Independent Women – The Independent x Refuge

To mark International Women’s Day 2024, we partnered with The Independent to create portraits of 10 high-profile British women, from activists and broadcasters to politicians and artists.

The portraits were exhibited throughout March on Outernet London’s giant public screens and later auctioned to raise funds for Refuge, the UK’s largest domestic abuse charity.

The project combined visibility with action—celebrating influence while directly supporting the women and children Refuge helps every day.

Carol-Vorderman-by-Sane-Seven-x-The-Independent-x-Refuge

Carol Vorderman, broadcaster — left the BBC to speak freely on politics and now hosts her own LBC show, unapologetically using her platform to hold power to account.

Maggie-Alfonsi-by-Sane-Seven-x-The-Independent-x-Refuge

Maggie Alphonsi, former England rugby star — World Cup winner turned RFU council member, driving change in rugby through fearless commentary and a push for greater representation.

Baroness-Floella-Benjamin-by-Sane-Seven-x-The-Independent-x-Refuge

Baroness Floella Benjamin, actor and peer — from children’s TV to the House of Lords, she’s spent a lifetime championing inclusion, children’s rights, and justice for the Windrush generation.

Rosie-Jones-by-Sane-Seven-x-The-Independent-x-Refuge-copy

Rosie Jones, comedian and writer — breaking stereotypes with sharp humour and brutal honesty, she's using her voice to call out ableism and redefine how disability is seen on screen.

Sara-Pascoe-by-Sane-Seven-x-The-Independent-x-Refuge

Sara Pascoe, comedian and author — fearless in both comedy and conversation, she uses her platform to speak openly about IVF, miscarriage, and abuse in the industry, while continuing to carve out her own brilliant, bookish lane.

Penny-Mordaunt-by-Sane-Seven-x-The-Independent-x-Refuge

Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons — a sharp-tongued orator and rising force in Tory politics, known for her leadership ambition, grassroots support, and steady presence in turbulent times.

Kate-Garraway-by-Sane-Seven-x-The-Independent-x-Refuge

Kate Garraway, broadcaster and author — honoured with an MBE for her work in journalism and caregiving, she has courageously shared her family’s journey through loss, using her voice to bring visibility to unseen struggles.

Jameela-Jamil-by-Sane-Seven-x-The-Independent-x-Refuge-copy

Jameela Jamil, actor and activist — from breaking bones to breaking norms, she’s turned personal resilience into a global movement challenging how women are measured and seen.

Anna-Whitehouse-by-Sane-Seven-x-The-Independent-x-Refuge

Anna Whitehouse, campaigner and creator — known as ‘Motherpukka’, she’s led the charge for flexible working and childcare reform, turning honest conversations into real policy change.

Amy-Dowden-by-Sane-Seven-x-The-Independent-x-Refuge-copy

Amy Dowden, professional dancer — beloved for her grace on Strictly, she’s inspired thousands by openly sharing her breast cancer journey and returning to the floor with courage and strength.

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