Rights of Women announces the appointment of Jayne Butler as Chair of the Board of Trustees

Rights of Women is pleased to announce the appointment of Jayne Butler as our new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Jayne has two decades of charity leadership experience that includes working across violence against women and girls (VAWG), community legal advice, immigration and asylum and family law, bringing a wealth of experience in advancing women’s rights, developing and delivering legal advice services, and advocating for justice and safety for all women and girls. Her strategic vision and feminist commitment will be pivotal as Rights of Women continues to work towards our vision of equality, justice and safety in the law for all women.

Speaking about her appointment, Jayne said:

“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair at Rights of Women, an organisation whose values and commitment to justice have shaped the landscape of women’s rights in the UK. At a time when gender inequality and violence against women persist, it is more vital than ever to defend and expand the rights we have fought hard to secure. I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, and our partners to continue building a more just and equitable future for all women.”

Rights of Women’s Trustee, Kat Hacker, welcomed Jayne’s appointment, saying:

“We are thrilled to welcome Jayne as our new Chair. Her deep understanding of women’s lived experiences and her long-standing commitment to feminist leadership will be invaluable as we continue our mission to ensure that every woman, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance, can access the justice and safety she deserves.”

Estelle du Boulay, Director, welcomed Jayne, saying:

“We are delighted to welcome Jayne as our new chair. Jayne joins us at an exciting and pivotal moment for Rights of Women, building on the strong foundations laid by Annie Hedge. Her appointment embodies our vision for the organisation as we celebrate our 50th anniversary and focus on the future. Jayne’s leadership, experience and commitment to justice will help us meet the challenges ahead, grow our impact and ensure that women can access the support and rights they deserve.”

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Annie Hedge, our outgoing chair, for her exceptional leadership and dedication to the cause of women’s rights. Throughout her tenure, Annie brought wisdom, compassion, and vision to the role, energising and motivating everyone around her. She has been instrumental in sustaining and guiding the organisation through unprecedented times, including the pandemic, and has helped Rights of Women grow stronger and more resilient. Her ability to bring people together and nurture the organisation’s mission has left a lasting impact that we will continue to build on.

Together, Rights of Women will continue to advance women’s rights through access to legal information, advice, and justice.