Justice And Equality Fund: Emma Watson-backed drive aids 46,100; report urges sustained support

Emma Watson’s contribution to the fight against sexual harassment in the UK has helped support a network of organisations working with survivors and campaigning for safer workplaces and communities. A new impact report by Rosa, the UK Fund for Women and Girls, has detailed the work carried out through the Justice and Equality Fund, which was launched in 2018 following the global #MeToo movement. According to the same report, published on March 5, 2025, the initiative reached 46,100 women and girls, trained more than 20,000 professionals and distributed nearly £2.54 million through 59 grants. The fund’s launch and Watson’s contribution were also reported by Sky News and The Guardian. The Justice and Equality Fund was established in collaboration with TIME’S UP UK to address sexual harassment, abuse and the culture of impunity surrounding them. More than 400 donors contributed a combined £2.9 million, including Watson, who donated $1 million, and Comic Relief, which contributed £1 million. The money was distributed across three programmes designed to support survivors, strengthen women’s organisations and encourage wider social change. Grants ranged from £2,000 to £200,000, with funding reaching both established charities and smaller grassroots organisations working across different parts of the UK. One of the major outcomes was the establishment of a specialist legal advice service for women experiencing sexual harassment at work. The service helped women across England and Wales access legal guidance and understand the options available to them. The fund also supported initiatives aimed at improving how institutions respond to sexual harassment. More than 9,000 police professionals received awareness training, while other projects focused on tackling sexual misconduct in universities and improving support for survivors. Among its other achievements was the establishment of Northern Ireland’s first rape crisis service in more than a decade. Funding also helped develop a resource hub for university students and staff, offering guidance on preventing and addressing sexual misconduct in higher education. The initiative further supported campaigns led by young people and local organisations. The Compass Centre in Shetland, for instance, used the funding to encourage young residents to challenge gender-based violence in their communities. Its work included campaigns that attracted national media attention and partnerships with local organisations. The centre also reported a 90% increase in the number of people approaching it for support, rising from 51 to 97. The fund’s work extended beyond providing direct assistance to survivors. It also contributed to efforts aimed at changing workplace policies and strengthening legal protections. One significant development highlighted in the report was the introduction of a legal duty requiring employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work. The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 received Royal Assent in October 2023 and came into force on October 26, 2024. It introduced a preventative duty for employers, making workplace sexual harassment prevention a legal responsibility rather than leaving organisations to respond only after incidents occur. The report also highlights the importance of collaboration between organisations working on women’s rights. By bringing together charities, legal experts, businesses, trade unions, schools and campaigners, the fund helped create partnerships that could continue beyond individual funding programmes. However, the report points out that the need for sustained support remains considerable. Despite the progress made, women and girls continue to experience sexual harassment and abuse across workplaces, educational institutions and public spaces. Organisations working on the frontline also continue to face funding challenges. The Justice and Equality Fund demonstrates how financial support can help smaller organisations expand their reach while contributing to broader institutional change. Its findings also underline the importance of continuing to invest in organisations supporting women and girls, particularly those working directly with survivors of abuse.