16 Days of Activism: 16 inspirational stories | CARE International UK

25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, which runs from now until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Right now, the catastrophic effects of climate change and hikes in food and fuel prices are being felt around the world.

But no matter how big the crisis, we cannot afford to ignore violence against women and girls. During times of crisis, the risk of violence against women and girls and child marriage increases sharply.

In countries hardest hit by the global hunger crisis, reported cases of violence against women and girls have risen by as much as 200% since last year.

When we work with women, girls, their families and communities to address the harmful social norms which put them at risk, women and girls are safer and violence decreases.

In solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence around the world, we are sharing 16 inspirational stories of activism. Together with the women featured in these stories, CARE is working to #ChangeTheStory and combat the causes and consequences of violence against women and girls.

Amparo, Ecuador

"I have met many women survivors of violence, seeing the reality of women up close, how many times they can break that cycle of violence, and how many times not. That impressive capacity for resilience that women survivors of violence have, that is what motivates me, because I know they can get out of there."

In her role at the Federation of Women of Sucumbios, Ecuador, Amparo supports survivors of violence and their families, and campaigns for the eradication of violence against women and girls.

Mikre, Ethiopia

"I was selected to be part of a CARE project that helps girls. The first thing I learned was to stop early marriage. My mother was thinking of arranging a marriage for my sister. Kids should be in school, not a marriage. I stopped the marriage, now my sisters will get married when they want to after completing school and they will marry the person they choose.”

Mikre was determined to stay in school when her mother tried to force her to marry age 12. Now she is fighting to stop other girls from having a similar experience.

Mary, South Sudan

“I have overcome my fear of men and walking by myself. I have also joined a youth group in the community that creates awareness on gender-based violence and other issues affecting my community.”

Mary and her brothers fled South Sudan and were attacked by armed soldiers. Luckily, they were able to fight them off. CARE provided Mary and her brothers with a shelter and psychosocial support.

Mary carries a water container on her head

Janet, Democratic Republic of the Congo

“I saw a lot of women were stressed, oppressed and they did not want to speak out. When CARE trained us, we understood, got empowered and knew we had a right to report incidents of gender-based violence.”

Janet is a Congolese refugee living in Uganda and a survivor of violence and abuse. After training with CARE, she now supports women to overcome trauma, improve their livelihoods and provide a voice for the vulnerable in their community.

Janet with one arm raised looking proud and defiant

Hadjo, Niger

“Everything happened thanks to CARE. Because I learnt to read and write, I wanted to become a politician. I feel proud and strong. This is something that can happen to anyone if they put their mind to it.”

Hadjo is one of the most politically active women in Niger. After being trained in children’s and women’s rights, she was elected to Council. Today she fights for all girls in Niger to go to school and for all women to be their own boss.

Jemina, Uganda

Jemina is an orphan living in a refugee settlement in Uganda. At just 12 years old, she became pregnant after being assaulted.

CARE is working on finding her a foster family as well as providing her with psychosocial and medical support.

Jemina photographed from behind, looking out over a refugee camp

Ruma, Bangladesh

"I know first-hand the risks women face in the workplace. A shocking 80% of garment workers in Bangladesh have either seen or directly experienced sexual violence or harassment in the workplace. I work for the female workers. I am always beside them."

Ruma is the President of a Community Worker Association in Bangladesh. She speaks out for her fellow workers to feel safer and more empowered in the workplace. She persuaded local authorities to install better lighting so women feel safer when walking home at night.

Nasra, Somalia

"I looked at the FGM tragedy that happened to me, the tragedy that befell my mother, the tragedy that has happened to us all, and now we stand to change that so the next generation can be safe from the risk of FGM.

Start with my children, my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren. Women around the world have the right to security and freedom both physically and mentally."

After training with CARE, Nasra lead an awareness campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somalia. She stands for women and girls to make sure the next generation is safe from FGM.

Nasra stands in front of a building wearing a bright green headscarf

Shanti, Pakistan

"I have experienced people not wanting to hear about the importance of women’s rights, but slowly we have started to change people’s mindsets and gain their trust. My message to other women is to be strong, independent and know your rights."

Shanti is a community worker in Pakistan. She works to promote girls' education and raise awareness of harmful practices, such as early marriage. She is passionate about helping communities advocate for themselves and women having a voice.

Halatu, South Sudan

“Now I feel I can manage to help my community. I can help women raise their voices. I am now a proud woman who is empowered because I can voice other people's issues and also provide basic needs for my family.”

Halatu fled violence in South Sudan and now lives in a refugee camp in Uganda. She leads a women’s group at the camp. They recently organised a peaceful boycott which compelled humanitarian agencies to address women's safety issues raised by the group.

Sylvie, Burundi

"My greatest ambition is to contribute to ensuring that there is no more violence against women in our community. I would encourage other women to get involved in associations and to get elected into decision-making bodies. I believe that when we are more numerous, there will be less violence against women.”

Sylvie received training in women's leadership from CARE. Inspired, she decided to run for public office and is now Chief of her community working to stop violence against women and girls.

Ann, Kenya

"Because I once worked as a domestic worker, I have first-hand experience of the dangers women face as they work in the confines of the home. Women need strong legal protection against violence and harassment wherever and whenever they work."

Ann works for a women’s organisation in Kenya, helping to protect domestic workers from violence and abuse. During the Covid pandemic, when violence against domestic workers increased, she had the ingenious idea of handing out hand sanitiser with a helpline number on it, which women could keep in their handbags at all times.

Ann in front of a banner that says 'Women's voice and leadership programme'

Rosine, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Rosine fled from her village in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with her parents and three brothers. They were attacked by armed men. Her parents and two of her brothers were killed. She was assaulted.

After reaching a refugee settlement in Uganda, she received medical care and psychosocial support from CARE.

Shirleen, Fiji

"For most people, it’s just another story, just another statistic. But the reality is: it’s women you know, who are your friends, your family. Most people turn a blind eye. But violence in the home leads to death. That’s why safety planning and support networks are so important."

Shirleen is a passionate advocate for gender equality and access to support for survivors of violence and abuse in her work as CARE International’s Pacific Gender and Inclusion Senior Advisor.

Shirleen smiling against a backdrop of palm trees

Astella, Ethiopia

“I know the severity of the pain, so I advise my daughters to not marry early or give birth early. I tell them you can marry any time when you are physically, emotionally, and economically ready.”

Astella is one of 15 million child brides in Ethiopia. With four in ten girls marrying before they turn 18, Ethiopia has one of the highest early marriage rates in the world. Now she has six children, and advocates against early marriage. She has told her daughters to wait, and her two oldest are going to college.

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16 Days of Activism: 16 inspirational women

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