Our Team

Lisa-Marie came to feminism in her late 30s and is quickly making up for lost time! Proud of the work that FiLiA does in creating and strengthening connections between Women locally, nationally and internationally Lisa-Marie believes that we are in the midst of the global Feminist revolution.

“Feminists opened my eyes and ears. There was no going back With immense respect and thanks to our foremothers. Sisterhood and Solidarity!”

I am one of the trustees and the treasurer, in post since 2019. I am also co-chair of the trustee board since June 2025.

I am also the lead for the FiLiA Legacy Project - Campaigns and Policy (FLP-CP) and the director of policy.

I was a civil servant from 2011 to November 2024 and have extensive policy and strategy experience in the central government departments. I am one of the co-founders of Civil Service SEEN. I am mum to two young girls and live in London.

Its too hard to pick just one favourite thing about FiLiA ! Being with and knowing the other volunteers, the sisterhood, the camaraderie - particularly when we're all in the same physical space in the run-up and at conference. Having a feminist home, where everything just fits - the genuinely intersectional (of the original meaning - sex, race, class) analysis and approach in all we do; the woman-centred language; that all our work is underpinned by our three aims - to build sisterhood and solidarity, locally, nationally and internationally; to amplify women's voices, particularly those less often heard - giving women a platform who've never had one before! And to defend women's human rights and centring women and keeping them at the heart of all we do. Our values and the way we work that show up internally and externally - to appreciate what women can give in amongst their extremely busy lives, to be open and honest, to be positive, pragmatic and solution-focussed, and keeping our integrity and unwavering principles. Finally, the hope FiLiA gives me that women will be liberated.

Jo is the CEO of RISE, a specialist women-led, women-centred domestic and sexual violence service; based in Brighton and delivering across Sussex. She has been CEO for seven years during a challenging time with Covid and the introduction of a new Domestic Abuse Act. Previously, Jo worked for twenty+ years in the third sector (locally and nationally) with fifteen of these in senior management roles including almost four years at RISE as Head of Quality and Business Development.

Jo spent almost six years as a Trustee and Vice Chair of Women’s Aid Federation England (WAFE) also holding the Chair role in the Research, Policy and Communication Sub Committee of the WAFE Board. She co-chairs a national CEO group for Women’s Aid member organisations.

Jo has been co-chair of the FiLiA trustee board since June 2025.

She has contributed to local and national campaigns to change policy and practice including contributions to All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) on safeguarding and domestic abuse.

Jo’s favourite thing about being part of FiLiA is working in solidarity with women in the UK and across the world for liberation.

Sally has been a feminist for as long as she can remember. She currently works supporting the response to violence against women and is passionate about not just responding but preventing it in the first place. She believes violence against women is both a cause and consequence of women’s inequality and is passionate about making the world feminist.

‘I’ve spent over 30 years working to end male violence against women; I'm a lesbian, feminist to my bones and spend my time laughing at the absurdity of life for women in this century and resisting the onslaught on our rights.’

I am a solicitor from New Zealand with experience in both the private and public sectors.

Since arriving in London over 20 years ago, I have worked in a number of public bodies, across a range of areas, primarily in public law, human rights, and equality. I am currently a civil servant.

I love that FiLiA brings women together and provides us with the space, opportunity, and confidence to talk freely about the issues that affect us most. Attending FiLiA conferences has led to meeting many wonderful, inspiring women and learning so much about the battles they have fought – and continue to fight. My favourite thing about FiLiA is the dedication to women's rights demonstrated by its volunteers, and in particular, my fellow trustees, in the face of endless challenges. Following swiftly behind this are the incredible friendships I have made – and the sheer joy of the all-women dance floor on the Saturday night!

I have been a FiLiA volunteer since the end of 2018. I am a lesbian feminist and activist.

I am FiLiA Logistics and Volunteer Coordinator! This involves many, many spreadsheets. I would describe my role as herder of feminists.

When I'm not fighting the patriarchy, I enjoy crocheting, cooking, being outside in a green space or cuddling one of my cats! 

I am grateful every day that I found radical feminism and then FiLiA, I truly believe the Women’s Liberation Movement saved my life.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is the feeling of sisterhood, the support from the women in the team is something special.

I coordinate the FiLiA Hague Mothers campaign, working alongside lawyers, academics, psychologists, journalists, Hague mothers and grandmothers, and assorted feminists, from across the world. When I’m not doing that I particularly enjoy eating cake and cackling with the sisterhood.

