Accelerate Action – The Independent x Refuge

To mark International Women’s Day 2025, we partnered with The Independent to photograph 10 of the world’s most influential women—leaders in politics, science, business, the arts, and activism.

The portraits were displayed on Outernet London’s massive screens throughout March, turning the heart of the city into a space for bold visibility and impact.

The project supported Refuge Charity and brought together people with real power to ask: what are we actually doing to accelerate change for women?

Chioma-Nnadi-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Chioma Nnadi, Editor of British Vogue — the first Black woman to lead the magazine in its 107-year history, using fashion as a platform to challenge outdated ideals and amplify women’s voices.

Kathy-Newman-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Cathy Newman, Channel 4 News presenter — exposed one of the Church of England’s biggest abuse scandals and now leads the fight against AI weaponised to silence and shame women.

Zoe-Kalar-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Zoe Kalar, tech entrepreneur — founder of WeAre8, a new kind of social platform that puts people first by sharing ad revenue with creators and cutting through the noise, abuse, and division of traditional social media.

Afua-Kyei-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Afua Kyei, Chief Financial Officer at the Bank of England — the institution’s first Black executive, using her platform to champion diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities in leadership and at home.

Keely-Hodgkinson-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Keely Hodgkinson, Olympic gold medallist — a new face of British sport, inspiring the next generation through raw talent, humility, and a fearless pursuit of greatness.

Adejoke-Bakare-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Adejoké Bakare, chef and restaurateur — the first Black woman in Britain to win a Michelin star, using her success to push for real change in the hospitality industry.

Kemi-Badenoch-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Opposition — the first Black leader of a major UK political party, navigating one of the toughest rebuilds in modern political history while pushing for equality of opportunity.

Tasha-Ghouri-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Tasha Ghouri, model and advocate — the first deaf contestant on Love Island and Strictly finalist, using her platform to challenge ableism and champion inclusion from classrooms to dance floors.

Layla-Moran-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Layla Moran, MP — the first MP of Palestinian descent, campaigning for women’s rights, a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to NDAs that silence survivors of sexual assault.

Julia-Donaldson-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Julia Donaldson, author — the creative force behind The Gruffalo and other beloved stories, now the UK’s top-selling author, using picture books to tackle big themes with heart and imagination.

Jess-Phillips-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Jess Phillips, MP and safeguarding minister — a fierce advocate for women’s safety, from naming every woman killed by a man in Parliament to driving laws that tackle deepfakes and drink spiking.

Carla-Denyer-The-Independent-x-Refuge-x-Sane-Seven

Carla Denyer, MP and Green Party co-leader — unseated a Labour frontbencher in a landmark win and now uses her platform to push for climate action, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic equity.

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