Stories & news

This is a joint statement with over 150 signatories.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.