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"The Power of Unity has a shape, and it's the Circle."

The Circle, founded by Annie Lennox in 2008, is an organization of Global Feminists fighting for a world where women and girls have equal rights and equal opportunities. They work with grassroots organizations to support women and girls experiencing gender-based violence and economic inequality. By working with women-led grassroots, they mobilize the communities with the right tools to demand for systemic changes and sustainable solutions to the issues that affect their lives.

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History shows us that when women come together positive change can be achieved. Together we will address the root causes of gender inequality and fight for the safety and equality of women and girls around the world.

We invite you to join and celebrate the collective power of women and allies to change the world. Become part of The Circle's growing network of global feminists working to empower, support, advocate and convene.

Hear Her. Empower Her.

Join our International Women's Day campaign to hear and empower women across the world. Stand in solidarity with women and girls across the world and donate to provide sanctuary and support to women experiencing violence, abuse, and poverty.

Learn more

ANNIE LENNOX
singer, songwriter & activist

The Circle sprang from the notion that when women support, connect and inspire each other to become advocates and change agents, we can create transformative change. This notion drives our work today and sets our ambitions for a fairer world for women and girls in the future.

As a woman, a mother, an activist, and founder of The Circle, I know that we still have much to do to empower women and end the violence that so many face. At a time when so much polarity and division exist, our vision for 'global feminism' offers people from every walk of life, background, gender, or sexual orientation a chance to break down division and join the global community. It ensures we stand shoulder to shoulder in support of human rights, justice and equality for women and girls everywhere and especially in some of the world's most vulnerable countries.

Our work is ever more important. The World Health Organization estimates that one in three women around the world will face physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. It is endemic. It is close. It is a living reality for millions of women.

I am committed to The Circle creating long-lasting change and contributing to the global movement for women's equal rights to economic empowerment and freedom from violence. My hope for women and girls everywhere is that we create a better future in a world free from violence and poverty. We can all make a difference and I call on you to join us in the fight for a better world. Your voice, skills, and resources can all make a powerful difference.

Join us on the journey!
Annie Lennox, Founder of The Circle

Global Feminism means we leave no woman behind. We look at women's rights through a global lens to ensure equality of rights made available for all women and girls in every corner of the world.

WHO WE SUPPORT

We fight for the rights and support the safety of the most vulnerable women and girls across the world, especially in the Global South and the UK. Our focus is on Economic Empowerment and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

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WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Millions of women globally live in fear of the horror of violence, abuse, and poverty. In partnership with women we collaborate to end the silence and empower all women to raise their voices. Together we can break the barriers to injustice.

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OUR IMPACT

Since 2008, The Circle has raised over £2.5 million, supporting over 160,000 women and girls in more than 16 countries, and we have advocated globally for the rights of women.

OUR IMPACT

In the words of bell hooks

"global feminism means to reach out and join global struggles to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression."

bell hooks, acclaimed feminist, author, and activist

1 in 3 women across the world will experience gender based violence in their lifetime.

GLOBAL FEMINIST MANIFESTO

As Global Feminists we fight for gender equality for women and girls in every corner of the world. Global Feminism is our guiding light through which we empower, support, advocate and convene women from across the world. Together we address the root causes of gender inequality and fight for a fairer world.

AS GLOBAL FEMINISTS WE:

01

Show up and ask what we can do

02

Listen, learn, and evolve our understanding

03

Recognise and interrogate our privilege and prejudice

04

Amplify the importance of women's lived experience

05

Actively participate in ongoing and long-lasting transformation

Global Feminists Speak Up

Your voice, skills, and resources can all make a powerful difference. Watch this film, made in partnership with Apple Music and with support from global names including Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Yola, V (formerly Eve Ensler), Emeli Sande, Hozier, Paloma Faith, Eddie Izzard, Gwendoline Christie, Farhan Akhtar, Beverley Knight, Mary J Blige and more.

OUR LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS

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Skip to content History shows us that when women come together positive change can be achieved. Together we will address the root causes of gender inequality and fight for the safety and equality of women and girls around the world. We invite you to join and celebrate the collective power of women and allies to change the world.

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Annie Lennox performing at Live 8's "Final Push" in Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium on the 6th July, 2005,  for The Band Aid Trust raising money to fight poverty around the world.

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Annie Lennox - Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves

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Solidarity and Action with Women Everywhere

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Solidarity and Action with Women Everywhere

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The Circle's call to action: To stand in solidarity and action with women to fight against violence and discrimination and demand access to justice, safety, and opportunity. When we support women, we support progress for all.

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Annie Lennox speaks to NBC OUT about her HIV/AIDS advocacy and her encounter with Nelson Mandela that ignited her activism.

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Annie Lennox: ‘AIDS isn’t over...we still have a long way to go’

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Singer-songwriter Annie Lennox talks to NBC OUT about about her HIV/AIDS advocacy work and what inspired her to join the fight to end the epidemic.

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Annie Lennox is a singer-songwriter, social activist, human rights campaigner, and front-line community worker.

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The Circle works in partnership with women-led feminists organization working in the frontline of their communities.

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We are honoured to work in partnership with women-led Global Feminist organisations working on the frontline in their communities. They not only empower women and girls, they provide sanctuary and vital support to women & girls when they are in crisis. They share our mission to provide economic empowerment and to end violence for women & girls. Our holistic approach includes allyship, lending our voice and our sisterhood, funding, amplifying the voices of women, advocating for their rights and creating spaces which foster collaboration and celebrate the collective power of women.

