Kate Smurthwaite is a comedian and political commentator and columnist who uses her influence wherever possible to promote the causes of women’s rights, ending violence, harassment and discrimination against women. She is media spokesperson for Abortion Rights UK, she teaches English voluntarily to female asylum seekers, organises and performs at benefits for charities including Eaves Housing, Rape Crisis and Daughters Of Eve. She has confronted senior politicians and extremist religious leaders on a range of TV and radio debates, and has written for both the Independent and the Guardian on issues such as the treatment of female asylum seekers, abortion and contraception access.