Despite living in the most dangerous places on Earth, the women we serve band together in sisterhood and hold onto hope – a true act of courage and defiance.
Between 2019 and 2022, nearly 40% of countries – home to over 1.1. billion women and girls in 2022 – stagnated or declined on gender equality.
With this global rollback of women’s rights, political polarisation, international aid cuts and the escalation of conflicts, the news provides a constant barrage of devastating images and negative statistics. It’s no wonder many of us feel angry and hopeless.
- Afghanistan is a country where women face growing restrictions on their lives – and have done since August 2021. In the latest Women, Peace and Security Index, it ranked worst of 177 countries for women.
- Recent escalations of violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have forced us to pause programming for the safety of our team and the women we serve – while many of them have fled to protect their lives and families.
- In Palestine, amidst the fragile ceasefire in Gaza women are returning home to rubble and ruins while the deadly raids continue in the West Bank.
- For years, people in Nigeria have faced abductions, corruption and community violence, where deeply entrenched and restrictive gender norms are the status quo.
Tragically, this list could go on and on.
And yet, the women we work with in some of the most dangerous places on Earth refuse to give up hope. It’s extraordinary.
We asked women in our global team and programs how they stay hopeful. Here is their advice:
Get ready for challenging times and recognize that each tough day will eventually end and won't last forever.
- Business Skills Trainer, Afghanistan
Always believe in yourself and your abilities, stay hopeful for the future and remember that the strength and unity of women contribute to the foundation of a strong nation.
- Program participant, Afghanistan
Be encouraged and calm, knowing that there is light after every dark tunnel. You should remain hopeful, expand your networks, keep your families close and be prayerful.
- Talatu Salihu, Social Empowerment officer, Nigeria
A woman's power lies in her awareness, courage and resilience. No obstacle can be greater than a woman's will.
- Program participant, Afghanistan
Give a Gift in Sisterhood
Donate $20 or more in March, and you'll receive a pin badge in honor of Women's History Month.
Wearing this pin badge is a powerful statement that you stand with women and girls around the world – united in strength, resilience and hope.
You are a pillar and a source of life for your family. Your presence means so much to them. It symbolizes hope, happiness and safety. Do not underestimate your abilities, for life goes on.
- Asmaa, program participant, Iraq
Learn and strive. Start your project. Learn any profession. Even if you fail once or twice, you can try again. And you can also raise the voices of other women.
- Sozda Abdul Salam, Program Trainer, Iraq
