International Women's Day 2018

Today, 8 March, marks International Women’s Day (IWD). Initiated by the Suffragettes, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911. It has become a date to celebrate how far women have come in all spheres of life; societal, political and economic. The theme of this year’s IWD is #PressforProgress as women all over the world are inspired to feel empowered in all settings.

International Women’s Day is not affiliated with any one group but belongs to and should be supported by all communities. Everyone should play a part in empowering women. This includes CST. We would like to take this opportunity to thank women for the vital role you play in protecting the Jewish community and to encourage you to continue doing so. Your involvement makes a difference and CST cannot fulfil its mission without you.

The IWD campaign theme should not just inspire you all today but should galvanise collective action for the year ahead. 

There are a number of ways that you can transform this momentum into action for the Jewish community by joining CST.

If you would like to learn new skills, defend yourself and contribute to protecting the Jewish community, then you can volunteer as a security officer and train with CST to provide physical security for Jewish locations across the UK. CST is actively looking to recruit more female volunteers and is in the process of developing a course just for women by women; led by one of CST’s female training instructors.

If you have been affected by antisemitism, or know someone who has information regarding an antisemitic incident, then please report this to CST. Reporting antisemitism is crucial. By reporting antisemitism, you are helping CST ensure the Police understand the extent of antisemitism so they can better respond to it and develop ways to prevent these incidents happening to someone else in your community.  Please help CST raise awareness about antisemitism.

CST urges you all to celebrate women’s acts of courage and determination, and be reminded of the extraordinary role they have played in the Jewish community. Click here to read about ten Jewish women who fought antisemitism and saved Jewish lives throughout history.