My favourite thing about FiLiA ‘The amazing women I can now call friends. Especially Michelle (obvs).’.

Gemma is a feminist activist and founder of Yes Matters. She has dedicated herself to feminism for the last decade (how long?) she has worked with the U.K. government on anti-porn legislation and succeeded in getting the harms of gender and pornography into the school curriculum for PSHE lessons.

She is a member of the FiLiA MVAWG team and for 2025 conference will be on the volunteer care team ensuring the FiLiA team are supported and looked after. Her favourite place on earth is Disneyworld and she is a big fan of cake :)

Her favourite thing about FiLiA is the solidarity.

Another Grumpy Feminist (not the fun kind).

Rachel manages FiLiA's Merch shop and looking forward to being on the ground at the next conference.  She especially loves greeting the attendees at registration.

“After attending my first FiLiA conference in 2015, alone, uncertain and a bit nervous, I felt a deep sense of "home" - I'd found my women.   As an exhausted single parent, I'd been disconnected from feminism for a while.  I know after being at the conference I wanted to connect and be involved - they said volunteers were welcome and I've been involved ever since albeit in a small way.”

Maggy is an African campaigner and an activist, advocating for the human rights of vulnerable women and children. She fights against injustices and inequality because her conscience does not allow her to only fight for herself but to rise up for the voiceless.

“I joined Filia because of what it stands for when it comes to women all over the world, promoting human rights, equality, and diversity.”

I was a feminist since I remember myself, even before I knew that there is a word for it.
Social justice, human and animal rights are deep in my heart.
The last decade was an eye-opening process for me, while learning the wider forms of inequality and violence that women and girls suffer around the world, as well as the amazing actions they take, which mostly are unrecognised on mainstream media and historical documentation.
I attended the 2014 conference (when it was still ‘FiL’), and joined the team in 2015, where I have made some of my most significant friendships along the years.
I held various roles including being FiLiA Treasurer. Today I’m part of the conference event team.
My day job is in the technology sector, and I have a degree in Economics.

Liane Timmermann is a lesbian feminist activist, since the early 80's. She has been doing security for feminist events for over 10 years now. Liane is a founding member of Get The L Out lesbian activist group.

Lianes favourite thing about FiLiA is ‘Bringing women together’

Reader, Granny, Gardener, joined to support the book club and stayed to help out at conference, edit the booklist, ad hoc research, retweeter & anything else needed to support FiLiA

I joined FiLiA as a writer/editor because I want to help women share their stories and bring about change. The commitment and global reach of the organization is inspirational.

What is your favourite thing about FiLiA?

Podcast, team members, monthly report, (I'd love to join the event on site, I bet it would be my favourite, but I'm based in Shanghai now.)

Bio:

A feminist, working in ESG field. Life mission is believing and desiring the female power is the key to promote sustainability. 

What’s your favourite part of FiLIA?

Being with friendly, sincere, humble and loving women and being part of this one big happy family.

About Me:

I'm 70 years old but I'm still active and love volunteering and helping people 

What’s your favourite part of FiLiA?

Being around women who believe in themselves.

What’s your favourite part of FiLiA?

Bringing the sisterhood together 💚🤍💜

About me:

Handywoman, empowerer of women to use power tools, feisty feminist and warrior woman!

FiLiA is the real family ,the one who does not hold you accountable or hate you, she loves you as you are.

I volunteer with LISG, I'm feminist, I fight the injustice imposed on women, especially minorities in the world, and I hope to be an active member in women's organisations. I joined FiLiA in 2018, and since then I feel proud and honoured because I am with my big, real family.

My favourite part of FiLiA

It's global reach and the amazing work it does to empower women and girls around the world.  

About me:

Five feet nothing of righteous indignation.  Likes: Sport, feminism, crisps.  Dislikes: Patriarchy, heights, jazz.  Proud resident of beautiful Cardiff.

I am a science educator and am lucky to have been brought to feminism by my amazing mum. I am part of the FiLiA Young Women's Working Group.

I am so grateful for the learning opportunities FiLiA has given me, the knowledge women bring to the table is invaluable.

Philippa runs an organisation which uses self-defence (emotional, mental and physical) as a rehabilitation tool for people who have lived through trauma. She believes that every person has the right to live without fear. Teaching is her passion. In her spare time she enjoys the countryside, spending time with animals, dancing and reading. 

