Stories & news

Aleksandra Strbac from Bosnian partner organisation United Women Banja Luka. Photo: Jakub Bors/TOWER FILMS

Stories & news

The Berlin Process: Gender equality key to the Western Balkans’ EU integration

14 October 2024

Open call for a ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel and end to impunity amid a spiralling humanitarian catastrophe and escalating regional conflict

This is a joint statement with over 150 signatories.

24 October 2024

1 year of destruction

9 October 2024

Combatting sexual violence stigma in Ukraine

Since 2015, D.O.M.48.24 has supported internally displaced persons in Ukraine, later shifting to focus on preventing gender-based violence. Today, they run a daily crisis center, while combatting the stigma and challenges surrounding sexual and domestic violence.

1 October 2024

Lebanon: Urgent need for ceasefire and protection of civilians

27 September 2024

“I woke up to the sound of bombing”

From bombings in Baghdad to refugee camps in Croatia, Lejla Somun carries multiple experiences from conflict-affected countries with her.

3 September 2024

Gender equality training for young civil and public sectors practitioners in Western Balkans

The need to educate new generations of practitioners about women’s rights and gender equality, and how to best put the knowledge into practice, in line with fostering democracy and EU values in the Western Balkans persists.

16 July 2024

Civil society and democracy under attack in Georgia

31 May 2024

Obstetric violence in Gaza: A crisis affecting women’s health

Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza have led to a devastating form of violence against women that takes place in silence—obstetric violence. The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation is now highlighting the challenges faced by pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women in Gaza and the serious health consequences they face.

24 May 2024

Obstetric violence in Gaza: new brief

6 May 2024

The inhumanity of Israel’s assault on Gaza

24 April 2024

No end in sight—the women of Ukraine need our continued commitment

23 February 2024

International community fails to protect women and children in Gaza

22 February 2024

Providing psychological support to survivors of gender-based violence

For many victims and survivors of gender-based violence, having access to a safe space and receiving psychological support is vital to help them move forward. In Grozdana Panić’s experience as a psychologist, the work to assist survivors throughout their process can be both challenging and fulfilling.

7 February 2024

We cannot stand by silently as the violence continues

22 December 2023

“We are really saving lives”

A better and safer world for women—that was the goal when the organisation Slavic Heart was founded. Today, they offer legal and psychosocial support to victims and survivors of gender-based violence in Ukraine.

22 December 2023

Fighting gender-based violence in western Ukraine

Amid Russian air raids, Women’s Perspectives in Ukraine continue to help women who have suffered from gender-based violence. They fear that violence against women won’t be a priority once the full-scale invasion ends.

21 December 2023

The power of young voices in Rwanda

Thanks to Paper Crown Rwanda, the students at G.S Gihogwe meet every Wednesday to learn about their sexual and reproductive rights and gender-based violence—an initiative meant to create lasting social change in Rwanda.

20 December 2023

The power of resilience: Rebuilding life after domestic abuse

Economic dependence, disability, and fear of losing her children: Leaving her abusive husband of ten years was all but an easy decision for Milijana Krsmanović. After seeking support from a local women’s rights organisation, she found the strength to reclaim her life and independence.

18 December 2023

Standing up against gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Amidst the prolonged armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, women’s rights organisations in South Kivu have been instrumental in supporting victims of gender-based violence and advocating for women’s rights for the past 25 years.

13 December 2023

The increase of gender-based violence in Ukraine amidst Russia’s full-scale invasion

In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many accounts of sexual violence committed by Russian forces have begun to surface. And while the media and press focus on these atrocities, women in Ukraine face other types of violence that won’t receive nearly as much attention.

12 December 2023

April 14th—the day for survivors of sexual violence in the Kosovo war

More than 20,000 survivors of sexual violence in the Kosovo war are still waiting for justice, after almost 20 years. One of them is Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman, who was the first survivor to openly talk about the crimes committed against her.

11 December 2023

Standing up for the rights of people with disabilities in Ukraine

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Fight For Right has provided humanitarian aid and evacuation assistance to people with disabilities. With their unique expertise, they are ready to contribute to an inclusive recovery process for Ukraine.

5 December 2023

A temporary ceasefire in Gaza is not enough

23 November 2023

Transforming gender norms in Rwanda: ”We are breaking the cycle slowly but surely”

At Paper Crown Rwanda, Clementine Nyirarukundo and her colleagues work tirelessly to fight gender inequality and transform deep-rooted social norms in Rwanda. By implementing a unique training programme and engaging young people, they want to break the cycle of violence.

20 November 2023

Escaping domestic violence: “You are not alone”

After two decades of living with an abusive husband, everything changed for Momirka Janković the day she found herself in the emergency room. With support and guidance from a local women’s rights organisation, she found the courage to start over.

17 November 2023

Voices from Palestine: “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic”

Over the past month, the situation in Gaza has continued to deteriorate. Reports from Kvinna till Kvinna’s colleagues and partners paint a devastating picture of civilians’ struggles amid sustained attacks, with women, children and other vulnerable groups bearing the brunt of the crisis.

10 November 2023

Support to women and children starts with a ceasefire

7 November 2023

Christine’s journey in supporting women facing violence in Rwanda

For more than two decades, Christine Mukarukwaya has been working to support women needing legal assistance. She volunteers at Haguruka, a non-governmental organisation that fights the rights of women and children. Christine offers legal support to women in Rwanda and meets many victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

1 November 2023

7 reasons why countries should adopt a Feminist Foreign Policy

The are numerous reasons why countries should adopt a Feminist Foreign Policy. Among other things, it creates accountability and resistance to the anti-gender and anti-feminist movements, and provides an opportunity to stand up for some of the most marginalised.

30 October 2023