Origins of the National Women's Aid Federation: An Oral History Project

Join Feminist Archive North as they celebrate the launch of a new project documenting the founding of the National Women’s Aid Federation.

“I think that was the beginning...some of the more feminist groups thinking we need to create...a democratic organisation that is feminist and that doesn't allow one person to head it up.” (Liz Kelly, National Women’s Aid Federation Founder Member)

Feminist Archive North presents The Women’s Aid Oral History Project - telling the story of Women’s Aid through the voices of the women involved.

At this celebration event you will hear from two of these women, National Women’s Aid Federation founder members Elizabeth Woodcraft and Liz Kelly. You’ll have the opportunity to listen to selected recordings that explore the origins of the Women’s Aid movement and their ongoing vital work. The event also includes the chance to hear from the curators of the Animated Activism: Women Empowered exhibition currently on display in the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery.

Refreshments will be available in Parkinson Court from 5pm. The event will take place in Treasures of the Brotherton from 5.30pm - 6.30pm. There will be a special late opening of Animated Activism: Women Empowered, from 5pm - 7pm, for you to explore the exhibition before or after the event. Please be aware refreshments cannot be taken into the gallery space.

The Women’s Aid Oral History Project records the foundations of the National Women’s Aid Federation (later Women’s Aid Federation of England), the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. As part of this project, Feminist Archive North members interviewed 12 women about their experiences within the National Women’s Aid Federation movement. The project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Animated Activism: Women Empowered tells the story of the last 50 years of women’s activism. The exhibition includes an array of material from the Women’s Aid Federation of England Archive, alongside material from the collections of Leeds Animation Workshop and Feminist Archive North, all of which are housed in the University of Leeds’ Cultural Collections.

This is a Feminist Archive North event, with bookings administered by Leeds University Library Galleries. If you have queries about the event schedule or content, please contact fa_north@yahoo.co.uk. For access enquiries please contact gallery@leeds.ac.uk.

Please note this event is being filmed by Feminist Archive North for their records.