Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which opened its first refuge 50 years ago in
1973, marks its 50th anniversary with the unveiling of a commemorative
artwork by the artist Amy Steele at a special event attended by over 60
guests at the City Arts Centre today, (12th January).

The aim of the event was to bring people together, including staff,
councillors, volunteers and women who have been supported over the
years, to mark this important milestone for the charity.
Speakers included Christina McKelvie, Minister for Equalities and Older
People, Councillor Mandy Watt, Deputy Leader of the City of Edinburgh
Council and the Chair of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, Morag Waller.

A year-long series of events to mark the 50th anniversary was announced
on the day, including various seminars to highlight and pay tribute to
those who have provided support for women and their families over the
past five decades, with everything from giving them a safe place to stay
in a refuge, specialist housing support, legal advice and help securing
employment, and the future plans for the charity.
The impressive artwork by illustrator Amy Steele, who won the charity’s
50th anniversary competition to design a piece of art which showcased
how the charity has evolved over the years and the support available to
help keep victims of domestic abuse safe, was also unveiled at the
event.
Amy, whose artwork will be used throughout the year, including on the
cover of the charity’s printed and digital Impact Report and other
marketing materials, including banners, leaflets, the website and social
media, also received a prize of £500.
Amy, said: “In creating the artwork to commemorate Edinburgh Women’s
Aid’s 50th anniversary I wanted to design something which celebrates the
diverse and vibrant community of women and children that EWA strives to
protect and advocate for, whilst showing how these groups come together
to support each other too.

“The artwork, which is bright and fun, in celebration of all the
positive improvements EWA have made towards the safety and equality of
women and children in the past 50 years, has also provided a great
opportunity for me as, a female artist, to use the platform to
contribute to EWA’s mission.”

Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, said: “The 50th
anniversary of Edinburgh Women’s Aid is such an important milestone for
us and really gives us the chance to pay tribute to all of those who
came before us to help make the organisation what it is today.

“As long as domestic abuse scourges society we will continue to provide
vital services for women and children in Edinburgh. But we will also
continue to tackle the causes of domestic abuse so that one day we can
look back on the history of a service that is no longer needed.”

Christina McKelvie, Minister for Equalities and Older People, said:
“I’m honoured to join Edinburgh Women’s Aid in marking their 50th
anniversary and celebrating their achievements. Their unwavering
dedication to building a Scotland free from violence has made a huge
difference to the lives of women and girls.

“We all know that there is still a way to go before we live in a world
where domestic abuse is history.

“The ground-breaking work of organisations such as Edinburgh Women’s Aid
over the last fifty years, which continue to support victims and
survivors of domestic abuse and speak out and campaign for change, will
help us realise this ambition.”

EWA also launched their #challenge50 fundraising campaign at the event
to encourage people to set themselves a challenge, ranging from baking
and selling 50 cakes to taking part in a sponsored 50km walk, to help
them reach their £50k fundraising target this year.

Ends –
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further information, please contact:
michelle@michellebrownpr.com / 07920 406674