March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a global day of action.
Hi John,
Tomorrow marks International Women’s Day. A global day of action against the endemic issues that deny women equality.
Anger, frustration, sadness; the emotions we feel listening to the ever-increasing barrage of news stories about women stalked, raped, or even murdered whilst simply trying to live their lives. While this violence has become even more visible in recent months (in news headlines at least), violence against women and girls is one of the world’s most prevalent human rights violations, taking place every day, in many different forms, in every corner of the globe.
Double your impact this March
This International Women’s Day, we’re fundraising for our partners in Africa and Asia that are working determinedly in their communities to tackle violence against women. Thanks to a group of generous donors, if you make a donation before the end of March, it will be matched pound for pound. Meaning that if you give £25 today, your gift will be worth £50, doubling the impact you have.
Disability activists speaking out on violence in Ethiopia
Did you know that women and girls with disabilities are 2-4 times more likely to experience violence than women without a disability? Mercy, who has been blind since childhood, experienced sexual violence at a young age:
“I was raped by my teacher when I was 16. At that time he told me he loved me and when I refused, he pretended to take me to study and that’s when he raped me.… I ran away to Addis Ababa and he tried to follow me here and forced himself on me again.”
Like many young girls in her situation, Mercy felt scared and alone but thankfully, through Womankind partner, Ethiopian Women with Disabilities National Association (EWDNA), she was able to find support and connection with other women:
“Before there was no-one I could share my problems with; I used to carry them on my own. When I found EWDNA, I felt at home. They have given me support and sisterhood.”
Informed with knowledge about how to claim her rights, equipped with skills to increase her confidence, and surrounded and supported by women who share similar experiences, Mercy has gone on to tell her story in public to help others realise they are not alone. Connected with EWDNA’s members across Ethiopia, Mercy and her fellow EWDNA activists are striving to create a safer, more inclusive society for women living with disabilities.
When women connect, change can happen
We know that women’s movement’s have the experience, skills and determination to end violence, inequality and discrimination. From providing safe houses for survivors of violence (eg. AWSADin Ethiopia), to campaigning for changes to discriminatory laws (eg. NAWOUin Uganda), and challenging harmful gender norms (eg. Polycomin Kenya), our partners are committed to creating a safer, more equal future for women and girls.
Women’s movements are the drivers of change. Will you back them this International Women's Day?
Thank you for playing your vital part in our global sisterhood.
With best wishes,
Hannah Little
Supporter Care Team Womankind Worldwide
#ConnectionsCount Steps Challenge
There's still time to join our #ConnectionsCount steps challenge. Join with a friend and walk or run 30,000 steps in the month of March. Register here and you will each get a medal for your achievement!
