Global celebrity coalition calls for action as one in three women face gender-based violence

A powerful coalition of stars, including Dame Emma Thompson, pop sensation Chappell Roan, and author Sir Stephen Fry, have united with singer Annie Lennox to demand increased support for women’s rights organisations globally.

Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, more than 60 prominent figures, among them Hollywood actors Cate Blanchett, Gillian Anderson and Keira Knightley, have lent their voices to global feminist organisation The Circle’s urgent funding appeal, #MakeAStandfor1in3. The campaign aims to combat gender-based violence, which the charity highlights affects one in three women worldwide in their lifetime. Crucially, funding for organisations championing gender equality is currently under severe threat.

Annie Lennox, co-founder of The Circle, underscored the gravity of the situation: “One in three represents the appalling ratio of women facing gender-based violence across the world. These are real people, not just numbers, and in these turbulent times we are in danger of watching the progress made move into reverse. We must not allow that to happen.”

The extensive list of supporters for The Circle’s appeal also features Spice Girl Mel B, Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker, and former football manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Musicians Jorja Smith and Hozier have signed the statement, alongside Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston.

Reflecting on the charity’s origins, Lennox added: “The Circle started over 17 years ago when I sat round a table with a group of influential women and we decided that enough was enough. We wanted to help drive positive change for women and girls and the most powerful way to do this is ensuring we have strong, well-resourced women’s rights-focused organisations in countries around the world delivering key services and tackling the anti-rights narrative at their roots. Today the need for action is more urgent than ever and that is why I am making a stand this International Women’s Day in support of women on the frontlines of the violence.”

The funding drive will directly bolster The Circle’s vital work, including its 12 grassroots partners across the globe. Former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard emphasised the broader context: “We are living through a period of profound global instability, and we know that such uncertainty leads to increased violence against women. The most vulnerable women and girls are always hit the hardest. In times of peril, standing together and taking meaningful action matters more than ever.”

Donations to the #MakeAStandfor1in3 appeal can be made by visiting www.thecircle.ngo/donate.