Airbnb and Women’s Aid take a stand against domestic abuse on IWD

In honour of International Women’s Day, Airbnb has donated £236,000 (USD $300,000) to Women’s Aid as part of the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. The donation will support the charity’s work to end domestic abuse against women and children with more support for local services.

Airbnb will also work with Women’s Aid to provide training for UK-based Airbnb staff and its Host community. The training will equip them with the knowledge and tools to recognise and respond to signs of abuse and build upon Airbnb’s existing policies on Women’s Safety informed by expert organisations, such as Vital Voices, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Polaris and more. 

To further raise awareness about domestic abuse and the role we can all play in building a society where it is no longer tolerated, Women’s Aid and Airbnb hosted a panel discussion on International Women’s Day. The panel brought together experts and advocates, including Women’s Aid CEO, Farah Nazeer, patron Melanie Brown MBE, Dame Louise Casey CB, and Airbnb Northern Europe General Manager, Amanda Cupples, to discuss the importance of ending domestic abuse against women and children and creating safe spaces for survivors. 

“We are delighted to be working alongside Airbnb this year, which marks our 50th as a federation. I am incredibly grateful to Airbnb for their generous donation of $300,000, as well as their wider commitment to working with us to train Airbnb staff and the Host community in the UK, to help them recognise and respond to domestic abuse.

“Domestic abuse remains devastatingly common and while we know that there is no silver bullet to solve this significant social issue, we also know that the only way to fight it effectively is for us to come together. Men, women, young people, individuals, businesses – we all have the power to initiate change. Businesses play an important role when it comes to supporting women going through abuse and ensuring that they feel supported and believed, helping them take those first steps towards a life free from abuse. It is great to see a brand as recognisable and respected as Airbnb taking a lead in this space and working with us to build a society in which domestic abuse is no longer tolerated.”

Farah Nazeer, CEO at Women’s Aid

“As a proud Patron of Women’s Aid and a survivor, I know only too well we need everyone – including businesses like Airbnb – to help us build a world where domestic abuse is no longer tolerated. Everyone has a responsibility to learn more and do what they can to support those breaking free from abusive relationships. Feeling safe and understood means everything.”

Melanie Brown MBE

The donation to Women’s Aid represents another significant milestone in Airbnb’s commitment to help end domestic abuse on a global scale. In Ireland, Airbnb’s long-standing partnership with Safe Ireland provided free emergency accommodation to survivors during the pandemic and launched the ‘Survivor Fund’ to provide grants to women and children escaping abuse. Airbnb has also supported domestic abuse organisations in Spain, France, New York, Chicago, New Orleans and California.

“We are proud to take a stand against domestic abuse and support Women’s Aid’s life saving work. We are committed to supporting survivors and creating a safer environment for all. We know that domestic abuse can affect anyone including our staff and community and we are committed to do our part to help end abuse.”

Amanda Cupples, General Manager at Airbnb for Northern Europe

The donation to Women’s Aid comes from the Airbnb Community Fund which was established in 2020 as part of our commitment to share our success with our stakeholders. The Airbnb Community Fund will distribute $100 million by the end of 2030 to strengthen communities around the world.  

Further donations can be made to Women’s Aid at www.womensaid.org.uk/give/donate/

For more information contact: Press@womensaid.org.uk