Cosmetics, will be teaming up with national charity Refuge to help garner awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence and raise vital funds during this years Funny Women Awards.

At Funny Women, we believe that comedy is a way to help all women find a voice - whether that’s through performing, writing or using the tools of the industry to face the challenges present in everyday life.  Shockingly, one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetime - and even in 2013, this is still an issue surrounded by silence. Many women are afraid to speak out about the abuse they have suffered, and we believe that it is time for this silence to end.

What kind of work does Refuge do?

As the country’s largest single provider of specialist domestic abuse services, Refuge has been instrumental in fronting the campaign against domestic violence since 1971. The charity seeks to provide support for all those dealing with any form of gender violence - be it domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, trafficking, prostitution, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based violence.

This tireless support for victims of abuse is ongoing and supports over 2,000 women and children on any given day. Their work includes campaigning, training and research to raise awareness of domestic violence, but also incorporates an outreach approach within communities and offers help directly to those who need it. Through a variety of initiatives, Refuge seeks to empower those most in need of support, allowing them to rebuild a life free of violence and fear.

Funny women commitment to charity

 Since Funny Women was set up in 2003, our commitment to female comic talent has allowed us to support women in the wider world as well as emerging artists within the industry. As an organization, we believe that comedy provides tools that allow everyone - aspiring comediennes or not - the ability develop self-expression and confidence. Along with running workshops and bespoke events, we have a continuing commitment to working with external organizations that champion women’s rights under our mission statement - “laughing about life to help and heal women”. Refuge’s ongoing work, equipping women with the support to rebuild their lives without the fear of emotional and physical abuse, makes them exactly the kind of organization that share these values.

 All fundraising carried out at the 2013 Funny Women Awards will go to Refuge, along with £1 from each Awards registration fee Proceeds from the Funny Women Awards Final at London’s Leicester Square Theatre will also be donated to the charity.

 As the 2013 Funny Women Awards start to take shape, we are looking forward to celebrating the fantastic achievements of all of our entrants, but hope to use the awards to make a real difference too. Our partnership with Refuge gives us a further opportunity to raise awareness of the struggles faced by many women across the world, and assist the charity’s work in giving victims of domestic violence back their voice.

 "We are delighted to be raising money and awareness for Refuge this year as part of our on-going commitment to supporting the vital work of women's charities." Isobel Matheson, Producer of The Funny Women Awards 2013.

You can read more about Refuge's work on their website: www.refuge.org.uk.