Serena Chamberlain is a BA Anthropology and Sociology graduate. In her second year of study, she founded a charitable organisation called Let’s Get Our Knickers in a Twist which focuses on providing underwear to vulnerable women. To date, Serena’s campaign has successfully donated over 10,000 pairs of underwear to women’s refuge centres in the UK and globally, with a new target of 100,000 pairs.
Tell us about your work
Since I was young, I have always been passionate about women’s rights and my studies enabled me to delve deeper into these issues which fuelled my determination to make a meaningful impact. I could never understand why girls and women were treated so differently and why both men and women were not doing their utmost to address this disparity.
About six years ago I began volunteering at a women’s refuge. After listening to many stories from both clients and staff concerning ladies who simply cannot afford underwear and are often in extremely vulnerable situations, I was inspired to start this campaign which accepts donations of unused packaged underwear and monetary donations to spend on buying such.
Due to an uprise in charity shopping and clothing donations, many women in need now have somewhat improved access to second-hand clothing; however, many people forget that the one item that charity shops cannot sell, and charities cannot take second-hand donations of is underwear due to personal hygiene reasons. Therefore, there is consequently a dire deficiency of brand-new underwear available for women who have little or no access to such a basic necessity.
Through our efforts, we aim to ensure that every woman, regardless of her circumstances, has access to this basic necessity. This work is not just about providing underwear; it’s about restoring dignity, fostering empowerment, and supporting women in their journey towards recovery and self-sufficiency.
How did you balance studying for a degree and running a charity?
I initially expected it to be a short-term donation drive however our first Pants Party fundraiser was a huge success and the overwhelming support made me realise the potential for this campaign to expand. In my third year, my academic workload increased significantly, and I often prioritised the charity when I saw the tangible impact we were making and there was never really a time where I could switch off from it. Additionally, managing my time was a challenge due to my ADD.
To cope a little better, I developed a system where I planned all charity-related tasks on weekends so I could focus on academic work and attend lectures during the week and dedicate my evenings to the campaign. I also scheduled emails to be sent the next day to maintain professionalism and efficiency. Balancing both commitments was tough at times but it was great to apply insights from my academic modules to the groups of women we were helping through the charity. I am proud to have graduated with a 2:1 and a successful charity. Now that I can dedicate all my time and energy to it, I am so excited to watch it grow and make a bigger impact.
Why are you so passionate about helping women in need?
Misogyny is a global epidemic, and it has always shocked me that we still live in a world where gender-based violence and women’s rights are such pressing issues. The world is largely designed by and for men, and there’s still so much progress to be made in achieving gender equality. This won’t happen unless everyone recognises their part in it; it’s no longer acceptable to simply not be part of the problem. We must all be active in creating change.
I’ve been extremely fortunate to have had a privileged upbringing and an amazing education, and I recognise that many people don’t have the same opportunities to give their time as I have. But this privilege has also given me a deep sense of responsibility. I am incredibly lucky compared to so many other women around the world. My mother, who has been a fabulous female figure in my life, constantly reminded me of my good fortune and educated me on the issues that many women face. Her influence has been instrumental in shaping my passion for women’s rights and empowerment.
For the past six years, I have volunteered and worked in women’s refuges and shelters. I’ve been lucky enough to be treated like a member of the team, participating in client therapy and advisory sessions, conducting home checks with women’s refuge clients, and speaking to vulnerable women and refuge staff about their most urgent needs. These experiences have shown me first-hand how essential this support is and how much these women rely on refuge centres.
It is truly heartbreaking to hear about the many women on waiting lists for support from these refuges that have had to be turned away. Due to this sector being so underfunded, many women remain unsupported by the critical services they provide. This stark reality drives my passion to make a difference.
Seeing the immediate impact of our work through Let’s Get Our Knickers in a Twist is incredibly motivating. By providing something as simple yet essential as new underwear can restore a sense of dignity and normalcy to women in crisis. This tangible change is what fuels my dedication to continue this work and advocate for the support and funding that women’s services desperately need.
How did your time at Durham inspire you and your charity?
The society aspect of Durham helped us to fundraise and spread the word, allowing us to see the campaign’s potential. My friends at Durham have also been fab, providing encouragement and support with events. Durham was the birthplace of our Pants Parties, a key part of our marketing strategy. I also won the Social Enterprise Fund which was a significant milestone in the charity’s journey, providing financial support and the motivation to keep pushing forward.
My Durham experience has also helped me grow as a person, teaching me not to care about others’ judgments- an essential trait when starting an organisation that aims to break down taboos and stigma. The environment has also allowed me to meet like-minded individuals passionate about my mission. For example, being part of the intersectional feminist society introduced me to a community of powerful, determined women who have been a great source of inspiration and support.
How does your work positively impact communities / the world around you?
Let’s Get Our Knickers in a Twist positively impacts communities by providing an essential item that should be a right for all women and spreading awareness about women’s hygiene needs. We provide education on the significance of providing new underwear to vulnerable women and how often female issues are overlooked. Each knicker donation represents dignity, hygiene, and empowerment. We all know what a new pair of pants feels like, so imagine if that was your only pair?
We started with a UK focus, but our impact has grown globally. We now host events worldwide and ensure that the underwear donations raised in a particular location benefit local women’s refuges. For example, after a fundraising event in Melbourne, we donated the proceeds to a Melbourne women’s refuge, directly supporting the community that contributed. This approach allows us to have a broader reach while maintaining a tangible impact in each area we serve.
Our fundraising events, such as Pants Parties, not only raise funds but also bring women together as a community, offering a sense of belonging and female solidarity. By creating spaces where women can support one another, we help rebuild community ties and foster mutual support. Our dual empowerment model supports both the recipients of the underwear and engages female volunteers through impactful fundraising efforts, creating a cycle of giving and growth that strengthens communities and extends our reach globally.
Please Get Your Knickers in a Twist today!
Follow us
https://www.instagram.com/letsgetourknickersinatwist
and donate if you can:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/provide-knickers-to-ladies-who-need-them-most
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/knickersinatwist
