Celebrating Inclusion and Support on International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day (Friday, 8th March), Sahir is proud to celebrate all the women who play a vital role in our work – supporting the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV.

For 40 years, Sahir has been a lifeline for communities facing stigma, discrimination, and isolation. We recognise that gender-based inequality doesn’t affect everyone in the same way – and we remain committed to uplifting and supporting those most at risk.

We celebrate all women, including trans women, disabled women, women of colour, working-class women, and women living with HIV. We also recognise that non-binary, gender-diverse, and intersex people experience many of the same barriers and deserve support, inclusion, and respect.

Today, we highlight the incredible people leading this work and reflect on our ongoing commitment to inclusion and empowerment.

On the frontline of Sahir’s Work

Sahir’s services are led by dedicated individuals who provide essential support, advocacy, and community engagement:

  • Gill – LGBTQ+ Services & Operations Manager (she/her)
    Gill leads our LGBTQ+ support programmes, ensuring that Sahir continues to be a safe and inclusive space for everyone who needs us.

  • Kellie – HIV Services Manager (she/her)
    Kellie oversees our HIV support services, providing practical and emotional support to people living with HIV and working to reduce stigma.

  • Shereen – LGBTQ+ People Seeking Asylum & Refugee Lead (she/her)
    LGBTQ+ asylum seekers – particularly women and gender-diverse people – face multiple barriers to safety and support. Shereen ensures they receive advocacy, guidance, and access to essential services.

  • Rachael – Wirral HIV Support Worker (she/her)
    Based in Wirral, Rachael provides specialist one-to-one support for people living with HIV, helping them navigate services and maintain their well-being.

  • Ange – HIV Support Worker (she/her)
    Ange is dedicated to supporting people affected by HIV, offering guidance, advocacy, and a listening ear to those who need it most.

  • Kat – LGBTQ+ Community Engagement Worker (they/she)
    Kat works across Liverpool City Region to engage and connect LGBTQ+ people, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and supported.

A Long History of Inclusion & Support

At Sahir, we have always championed inclusion, diversity, and equality. Over the years, we have:

✅ Provided lifesaving HIV support services for women, trans people, and gender-diverse communities.
✅ Created safe spaces for LGBTQ+ women, non-binary, and intersex people to access peer support and community.
✅ Supported LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum, many of whom face additional barriers due to gender, race, and immigration status.
✅ Delivered education and advocacy to challenge HIV stigma, transphobia, and misinformation.

Our work is built on the belief that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and support – regardless of gender identity, sexuality, or background.

How You Can Get Involved

This International Women’s Day, we invite you to:

💜 Learn more about the experiences of LGBTQ+ women, trans women, non-binary people, and those affected by HIV.
💜 Engage with our services – whether you need support or want to volunteer.
💜 Help us challenge stigma by sharing information and raising awareness.

At Sahir, inclusion is more than a word – it’s at the heart of everything we do. Today and every day, we remain committed to supporting, uplifting, and standing alongside all those who need us.

💜 For more information about our work, visit sahir.org.uk.