Women's rights is at the heart of ActionAid's work.

So when we wanted a band to make us a mixtape for International Women's Day, we thought of Gallows, what with Orchestra of Wolves having some right interesting things to say about gender and violence against women.

Guitarist and main songwriter Laurent Bernard picked out ten songs on the theme of 'women'. Support ActionAid by buying the songs, or listen to the playlist for free on Spotify.

Kate Bush - This Woman's Work buy
Laurent: "Whenever there is a sad moment on TV there is a 20% chance this song is played in the background."

Against Me! - Borne On The FM Waves OF The Heart buy
Laurent: "I love this band and this song is made all the better thanks to the guest appearance of Tegan Quinn from Tegan and Sara."

Weezer - Why Bother buy
Laurent: "Ever avoided getting into a relationship for fear of getting hurt? Well Rivers sings about his refusal to go out with a girl he likes for this very reason."

Gwen Stefani - Cool buy
Laurent: "This song reminds me of Cyndi Lauper back in the 80s, not a bad thing!"

Air - All I Need buy
Laurent: "The lead vocals are so soft and the video to this song presents in documentary style a young couple in love."

Dashboard Confessional - Hands Down buy
Laurent: "Perfect song about when you first start going out with a girl. Rivers from Weezer should listen to it!"

Madonna - Hung Up buy
Laurent: "Probably one of the most successful female pop singers, and though I love her 80s stuff this recent hit is pretty good too!"

Kate Nash - Foundations buy
Laurent: "My favourite UK female singer and this is an amazing song."

Sleeper - Inbetweener buy
Laurent: "I saw this band play when I was young, awesome girl fronted indie."

Goldfrapp - Number 1 buy
Laurent: "We played a festival with Goldfrapp. She's a master of many genres of music!"

Click here to find out more about our women's rights work

Back to music shop homepage.