Introducing EVAW’s new Director

As of January 2021 Andrea Simon will lead EVAW’s work campaigning to end violence against women and girls in all its forms. Previously, Andrea was EVAW’s Head of Public Affairs, focussing on leading the organisation’s work influencing legislation, and policy across multiple government departments to improve responses to women and girls at risk of and experiencing VAWG. Andrea’s expertise and deep commitment have been significant in securing critical impact in these areas. Andrea brings a wealth of experience and expertise having also previously campaigned on issues including child trafficking and modern slavery and spent more than a decade working for Members of Parliament.

Andrea said:

“I am delighted to have been appointed the new director of EVAW.  I feel honoured to lead this incredible organisation’s work, which is rooted in shared intersectional feminist and anti-racist values. Our formidable coalition members work tirelessly to bring about a different future for women and girls, and I would also like to recognise all the work of the amazing EVAW women who as staff and trustees, past and present, have achieved so much together over the past 15 years. I look forward to building on this legacy and working with colleagues in the VAWG sector and beyond to continue improving state and societal responses to preventing and tackling abuse and the structural inequalities that women and girls face.” 

EVAW Co-Chair Professor Aisha K. Gill said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic has had incredibly disproportionate and devastating effects on our communities. Tackling the intersectional aspects of violence against women and girls and of racial discrimination will benefit all communities, particularly during this critical time, and EVAW has a crucial role to play in this regard. We are therefore thrilled to welcome Andrea Simon as Director of EVAW. She brings significant and relevant expertise to the work of our organisation, and I know she will be an excellent director, providing vision and inclusive leadership at this pivotal time in our herstory. We look forward to working with Andrea, as I know our coalition members are, to ensure that we continue working together in realising our vision to end all forms of gender-based violence.”

EVAW Co-Chair Huda Jawad said:

“Andrea’s appointment as the next EVAW Director comes at a critical time in our movement. Both in terms of the work that we have to do to end violence against women and girls and its intersecting structural oppressions, but also the internal work that our organisations and supporters are embarking on to embed anti-oppressive practice.

We, as a Board want to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Director, Sarah Green who has led EVAW with unflinching dedication, commitment and skill. She, along with the team have set a high bar in demonstrating what can be achieved by speaking truth to power, holding power to account and working with our members to centre women in the formulations and impact of law, policy and practice. The Board is incredibly proud of their collective effort.

We are delighted that Andrea will be leading EVAW and we are looking forward to supporting her and the team to write the next chapter of EVAW’s journey which will be its best yet.  Together we can end violence against all women.”