PREVIOUS PROJECTS

Since 2008, The Circle has worked with grassroots organisations to support women and girls worldwide. Gender discrimination can affect any aspect of a woman's life, which is why we have worked on a broad range of issues: education, economic and political empowerment, services to women and girls affected by HIV/AIDS, and more. Here are a few of them.

Supporting Girls in Uganda

With our partner project, Irise we supported over 2,000 girls at risk of falling out of school in Uganda with a menstrual hygiene education toolkit. During the pandemic our support pivoted to ensure young girls could continue in education and access emergency support.

Find out more

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Skip to content We are honoured to work in partnership with women-led Global Feminist organisations working on the frontline in their communities. They not only empower women and girls, they provide sanctuary and vital support to women & girls when they are in crisis.

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March 2025, Annie Lennox hosted a benefit concert with her favourite artists and special guest speakers to raise funds for The Circle's programs and campaigns.

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Annie Lennox on Instagram: "I’m absolutely delighted to announce the line-up of artists, speakers and special guests taking part in The Circle’s inaugural SISTERS event!

@celeste @misanharriman @nadineshah @rioghnachconnolly @claraamfo + some surprise guests on the night!

It’s been amazing to have so many of my favourite artists answering the call to support @thecirclengo’s mission of empowering women and girls globally. The fact that tickets sold out in minutes, has been life affirming, especially as I recently celebrated my 70th year on the planet!

I’m thrilled we can still offer a chance to attend, via the ‘For One Night Only’ (@fonoevents) prize draw, which includes access to the show and my soundcheck.
The money raised will help support some of the world’s most marginalised women and girls. As women’s rights are being rolled back, the need has never been greater

The prize draw is live on Crowdfunder now, with entries closing on 23rd February – to enter visit foronenightonly.org

Annie L x"

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3,191 likes, 95 comments - officialannielennox on February 4, 2025: "I’m absolutely delighted to announce the line-up of artists, speakers and special guests taking part in The Circle’s inaugural SISTERS event!

@celeste @misanharriman @nadineshah @rioghnachconnolly @claraamfo + some surprise guests on the night!

It’s been amazing to have so many of my favourite artists answering the call to support @thecirclengo’s mission of empowering women and girls globally. The fact that tickets sold out in minutes, has been life affirming, especially as I recently celebrated my 70th year on the planet!

I’m thrilled we can still offer a chance to attend, via the ‘For One Night Only’ (@fonoevents) prize draw, which includes access to the show and my soundcheck.
The money raised will help support some of the world’s most marginalised women and girls. As women’s rights are being rolled back, the need has never been greater

The prize draw is live on Crowdfunder now, with entries closing on 23rd February – to enter visit foronenightonly.org

Annie L x". 

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A post shared by Annie Lennox (@officialannielennox)

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She released the single SING, featuring 23 other artists. Shortly after she founded the SING Campaign which was inspired by South African activist Nelson Mandela's awareness to fight HIV/AIDS through his benefit concert.

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Annie Lennox shares an exclusive essay with Glamour Magazine. She shares her vision for the world and how Global Feminism can empower women to create transformative changes.

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Annie Lennox: ‘When we support feminist movements, transformation happens’

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“Connect with people who inspire and uplift you.”

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The Circle recognizes and honours these passionate women's rights activists, who are a part of their Global Feminists network, for their commitment to standing in solidarity and action with marginalised and vulnerable women and girls.

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This #16DaysofActivism, we are incredibly proud to introduce our new Circle Champions! Julia Gillard Skin Mary Robinson Brandi Carlile V: Formerly Eve Ensler Barbara Broccoli These incredible women are long-established supporters of The Circle and passionate women’s rights activists challenging the status quo. As The Circle’s Champions, we recognise their…

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Annie Lennox on Women & Girls and Youth Activism at the Skoll World Forum

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Annie Lennox on Women & Girls and Youth Activism at the Skoll World Forum

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Annie Lennox on Women & Girls and Youth Activism at the Skoll World Forum

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Annie Lennox collaborates with Soundwaves artworks. She signed copies of the artwork to be auctioned. Profits will go War Child UK, a non-government organization who works to protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of children caught in war.

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Eurythmics: “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” (Originals)

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Original Soundwaves artwork created from the audio recording of Eurythmics iconic breakthrough hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)”. Annie Lennox kindly signed these prints while she was in London in March, 2025. The profits from this collection will benefit War Child UK. There is a handwritten lyric from Annie with

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Lennox is also known for wearing a shirt with the words HIV Positive, in solidarity with those affected with HIV/AIDS. The goal is to reduce stigma with HIV/AIDS and to normalize the disease as people can still live their lives with appropriate treatment.

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The SING Campaign - HIV Positive T-shirt

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 Annie lennox with the African Children's Choir

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What elements or themes stood out to you through lyrics and/or music video?

"There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives." - Audre Lorde, frequently used in Lennox's speeches. What does this quote suggest?

What role does music play in raising awareness for social issues? Any other artists that come to mind that are also outspoken on issues in society?

Connecting our Thursday class on intersectionality and social location, in considering Lennox's social identity/appearance/background, what are some of the reasons/privileges she holds that makes it so she is able to continue releasing music through record labels even with her unwavering support for humanitarian issues?