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#SheDares. Will You?

Women’s rights are under attack across the world, whether it’s our right to speak up against injustice, choose what to wear, or decide what happens to our bodies. 

But women dare to challenge oppression with acts of defiance — even in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances.  

It’s time to join them.   

#SheDares  

Will you?

 A Global Campaign to Champion the Women Who Dare

#SheDares is a movement to galvanize support for women survivors of war who stand up for their rights and bring change. It’s a celebration of the bravery of all women: our friends, our families, ourselves.  

And it’s a rallying cry. 

As we approach the 16 Days of Activism, we dare you to join us and honor the daring women in your life. 

16 Days of Activism 2023

Since 1991, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence takes place every year between 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) and 10th December (Human Rights Day) to raise awareness of, and prevent violence against women and girls.

Violence against women takes many forms, from harassment to intimate partner violence, to sexual violence being used as a weapon of war.

Women for Women International was established in 1993 to help survivors of sexual violence during the 1992 - 1995 conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the belief that stronger women build stronger nations. We continue to work with the most socially excluded women in countries affected by conflict across the world.

Most of the women we work with are affected by violence against women, including sexual violence. It is an obstacle in allowing them to live dignified lives, free from fear.

In addition to sexual violence being used as a weapon of war, at times of crisis, women are more likely to face domestic violence. But it is not a reality they are accepting. They dare to stand up and say, "No more! #NoExcuses!" 

SHEDARES 16 days

What You Can Do to Mark 16 Days of Activism? 

STIGMA STOPS WOMEN FROM SPEAKING ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES OF VIOLENCE

Fear and shame stop people from reporting or discussing their experiences of violence, but we must break the silence in order to end it. Each and every one of us has the power to raise our voices against dangerous norms and behaviors.

Your voice, your actions, have the power to help make a change.

#SheDares, will you?

Here are some ways you can take action now: 

1. Support and Receive Exclusive Bracelet:

Join the #SheDares global movement by supporting courageous women survivors of war who stand up for their rights despite the risks. 

Donate $25 or more and receive a limited edition #SheDares bracelet handmade by women survivors of war, as worn by Hillary Clinton, Priyanka Chopra, Alison Pill, and many more incredible supporters.

2. Listen to the Special Episode of Our Podcast: 

In this episode, we’ll hear from Rose in the DRC about her experience, and Nisha talks to Dr Leyla Hussein, a renowned psychotherapist who provides support to survivors of sexual violence and is a global campaigner for gender rights.   

3. Take the Quiz to Find Out What's Your Activism Style 

activism style quiz

This quiz will take less than 5 minutes, and at the end, you will be given tips that will help you use your strengths for greater impact.

TAKE THE QUIZ

4. Join Our 16 Days of Activism Self-Defense Workshop with Colleen Daly

Wednesday, December 6th at 11AM ET / 8AM PT / 4PM GMT

self-defense class

Join us to learn the fundamentals of self-defense in this woman-led, intensive, and trauma-informed virtual workshop seminar. The goal is to make you feel confident, secure, and powerful in your body. Participants can expect to learn basic fighting stance, movement, striking, groundwork, wrestling, de-escalation, verbal advocacy, and solutions to self-defense scenarios commonly used on women such as front chokes. Be sure to bring a pillow/cushion to the class.

REGISTER FOR FREE

5. Learn About Violence Against Women 

Change Agents Nigeria
Women who complete our Change Agents program advocate against Violence Against Women in their communities. Photo: Monilekan

16 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Did you know that in conflict zones, for every one rape that is reported, between 10-20 are not?

Read our blog to learn 16 facts about violence against women.

READ NOW

6. Share on Social Media:

Help us elevate the campaign! Let women across the globe know that when #SheDares, we've got her back.   

This toolkit comes with everything you need to raise your voice to end Violence Against Women as part of our 16 Days of Activism campaign.

7. Meet the Women Who Dare End Violence Against Women: 

SheDares 16 Days

Susan, from South Sudan

Susan SS

War has taken so much from Suzan – loved ones, financial security, stability – but she has always fought to protect her children. When her daughter became pregnant and faced forced marriage, Suzan dared to defy her family and communal pressures. And now, she helps others dare to do the same. 

READ HER STORY 

Faizah, from Iraq

Fahiza

Faizah has always been brave – even aged 13, when her uncles tried to force her into marriage. So, when ISIS attacked her community and warned her not to flee, she harnessed that defiance and dared to find safety. Faizah dreams of a world without war; of peace for her children.

READ HER STORY

Chisimdi, from Nigeria

Chisimdi

Despite years of violence at the hands of her partner, Chisimdi had the strength to raise and provide for her four children. After leaving the relationship behind, she regained her voice and courage. #SheDares to stand up against child trafficking, even boldly standing in front of the President to advocate for the rights of women. This is her story. 

READ HER STORY

8. Share a Message of Support With Our Change Agents: 

Change Agents Nigeria
Change Agents meeting in Nigeria. Credit: Sefa Nkansa.

In our Change Agent Program, graduates undertake grassroots advocacy activities, mentored and supported by Women for Women International staff to help women identify problems in their communities and create action plans to challenge them. 

Share a message of support today and encourage them to stay strong in fighting violence against women.

SEND YOUR MESSAGE

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