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Our Team

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The Trustees are honoured to be able to support the FiLiA team and to guide the organisation whilst working to build local, national and global Solidarity
between Women.

Meet Our Trustees

- Click on a profile to read more -

Lisa Marie Taylor - Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, Trustee

Name

Lisa Marie Taylor - Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, Trustee

Bio

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!”

Name

Kruti Walsh

Bio

I am one of the trustees, in post since 2019, and also the treasurer.

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.

Name

Jo Gough

Bio

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

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.

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Name

Sally Jackson, Trustee

Bio

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. ”

Name

Ragani Lindquist

Bio

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!

  • Lisa Marie Taylor - Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, Trustee
  • bradford - Sally Jackson.jpg

We are extremely grateful to our amazing volunteers, without whom, we would be unable to run our events. To get involved, check out our current volunteer positions.

Meet Our Volunteers

- Click on a profile to read more -

Name

Michelle Kerwin

Bio

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

I do all things admin, events organising and conference organiser! 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.

Name

Ruth Dineen

Bio

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 is the sisterhood, solidarity and having a larf with you.

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Name

Gemma Aitchison

Bio

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.


Patricia Chinyoka

Name

Patricia Chinyoka

Bio

Patricia is a highly experienced and dedicated Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Consultant with a wealth of experience in inclusion with the ability to influence and drive change within the communities I serve. A Black African feminist who advocates for women’s rights and safety issues. My current focus is supporting women in Zimbabwe, who have been historically marginalised and denied opportunities simply because of being women. A particular focus is placed on women who participate in political and human rights activities as they face persecution and imprisonment for their activities.

Her favourite thing about being part of FiLiA is being a feminist who is challenging and dismantling the existing systems of inequality and discrimination. Fighting for women who have been historically marginalised and denied opportunities simply because of being women. Being there as a Black African feminist to raise the issues faced by African women in Zimbabwe.

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Name

Kiera Cadwell

Bio

Kiera has been a FiLiA volunteer for 5 years now, taking on a variety of roles during this time. For 2025 conference she will be coordinating all the wonderful stall holders ensuring they have everything they need in place to showcase their work, merch and art. Kiera enjoys holidays with her family and is a huge Liverpool FC fan.

Kiera’s favourite thing about FiLiA is all the amazing, inspiring women I've met.


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Name

Rachel Meyrick

Bio

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.”

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Name

Maggy Moyo, LISG Liaison

Bio

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.”

Natalie Page

Name

Natalie Page

Bio

Natalie Page has a long history successfully campaigning for the rights of women and children victims of domestic abuse in the family court. After her own journey in the justice system spanning over nine years, she was compelled to do something. In July 2021, Natalie was a major contributor to the Channel Four Dispatches Film Torn Apart: Family Courts Uncovered, and in October 2021 she was awarded the Emma Humphrey’s Memorial Prize for her work raising awareness about male violence against women and children. Her work has been featured in the national press on many occasions, most notably with The Observer major investigation into unregulated experts in the family court in England and Wales. Her work has been featured in the BBC, The Guardian and the Daily Express, and regularly recognised by the UK Government, and academic institutions like Brunel Law and Manchester University; and organisations such as SHERA, Women’s Aid and advisors to the WHO and NHS Safeguarding.

Name

Andreia Nobre

Bio

Andreia is a journalist, writer, author of the Grumpy Guide to Radical Feminism and the Grumpy Guide to Motherhood.

Her favourite thing about FiLiA is attending the conference and being an aide to attendees.

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Name

Nela Pamukovic

Bio

Since 1987 Nela has been an active in feminist movement. Activist against violence against women, against nationalism and militarism. One of the founders of Help line (1988) and Shelter for women who survived violence in Zagreb (1990), both first in Eastern Europe. Co-founder of the Centre for Women War Victims – ROSA in 1992. Working as a counsellor for women survivors of sexual violence during war and peace, trafficking in women and prostitution, migrant women. Co-founder of Anti-war Campaign of Croatia, Autonomous Women's House Zagreb, Centre for Women’s Studies, Lesbian Group Kontra, Coordination of Women’s Groups SEKA, Women’s Court, Women’s Network of Croatia, PETRA Anti-trafficking Network.

