Bringing disabled women together, mobilising
and sharing through lived experiences
A Tribute to Sophie Partridge
Sophie being photographed, part of the video shoot for Women Speak Out!
Sophie Partridge
Sophie Partridge left us last Monday – June 5th – it was unexpected and a shock to many of us who know her as friend, colleague, writer, performer and campaigner. In the video for Women Speak out, (as part of Sisters of Frida’s contribution to the Women Resource Centre’s ‘stories about everyday inequality’), she said she was a creative practitioner and she worked in the arts and that kind of ‘arty farty things’. But anyone who knows her know that she was being very unassuming there because she had achieved much in her career. Not to mention her campaign work for the Independent Living Fund before it closed.
Meeting with Alexia Manombe-Ncube, Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs, from Namibia
She was also one of Sisters of Frida’s Steering Group members. We will never forget how she was willing to pitch in and do whatever she can to help – even to the extent of hosting a steering group committee meeting in her home. She took part in the Disabled Women’s Voices from the Frontline reading her poem on London (with Penny Pepper) and brought her mother with her because she was also due for a family event that day.
She shared her interests with intersectional issues with us by active participation in various events on gender, disability and sexuality, meeting with Lydia X.Z. Brown who came for the Women in the World Festival. She met with Alexia Manombe-Ncube Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs from Namibia, to talk about Independent Living in the UK and discuss best practice to follow.
Sophie was smart, articulate and superb at engaging and connecting with people from across differnt backgrounds. She contributed hugely to the work of Sisters of Frida and the Independent Living movement. Her legacy will be that she will continue to shape and influence the work of Sisters of Frida. Our condolences to her family and friends.
Some tributes from Sisters of Frida:
Michelle Daley
​”Sophie was a true campaigner and advocate for equality issues for Disabled People. She had a huge character which was well loved. She was one of the few campaigners that spoke out about intersectionality and it’s the relevance to disabled women particularly around the issues to achieve independent living. Her dedication and commitment to the work of Sisters of Frida will be missed.”
“Sophie was a powerhouse whose spirit and enthusiasm for life was infectious. I will miss her humour and her ability to make everyone feel at ease”
“So so sad to lose a amazing amazing talented funny caring and passionate colleague and someone I was just getting to know as a friend.”
“I cannot believe that we have lost a comrade, friend and fellow campaigner. I shall never forget the spark that is her and how she lit up the room when she joined us.”​
some of the AGM2017 attendees
Some links about /or showing Sophie’s work/s
The Stage – Actor and disability campaigner Sophie Partridge diesÂ
Graeae In memory of Sophie Partridge
Sophie Partridge – Shape Creatives: a film by David Hevey
Writer and performer Sophie Partridge on the closure of the Independent Living Fund
Sophie Partridge tells a story
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written by Sisters of Frida team
From Jacqueline Winstanley
Its not easy being an activist , never more so than during the recent erosion of the rights and protections of disabled people under the guise of austerity cuts
A true empath feels the impact of injustice at every stage
Some people are blessed with the clarity of vision integrity and purpose to challenge injustice wherever it occurs in the pursuit if a better life for others
Sophie was one such person who will be remembered for her personality and absolute commitment to the rights and protections of others