8th March 2023

Lee & Thompson’s Women’s Network invited Eliza Hatch (@cheerupluv) – an activist, artist, podcaster and speaker – to speak to the firm on International Women’s Day 2023 about her inspirational work and her mission to end to sexual harassment.

Eliza launched Cheer Up Luv in 2016 after being told to “cheer up” by a stranger in the street.  After her male friends dismissed the experience as a “compliment”, Eliza felt inspired to prove them wrong, realising that the issue was completely normalised in society and that there was a huge lack of awareness surrounding it.  Eliza launched a platform to share her photographs of survivors of harassment in the place that the incident took place – whether it be a bus, train, bar or walking along the street.  Since it has launched Eliza has empowered survivors and used her art and her voice to speak up about sexual harassment.

She spoke to the firm at lunch time today about her experiences and the issues surrounding her work which led to a fascinating discussion on the topic and gave us all food for thought this International Women’s Day.

Eliza’s exhibition Hysterical launches on 14 March until 25 March 2023 at the Bermondsey Project Space, celebrating subversive art by women and people of marginalised genders.  Click here for more information.