Fifteen Years of UK Feminista: A Reflection from Our Chair, Sarah Savitt, as She Steps Down in Our Fifteenth Year
Sarah Savitt
When I look back, it’s hard to believe that I’ve been involved with UK Feminista since its very beginning, fifteen years ago. I am delighted to have been a part of UK Feminista’s journey to where is now – and to see the organisation celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year.
In my day job in publishing, I edited two books by UK Feminista’s founder, Kat Banyard – in fact she was the first author I ever acquired after becoming an editor. So I was delighted to later have the opportunity to join UK Feminista’s Board. I’ve been a committed feminist since I was a young woman (though I’m not sure I would have used that word about myself as a teenager – it wasn’t really in fashion in the 90s), I wanted to learn more about campaigning, and I hugely admired Kat from working with her as an author.
Later, I found myself stepping up as chair – a role I hadn’t anticipated but one that taught me more than I could have imagined.
Navigating Change
When UK Feminista’s founder Kat stepped down in 2022 to work for an MP, it was a crunch point for the organisation, especially as there was some other personnel changes happening (by coincidence) at the same time. I’m proud that UK Feminista survived this huge moment of change, and is still thriving, now under Nina Humphries’ leadership (and with Kat back in a different role).
More recently, just before stepping down, I hugely enjoyed attending this year’s Action Award Ceremony which UK Feminista puts on for schools and colleges taking outstanding action to tackle sexism and sexual harassment. I got to celebrate and speak to lots of teachers and students from all over the country who had implemented real systemic change in their schools and communities. It was hugely inspiring.
Lessons Learned
I’ve always worked in publishing, and until this role I’d only ever been part of a charitable organisation in a much more practical volunteering capacity (mainly a lot of cleaning litter trays at various cat sanctuaries around the world!). So what *haven’t* I learned during my time at UK Feminista. The most eye-opening part for me has been the way charitable organisations are funded, especially the pressure of securing grants which may only be for a year at a time.
Why UK Feminista’s Work Matters
Sadly, the need for UK Feminista’s work feels more obvious every day. The world seems to be sharply swinging to the right, and women’s rights and feminism are being challenged in multiple areas. UK Feminista is undaunted by this and delivers so much strategic campaigning, thinking and concrete change in relation to its size.
Passing the Baton
The two women who are taking over as joint chairs are brilliant, with significant knowledge about the women’s sector, charitable organisations, campaigning and many other things. I know that the organisation is in safe hands – and will continue to go from strength to strength – under their direction.
What’s Next for Me
I have two small children and therefore not much time to myself, so in the short term I plan to fill the gap with riding my bike, going to the movies and seeing my friends. But I’ve been volunteering consistently since I was a teenager (thanks to my mother, who set a great example for me) so I’m sure another volunteering position is in my future, I just don’t know what it is yet.
We would like to acknowledge the remarkable dedication and commitment of Sarah Savitt, who is stepping down from UK Feminista’s Board. Thank you, Sarah, for all of your hard work, relentless encouragement and endless optimism.
In true UK Feminista style, the Board is adopting a co-chair model, with Andrea West and Venice Fielding taking on the role of Co-Chairs of the Board as we enter the next 15 years of championing a society free from sexism and violence against women and girls.