Her favourite thing about FiLiA is the radical feminism, great women activists, lots of learning...

Name

Matriactivista

Bio

I have been an activist for Women’s reproductive rights for over 20 years, plus a birth educator, campaigner, facilitator, emigrant, mother, DJ, interpreter and as you can see, I am restless, driven by curiosity and a strong sense of injustice, but always working with and for us Women at the core of everything I do.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is the fact that we apply feminism to everything we do, the sisterhood of amazing Women, the way we fight for Women’s liberation unstoppably and unequivocally.

Name

Shally Shefer

Bio

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

Name

Liane Timmermann

Bio


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.

Rose Curtis

Name

Rose Curtis

Bio

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

Gabriella Ribenfors

Name

Gabriella Ribenfors, Writer/Editor

Bio

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.

Amina Ali

Name

Amina Ali
Ali Morris, FiLiA's Wales Lead and FiLiA's MVAWG Team Lead

Name

Ali Morris, FiLiA's Wales Lead and FiLiA's MVAWG Team Lead

Bio

About Ali

I am an activist campaigner with a specialism in MVAWG and a keen interest in combatting pornography and prostitution. I am FiLiA's Wales Lead and also lead the MVAWG Team. I chair my local ReSisters Group and am on the Executive Committee of Merched Cymru, a Wales wide women's rights organisation. I am proud to be making history with so many wonderful women.

What is your favourite thing about FiLiA?

The uplifting support and love from other women is phenomenal.

Alice

Name

Alice

Bio

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. 

Name

Celine

Bio

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 

Name

Sharon

Bio

I've been a feminist since being a teenager (longer ago than I care to remember). I was an activist for many years (Greenham Peace Camp, Women's Centres, Women's Aid etc.) until the rest of life took over. It's great to be back involved with 'my tribe' and to do something for women again.

What’s your favourite part of FiLiA?

The conference and being in touch with likeminded woman and the sisterhood.

Teresa

Name

Tessy

Bio

What’s your favourite part of FiLiA?

Being around women who believe in themselves.

Di Winn

Name

Di Winn

Bio

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!

Name

Haidy Adam

Bio

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.

Name

Sandra Ragalsky

Bio

What’s your favourite part of FiLiA?

The nonjudgmental inclusiveness on an international level. Seeing and speaking with other members during webinars.  A well-designed newsletter with interesting and important topics.

About me:

Background in health and therapy, particularly with female survivors of childhood sexual abuse.  Running groups for more than 30 years alongside individual work. Now retired.

Kate

Name

Kate

Bio

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.

Lily

Name

Lily

Bio

What’s your favourite part of FiLiA

Lily is an astrophysics student, brought to feminism by her wonderful mum.

Her favourite thing about FiLiA is having the opportunity to work with incredibly competent, intelligent and kind women!

Nicola O'Brien

Name

Nicola O'Brien

Bio

About me:

I've been teaching languages for the last 30 years and am currently the designated safeguarding lead in a large independent boarding school. It is in safeguarding that I have found my passion and this year I hope to achieve my NSPCC accreditation as a Safeguarding Trainer as well as an Advance Certificate in Children's Safeguarding. A flawed but enthusiastic feminist, I have developed a number of interests, including supporting the mental health needs of teenage girls, the safeguarding children with Gender Dysphoria and I am Chair of the Gender Dysphoria Special Interest Group of the Association of Child Protection Professionals. When I am not working, I cook pretty well and enjoy reading and spending time with my husband and three children (who like my food!)

Philippa

Name

Philippa

Bio

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. 

Prossy

Name

Prossy

Bio

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.

Ruth

Name

Ruth

Bio

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!

Marie Yates

Name

Marie Yates

Bio

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. 

Name

Jane Mundangepfupfu

Bio

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

Name

Cheryl

Bio

I’m a mum of two girls, doing a part-time MA and working in the public sector.

FiLiA reignited my passion for real feminism with its incredible conferences, blogs and podcasts, and variety of projects. The women who volunteer with FiLiA, and those who speak at conference and internal education sessions are an inspiration. Volunteering at conference is an absolute highlight of the year.

Name

Karen

Bio

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.

Name

Tessa Finch

Bio

Tessa describes herself as playful, cheerful, determined and fierce. Her favourite thing about being part of FiLiA is helping women.