I am Prossy, a teacher by profession. I am currently seeking asylum in the UK due to the persecution of the lesbian community in my country.  I had always loved to live openly and enjoy my freedom, and now  I am free in the UK, though I am still struggling with immigration challenges. I have always loved the solidarity in the sisterhood and believe that I will be completely free from asylum stress. I look forward to keeping fighting for women's rights so that we can be treated fairly and equally.

I’m from Pakistan. I love cooking, I love to meet new people, and i love traveling. I also love everything about FiLIA and the sisterhood!

I'm an author and social entrepreneur with a varied background in sport, education and equality, diversity and inclusion. As a FiLiA volunteer, I'm excited to be leading the Access Team. I'm powered by tea, happiest in the company of animals and usually preoccupied by when my next swim will be. 

I love what FiLiA stands for. The diversity in inclusion is bottomless.

I believe that some women are in better space than others but women experience oppression in varied configuration and degree of intensity differs! However those who can stand should stand for all till we all women see the same

As a mum of two girls and a public sector worker, FiLiA reignited my passion for feminism. Over the years, I have taken on a variety of roles within the organisation. At the conference, I love being part of the information desk team, welcoming women and helping them find their way.

Cheryl’s favourite thing about FiLiA is its broad understanding of how women are exploited and harmed within society, combined with its championing the work of those challenging and dismantling patriarchal practices..

Karen has many decades experience of working in the MVAWG sector, currently on a break. I have been volunteering with FiLiA since the start of 2024 - it was a new year's resolution. I am active in Greater Manchester with FiLiA's Legacy Project - Women's Assembly. I will be helping sell merchandise at the 2025 conference.

Her favourite thing about FiLiA is feeling part of a feminist movement - sisterhood & making a difference for women.

Sue’s favourite thing about FiLiA is working and discussing with other women.

I've been involved in various types of activism for about 50 years. I used to be a researcher, but now I travel a lot in my campervan and love cross-country skiing.

Claire is passionate about Latin America after lived and studying there. Her PhD (unfinished) was in the education of women and identity, and the content she translates for FiLiA has reignited that passion. She is honoured to be doing it for such a powerfully effective organisation. 

“Although my ‘day job’ is as a freelance PR consultant (Waves PR), I joined FiLiA following my work with CAAGe, the Campaign Against Adult Grooming (caage.org), which reminds me daily of how far women have to go to receive justice. It’s my way of giving a little bit back to those who are trying to better our lives.”

I am a midwife, a mother of daughters and a lifelong advocate for women and girls. It is an absolute honour to be part of the FiLiA volunteer family.

I love being a part of an amazing team of women who support each other and care about the fights and freedoms of women and girls all over the world. When women support each other, incredible things happen.

I run a skydiving centre in North Shropshire, including hosting a dedicated weekend for women skydivers - Fly Like a Girl! I've been to almost every FiLiA and am so passionate about women having space to be with the sisterhood. I'm helping be the connection between FiLiA and Local Government with the FLP-CP and I'm so honoured to be doing that. Otherwise, I’m generally running around after my three boys and attempting to nurture them into being decent, caring human beings!

K’s favourite thing about FiLiA is being able to make a positive contribution to improving women's lives.

My name is Manono, an energetic and passionate advocate, campaigner and organiser of meaningful activities. Dedicated to creating positive change, to excel and bringing people together and inspiring actions for importance causes, with commitment to community engagement and a knack for impactful initiatives. Always striving to make a difference in the world.

My favourite thing about being part of FiLiA is the empowerment and support for women. Being surrounded by like-minded women who uplift and encourage others.

Hannah is the CEO of a women's charity based in Devon.

Her desire to see an end to the buying and selling of women's bodies has led to her being part of the Women's First team.

Hannah’s favourite thing about FiLiA is the sisterhood and solidarity...does what it says on the tin!

“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” Audre Lorde

My favourite thing about FiLiA is the women and the feeling of working for a shared purpose! I love the solidarity and the strength you feel from everyone.

I'm a feminist, mother of two young adult women, volunteer breastfeeding counsellor, trustee of a mother-to-mother breastfeeding support organisation and freelance proofreader and copy editor. I proofread or edit most of FiLiA's written stuff, including the newsletter, blog posts and leaflets, as well as being one of the co-ordinators of the registration team for conference.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is the amazing women ‒ I'm constantly blown away by them all.

