The Gemini Project is a grassroots, survivor-led non-profit working to end sexual violence through advocacy, education and campaigns. We are volunteers and are 100% reliant on public donations to cover the costs of continuing our work.
The Gemini Project was co-founded by Verity and Lucy Nevitt in 2018 and after five years leading the Justice For Gaia campaign, Marienna Pope-Weidemann joined The Gemini Project team, where we work together for justice for all survivors.
Advocacy & Campaigns
As well as dispelling myths and demanding justice in the media, we advocate for survivors’ rights and work with key decision-makers and movement allies to influence government policy to meet survivors’ needs.
Our current flagship campaigns include:
- Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) – since June 2020 we have been campaigning to bring an end to abusive lawfare against survivors. As part of the UK Anti-SLAPP coalition we are calling for stand alone Anti-SLAPP legislation.
- The Gaia Principle for police accountability which would support survivors failed by the police to hold them to account.
Education
Drawing on our professional expertise and lived experience, The Gemini Project team delivers presentations, keynotes and participatory workshops for young people, parents and the professionals who work with them. We work with schools, charities and civil society organisations.
Our bespoke workshops are tailored specifically for each event and the people in the room. We cover a range of topics, including empowerment-based safeguarding, consent education and practical tools for parents and professionals to support survivors.
Meet the Trainers
Verity Nevitt, Director of Policy and Advocacy.
Verity (she/her) is an activist, Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) and co-founder of The Gemini Project. Verity leads on our parliamentary public affairs work, stakeholder management and our campaign on SLAPPs. She holds a Level 3 certification in safeguarding children and safeguarding adults.
Marienna Pope-Weidemann, Director of Campaigns & Communications.
Marienna (she/her) is an activist, writer and movement builder with fifteen years’ experience in storytelling for social change and a background in intersectional justice work. She has written for the Guardian, the Independent, the i and al Jazeera and her upcoming book, The State of Britain is Killing Us, collects the stories of changemakers bereaved by state violence in the UK.
Testimonials
“The session was brilliant and made a huge impact. It was powerful, practical and empowering. There were over 250 professionals in the room and you could have heard a pin drop.” – David Smellie, Partner, Farrer & Co.
“Marienna is a professional whose passion is matched by her ability, someone who is able to communicate with astonishing impact. With her telling of Gaia’s story, I have seen Marienna move people to understand the impact on individuals, the community but also society.” – Jayne Butler, Former Chief Executive, Rape Crisis England & Wales.
“As a survivor of sexual assault and a determined campaigner for social justice and reform of our criminal justice system, Verity speaks with composure, eloquence and wisdom. She is a pleasure to work with, as organised and thoughtful as she is passionate and resolute.” – Alex Colclough, Director of Safeguarding, Charterhouse.
“Their message is incredibly important to hear as a parent. Marienna spoke so earnestly and openly, giving real power to her story – a story that many more need to hear.” – N Hinton.
“Great working with The Gemini Project on our recent #publicdisco event, a coproduction with a committee of activists with lived experience of discrimination. Verity made a valued and substantial contribution on the organising committee, and was an expert panellist at the live event, delivering a practical and effective presentation on influencing law and policy.” – Public Law Project
The Gemini Project 