Animated Activism: Women Empowered

An exhibition to get angry about.

From the Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1970s to the present day, discover the vital work of two pioneering organisations.  

In 1974, an activist collective of nearly 40 women’s refuges come together. They form a women-led national network – the Women’s Aid Federation of England. 

In 1978 in Leeds, a small group of feminists complete a film about the need for pre-school childcare. They formally establish themselves as the women-run collective – Leeds Animation Workshop.  

Over the next 50 years we see how the personal becomes political. From the very start both organisations campaigned on women’s rights and social issues that had not been addressed before at that level, sharing a creative, DIY approach. A demand for urgent change driving protest, progress, policy, and empowerment. 

In 2025 we explore the histories of Women's Aid and Leeds Animation Workshop, told through their own archives.  

Women’s Aid remains at the forefront of the fight to end domestic abuse against women and children. It supports refuge services and campaigns for legislative change. Newsletters, posters, badges and photos of marches show how Women's Aid have always ensured that women’s voices are heard. 

Leeds Animation Workshop continues to operate from the house in Harehills, East Leeds, that has been its base since 1982. It has made over 40 films on a variety of social issues - from domestic violence, to supporting LGBTQ+ teenagers, to climate change. Hand-painted cels, paper characters, scripts and screenings tell the story of animation making a difference. 

Bringing these two important archives together, this exhibition is a vivid account of a half century’s struggle for women’s rights. It is also a celebration of the survival of these organisations, and a reminder of how much work is still to be done.   

Prepare to leave inspired – and angry. 

Please note that this exhibition deals with themes that some people may find difficult, such as violence against women, sexual assault and domestic abuse. There may also be historic language that some may find sensitive or offensive. If you are personally affected by any of the topics covered in this exhibition, please see the list of resources available online here or at the back of the large print guides available at the exhibition reception. 

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