Annie Lennox has launched a new campaign designed to fight gender inequality ahead of International Women's Day (08.03.21)

Annie explained: "The Circle came from the notion of women connecting, supporting and inspiring each other to become advocates and change agents, through our passion, skills and ideas.

"The pandemic has shown that we are all connected, we are a global community, and we are asking people to commit to becoming global feminists. This means listening to the voices of all women. Sharing stories and connecting across communities.

"It is about standing in solidarity to end oppression, racial injustice, and violence and economic disempowerment. It is about building bridges with people across communities and finding ways to amplify their voices.

"I encourage you all to join our campaign and become global feminists. Let’s celebrate the change makers and people who inspire us, and at the same time make a pledge to women and girls everywhere."

The Circle supported more than 5,000 women and girls disproportionately affected by the pandemic in Asia, Africa and the UK in 2020.

And the organisation has revealed its determination to support even more women in the coming year.

Raakhi Shah, the CEO The Circle, shared: "International Women’s Day is always a key global moment to commit actions and make pledges towards gender equality and safety for all women and girls. History shows us that collective power can make change.

"By pledging to support grassroots organisations working on the frontline we can share resources with women and girls across the world, and we can build bridges to a world where women and girls are a step closer to living in a world with equal rights."