Lochaber Women’s Aid celebrates International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is March 8 and in the spirit of this year’s theme, #BeBoldForChange, Lochaber Women’s Aid (LWA) continues to support those affected by domestic abuse and champion women’s rights in Scotland.

International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate the achievements of women and to declare bold actions to progress women’s status, something that LWA does every day. In fact, since opening its doors in 2003, it has supported more than 600 women and 150 children who have experienced domestic abuse.

LWA is located in Fort William but its area of work extends to communities in and around Kinlochleven and Duror to the south, Fort Augustus to the north and Mallaig and the small isles to the west. Their services are available to all women and children.

The trained experts at LWA offer a one-to-one support service for women who are living with, or who have experienced domestic abuse. They provide practical and emotional support and assistance in making choices and identifying individual priorities. This can include support to attend housing and solicitor’s appointments or support to rebuild confidence and self-esteem, when this has been eroded. Whatever your needs, they are there to listen, believe, understand and support.

The children’s service also provides support to younger people to help them understand that it is not their fault and to help them make sense of what is happening. Both the women’s and children’s services are completely confidential.

Deirdre Coull, chairwoman of Lochaber Women’s Aid, said: ‘As a feminist organisation, we seek a more gender inclusive world.

‘On International Women’s Day we would like every- one to think about what they can do to help progress gender equality and improve the status of women and girls. We would like people to think about what bold action they can take to ensure the future for women and girls is equal, safe and rewarding.’

Those who are in an abusive situation can call Lochaber Women’s Aid on 01397 705734 from 9am to 5pm Monday-Friday or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0800 027 1234, which is staffed 24 hours.

From the 6th and 8th March, Lochaber Women’s Aid is putting together a special window display in the Oban Times’s shop in High Street, Fort William to promote and celebrate International Women’s Day. Pop by to see a mannequin dressed in the women’s...