Boost for women's projects

Women behind the Reclaim These Streets vigils have raised more than £525,000 for women’s groups.

The movement, a reaction to the murder of Sarah Everard, inspired more than 22,000 people to donate to help causes protecting women.

The money will go to Rosa, a charity that specialises in making grants to support women’s and girls’ organisations in the UK.

Anna Birley, one of the organisers, said: “We are a group of people who got together because we felt sad and scared and angry, and asked if there is anything we can do to try and remember Sarah Everard and all women who experience harassment, and to call for change.

“We thought we were planning a vigil that might draw a few hundred people.”

Reclaim These Streets chose not to link the fundraiser to a specific charity because they wanted to be able to support a broad range of organisations.

Newly formed and without professional experience working on women’s issues, the campaign group did not want to commit the funds without research. They were also still feeling their way to working together, just a few days after making initial contact.

But they were under pressure to announce a decision fast, with demands on social media for an immediate spending plan and more information about the structure of Reclaim These Streets.

Rosa has previously distributed money raised in response to the #MeToo movement, and its work includes helping small charities apply for grants and meet accountability requirements, something larger groups have full-time staff to manage.