Name

Susan McDonnell

Bio

Susan’s favourite thing about FiLiA is the sisterhood; you can actually make a difference. Occasional cake.

Susan is a retired lawyer & teacher, lifelong argumentative so-and-so, radical material feminist. Mother, sister, daughter. Writer, craftswoman, dog wrangler.

Name

Sue Kay

Bio

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.

Name

Nicola Benge

Bio

Nicola’s favourite thing about FiLiA is the amazing rich knowledge, solidarity and community!

As a lifelong feminist and campaigner, I am dedicated to advancing gender equity and social justice and my passion for women's rights stems from a belief in the power of collective action and solidarity to make positive change. Coming from a working-class background, I am committed to dismantling structural inequalities and empowering women to find their voices. I have engaged in grassroots activism, championed feminist causes, and supported initiatives that challenge systemic issues. My journey reflects a commitment to creating a more equitable world where women are safe, respected and emancipated.

Name

Claire

Bio

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.”

Name

Victoria

Bio

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.

Name

K

Bio

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.

Name

Manono

Bio

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.

Name

Hannah Shead

Bio

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

Name

Kelly Gosal

Bio

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.

Name

Ruth Lewis

Bio

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.

Name

Rhiannon

Bio

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.

Name

Eleri

Bio

I am a DPhil researcher working on the history of women and feminism in Britain since the 1960s. I have been fortunate enough to have spent the past year travelling around the UK to collect women's oral life histories. Previously, I have researched the history of pornography in 1970s Britain, and have written about class, community and gender in the 1984-5 Miners' Strike.

I am interested in consciousness-raising and building feminist alliances across borders and generations. As a FiLiA volunteer, I participate in the Young Women's Working Group and have had the incredible opportunity to travel to Oslo to connect with young feminist activists and learn about their exciting work. I also contribute to FiLiA's Anti-Pornography Campaign, and work on the Brighton '96 Project, which commemorates the Violence, Abuse and Women's Citizenship Project held in Brighton in 1996.

Eleri’s favourite thing about FiLiA is the feminist Journeying with Sisters from across the UK and around the world; being continuously amazed by Women's resilience, creativity, and tenacity; and Michelle's stickers!

Name

Rebecca

Bio

I am a teacher and mum of teenage girls, living in the north of England. I volunteer for FiLiA where I can during the year and have been part of the stage team for the last two conferences.

My favourite part of volunteering with FiLiA is the opportunity to connect with like-minded women who are passionate about advancing women's equality and campaigning for women's rights. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a community that is actively working to create positive change and support women’s rights globally.

Name

Nicola O'Brien

Bio

Nicola O’Brien FRSA is Director of Safeguarding in a school where she oversees more than 1000 children and young people from age 4 to 18. She has worked in education for nearly 30 years, in the last 17 years within boarding leadership and safeguarding. She is Chair of a Special Interest Group on Gender Dysphoria for the AoCPP and is an associate trainer for SACPA. She has NSPCC accreditation as a safeguarding trainer and is an accredited trainer for the Safer Recruitment Consortium. She is also a Lay Member of the Diocese of Westminster Trustee’s Safeguarding Committee.

Nicola’s favourite thing about FiLiA is the wonderful volunteers and the vital work to improve the lives of all women.

Name

Goodly

Bio

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 💚 💪.

Name

Lynn Alderson

Bio

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.

Name

Gwenda Owen

Bio

I am now living in north Wales,- dw i’n dysgu Cymraeg. I work in the third sector - covering the whole of Wales and get about by bike and train.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is working with women for women.

Name

MaryFaith

Bio

I’ve lived in the UK for more than half my life but came of age in the US in the heady days of 1970s lesbian feminist community building. Retired, I had a satisfying 40 year career working among deaf people, mostly as an interpreter but also in other roles. In my mid-50s I took up a voluntary placement at a school for disabled (mostly deaf) children in NW Nigeria to do capacity building. I live with my Staffi in NW England and enjoy walking, reading, playing the piano, travel, arts & crafts and joining in activities for lesbians in my region.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is the awesome women worthy of so much respect for all they do and the feminist reach of FiLiA linking with grassroots organisations globally

Name

Maria Paredes

Bio

We live in a world where women are taught to fear their womanhood—and consequently, to fear other women. In a society where men hold the majority of power, women are in a constant search for their own. Yet, from an early age, we are told by those closest to us and by society itself that the only way to obtain power is through dependence on men. Tragically, this conditioning often leads women to compete with one another rather than seek comfort and solidarity.