I love keeping busy, learning new things, and spending time outdoors. Whether I’m running, reading, or camping with my kids, I enjoy making the most of every day. Growing up in an environment where social change was a priority, it feels fitting to be part of this year’s magazine team. I’m excited to contribute to sharing stories that inspire, challenge, and keep important conversations alive.

I enjoy seeing how women from all over the world come together to support, uplift, and empower each other. It’s inspiring to learn about the incredible work being done across different communities and to be part of a network that fosters real change.

I love the FiLiA conference because it's makes me feel at home, safe, love, happy sisterhood and solidarity 💚 💪 ❤️.

FiLiA is like family in UK 🇬🇧. FiLiA is my back bone because of the support, caring, encouragement and love from all the management of FiLiA and FiLiA sisters. I am everywhere with the FiLiA conference, sisterhood and solidarity 💚 💪.

FiLiA is the women's liberation movement in real life. Full of passionate, committed women working collectively. It's a beautiful thing.

I'm a Second Wave, radical feminist, lesbian activist with a lot of experience working with women across many different areas. Back in the day, founder member of Sisterwrite Bookshop and Trouble and Strife rad fem magazine (look for it online), and grass-roots lesbian feminist publishing - still part of consciousness-raising groups and persistent, opinionated, political activist. The resurgence of Women’s Liberation in the 21st century is my source of hope.

I help out with FiLiA surveys and evaluation forms. I volunteered at FiLiA 2022 in Cardiff and FiLiA 2023 in Glasgow after attending for the first time in Portsmouth 2021. I’m excited to be volunteering again at FiLiA 2025 – it’s going to be incredible! Other than that, I’m happy to be the Mum of two wonderful grown up kids and Partner of 32 years to their amazing Dad.

My favourite thing abut being part of FiLiA is playing a small part, with Women from all walks of life, in delivering the beautiful international feminist gatherings that are FiLiA – a space for listening, hearing testimony, discussing, sharing, hatching plans, testing ideas, finding ways forward, music, laughter, and more.

My name is TJ and I’m happy to be part of FiLiA 2025. I joined FiLiA because it’s a safe space for women where one can be open and talk about anything without being judged. If we stand together we can make a difference and nothing is impossible

TJ’s favourite thing about FiLiA is volunteering at conference and meeting amazing women.

I currently run a small charity supporting people detained by the immigration service, having spent years working as a researcher in the public and academic sectors. After being dormant for a while, my feminism was reignited by campaigning against GRA reform in Scotland.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is having the chance to be in the company of like-minded women intent on changing the world.

I am a women's health educator and birth worker. Dyed in the wool radical left: anti-capitalist, anti-patriarchy and anti-racist. Living in the West Country.

Favourite thing about FiLiA is the Sisterhood.

I am a longstanding trade union and women’s rights activist. Currently working with women to establish the FILiA Trade Union Women’s Network.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is working with women.

Rosie is a Director of Sisters Heal, a Community Interest Company based in Brighton that offers therapeutic spaces for women. She is also a Committee Member of the Brighton Women's Liberation Collective, which organises monthly women-only support and discussion groups. Rosie is passionate about ensuring that women have access to safe, single-sex spaces.

Rosie’s favourite thing about FiLiA is ‘The opportunity meet such incredible and inspiring women and learn from them. ‘

I like feminism, cats, and discos.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is the sisterhood, the fun, and the fighting for women's and girls' rights.

Cathie is on the FiLiA conference security team,

Cathie’s favourite thing about FiLiA is ‘Holding space for Women to meet’

Dee is Based in Manchester. Have worked in post-16 education, in both Further and Higher Education. An activist, promoting an end to male violence against women and children in all its forms. Also spend time dancing and developing skills in art.

Her favourite thing about FiLiA is that FiLiA truly embraces the issues, concerns, and needs of all women and children.

Sarah volunteers on the FiLiA Women First team.

Sarah’s favourite thing about FiLiA is ‘Women supporting women and girls ‘

Laila is experienced in both grassroots and academic feminism—activism and theory—since the second wave. Committed to the liberation of women and girls from the gnawing existence of patriarchy and its insidious impact on their aspirations, safety, security, and freedom from all forms of misogynistic tyranny wherever it flourishes.

FILIA being the only womens liberation organisation both nationally & globally  standing firmly for women/girls human rights. Along with Its promotion of collective sisterhood. is what I like most about FiLiA.