Young Women’s Trust, the charity that supports young women on low or no pay, has appointed Sophie Walker, founding leader of the Women’s Equality Party, as its Chief Executive.
Walker, a political journalist for Reuters news agency and disability rights campaigner for the National Autistic Society before leading Britain’s first feminist political party, will take over from Dr Carole Easton OBE, who announced her resignation in March after more than six years leading the charity.
Young Women’s Trust chair Jo-ann Robertson said of the appointment:
“I am absolutely thrilled that Sophie will be the next CEO of Young Women’s Trust. She brings a unique perspective on the role of young women in our country today. At a time of huge political change and when women’s issues have never been higher on the agenda, or indeed under more threat, Sophie is the right person to take us in to our next chapter.
“Through her vision and leadership I am certain that as an organisation we will have an even bigger positive impact on young women’s lives.”
Sophie Walker said:
“I am delighted to be joining Young Women’s Trust as chief executive and excited to be working alongside such an inspiring team to achieve economic justice for young women on low or no pay.
“Women and girls, particularly from minority communities and the poorest backgrounds, have been hard hit by austerity and continue to pay the cost of policy-making that does not see them. But they are the solution to our current difficulties and divisions – not the problem. I am determined to lift up their voices, make space for their talents in workplaces across England and Wales and, by supporting them into work, help to build a society that embraces difference to the benefit of all.
“It’s an honour to be tasked by Young Women’s Trust’s board with this job of positive disruption. Together with the many brilliant women and men that make up this organisation, I am looking forward to designing innovative approaches that put the furthest first and help them lead the way. In women we trust!”
Sophie will begin in early September 2019.
Note to editors
- Young Women’s Trust is a charity that supports and represents women in England and Wales aged 18 to 30 trapped by low or no pay and facing a life of poverty. The charity provides services and runs campaigns to make sure that the talents of young women don’t go to waste.
- Sophie Walker is a feminist activist and founding leader of the Women’s Equality Party. She ran for London Mayor in 2016, winning 1 in every 20 votes cast, and in 2017 stood for election to Westminster against MP Philip Davies, campaigning for equal pay, affordable childcare and an end to violence against women. She was named by Vogue in 2018 as one of the ‘New Suffragettes’ and is a regular speaker and contributor to media on the subject of women’s rights and representation. A former news editor and international journalist for Reuters news agency, Walker has also campaigned for disability rights, in particular better understanding of autism in women and girls. She is the author of ‘Grace Under Pressure: going the distance as an Asperger’s Mum.’