FiLiA works to dismantle the belief that womanhood is dangerous and that we must fear each other. It provides a safe space where women can come together to speak honestly and openly about our lived experiences. Through education, support, and collective action, FiLiA challenges the forces that keep us dependent on a system that betrays our ethos.

Thanks to FiLiA, I have been able to build meaningful relationships with incredible women who share my values.

Name

Fran

Bio

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.

Name

Hannah

Bio

I am a sixth form teacher from the South Coast. I found feminism and FiLiA through my wonderful feminist Mum.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is volunteering at conference and seeing and hearing women enjoying each other’s company and celebrating feminism

Name

Gaynor Rees

Bio

Gaynor is a feminist who believes in keeping women's single sex spaces exactly that.

Gaynor’s favourite thing about FiLiA is Women helping women achieve extraordinary things.

Name

TJ

Bio

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.

Name

Deirdre Johnston

Bio

I am a pensioner, more active in the feminist movement than I was in my 30s. Member of Merched Cymru, Women’s Rights Network and almost a FiLiA veteran - been to Cardiff & Glasgow. Excited to be a volunteer at FiLiA 2025.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is being part of a worldwide sisterhood.

Name

Kate Alexander

Bio

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.

Name

Ziggy Melamed

Bio

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.

Name

Kiri Tunks

Bio

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.

Name

Lucy

Bio

I am a registered social worker and social work lecturer. I met members of FiLiA at feminist events around 2019. I have been a proud supporter and volunteer since the conference came to my home town of Portsmouth in 2021.

I learn so much from the brilliant women I meet from all over the world at FiLiA conferences. I hope I am able to pass that on to other women and girls in any way I can both personally and via the FiLiA legacy project.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is being around women who go above and beyond to support, uplift and listen. It doesn't matter how much or little you can give, you are always welcomed and valued.

Name

Anna

Bio

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.

Name

Simone

Bio

Simone is a feminist and a prostitution survivor-abolitionist. Australia based.

Her favourite thing about FiLiA is working with women and expanding connections.

Name

Jaye Nolan

Bio

A freelance writer by trade, I currently run a small community space for elderly and isolated people on a part-time basis, which gives me the time to focus on my own creative writing.

I also run a small community literature festival, and have just kickstarted it again this year following a five-year hiatus post covid.

Having seen how women's rights have been impacted in recent years, I joined the Women's Rights Network and help coordinate the Kent & Medway branch.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is the Solidarity of women supporting women.

Name

Soreh Levy

Bio

I’ve been an active feminist since the 70s, have worked in many community organisations and worked in Haringey Council’s Lesbian & Gay Unit (the first one of its kind) in the 80s. For the past twenty five years I’ve worked as an acupuncturist in Brighton and set up a charity offering low cost auricular acupuncture for people with drug, alcohol or mental health issues.

My favourite thing about FiLiA is Being part of a global feminist movement.

Name

Donna Lewis

Bio

I’ve dedicated myself to education, animal welfare, life-long learning and the rights of women and girls. I became part of the fight when I was twelve years old and I’ve never looked back. Cats have been my constant companions and I truly believe there’s no such thing as too many books!

This community of women, with their knowledge, skills and empathy is where I feel I belong. Having spent decades fighting alone, I’ve finally found my Sisterhood.

Name

Dee

Bio

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.

Name

Laila N

Bio

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.

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  • Patricia Chinyoka
  • Keira.jpeg
  • Rachel%2BMeyrick_1024px.jpg
  • Maggy%2BMoyo_1024px.jpg
  • Natalie Page
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  • Liane Timmermann
  • Rose Curtis
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  • Amina Ali
  • Ali Morris, FiLiA's Wales Lead and FiLiA's MVAWG Team Lead
  • Alice
  • Teresa
  • Di Winn
  • Kate
  • Lily
  • Nicola O'Brien
  • Philippa
  • Prossy
  • Ruth
  • Marie Yates
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