Preventing violence against women and girls

The 16 Days of Activism campaign allows us to reflect on how we can play a role in supporting the prevention violence and abuse against women and girls.

CARE has asked well-known activists and feminists to share recommendations for powerful reads and movies to inspire and inform about issues contributing to violence against women and girls. We’d love to hear your recommendations too – tag us on social and we can all help #ChangeTheStory for women and girls.

I recommend the short film 'Dear Daddy', 12 powerful minutes depicting the life of a girl yet to be born into a society that tolerates violence against women. Gentle yet stark, its impact leaves you reeling."
Helen Pankhurst, Senior Gender Equality Adviser CARE International UK

Helen Pankhurst on stage speaking into a microphone

I recommend The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. It reads as a shocking work of fiction, yet every example of abuse of women in the book is actually happening to women."

Bianca Jagger, social and human rights advocate

I recommend the movie Hidden Figures, based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s book, that commemorates 3 incredible Black women, particularly the racism and social inequalities that demonstrate violence is not just physical but also invisible structural barriers targeted at women."
Shola Mos-Shogbabimu, social and human rights advocate

I recommend the documentary Afghanistan: No country for women. Through secret filming, Ramiro Navai powerfully exposes violence against women under Taliban rule. We must not turn our backs on Afghan women."

Baroness Shaista Gohir OBE

I would recommend the film Promising Young Woman. Whilst I wouldn’t endorse a vigilante approach to tackling gender-based violence the film does a tremendous job of illustrating its impact."
Professor Rosie Campbell, Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership

Rosie Campbell smiles to camera, sitting on a sofa

The film She Said depicts the unfolding phenomenon of the 'Me Too' movement – it’s vital viewing for anyone who cares about ending impunity for those who use their power to abuse women."

Zelda Perkins, Founder - Can't Buy My Silence

To try to explain what Ukrainian women are going through, I turn to the Ukrainian poet Lina Kostenko, who puts the pain we have gone through into words the way no one else can."
Daria Khrystenko, Ukrainian refugee and CARE Poland Communication Officer

Read Lina Kostenko's poetry

I would recommend Unbelievable on Netflix. Inspired by true events, it is an eye-opening insight into how very badly survivors of sexual violence can be failed by the system that is supposed to give them justice."

Laura Bates, Founder - Everyday Sexism

"I recommend Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You. In this extraordinary television series Coel explores the meaning of consent and the impact of sexual violence in ways that are troubling, surprising and, in the end, liberating."
Natasha Walter, Author and Founder of Women for Refugee Women

I want people to understand the clear link between the climate catastrophe, and the rise in violence against women. Please read my essay to understand that women’s rights are among the major casualties of our failure to halt global warming."

Adenike Oladasu, ecofeminist and climate activist

The protection of our planet, and the protection of women’s rights, are intertwined

I am in awe of African American writers and Audre Lorde is no exception. 'Zami: A new spelling of my name' is a poignant exploration of her identity and relationships and is an absolute must read."
Dr. Sarabajaya Kumar, lived experience leader and equality activist

I recommend this Ted Talk to anyone who seeks to understand the link between the climate crisis and child marriage - and that there is no climate justice without gender justice."

Marlene Achoki, CARE Climate Justice Global Policy Co-lead

Ted Talk: How the climate crisis drives child marriage

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