It’s safe to say that coronavirus has changed many things this year. For women and girls around the world, the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly increased poverty and gender-based violence. But with the support of ActionAid and partners, women are coming together to fight for their freedom, their futures and even their lives. And with a donation to ActionAid this season, you can help too.
ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty to find the best practical, long-lasting and life-changing solutions to the challenges they face. These challenges have only been exacerbated by coronavirus. In Uganda, for example, where domestic abuse is common, ActionAid has reported a 150% spike in cases of violence against women and girls. Statistics such as this highlight the pressing need for ActionAid's work.
Florence is an activist and a survivor of domestic abuse. She was 18 years old when she joined Tusitukirewamu Women’s Network, a local organisation that’s supported by ActionAid. Tusitukirewamu means “Let’s Rise Together”.
After Florence gave birth to their first child, her husband became physically abusive. He didn't like her activism and so he also tried to stop her from meeting with other members of the network, even locking her out of the house or hiding her shoes so she couldn't go out. It was only after her husband's death that Florence was able to return to the activism she is so passionate about.
"He kept up his violence until his last hours of death," says Florence. "When he died, it was so emotional. I missed him, but at least I could continue with my activist work."
Now, Florence is the Executive Director of the Tusitukirewamu Women’s Network, providing invaluable support, vital education and life-changing training to women surviving violence.
The network runs programmes designed to support and empower the women and girls in Florence’s community. A wide range of activities touch on all aspects of their lives. These include violence prevention and response, sexual and reproductive health, and education for orphans and vulnerable children. There's also support for women to help reduce and redistribute the large amount of unpaid care work they do to support their families and care for children, older and sick relatives. And finally, there is a programme focused on economic empowerment.
As part of the economic empowerment programme, women learn how to make reusable sanitary pads, schoolbooks and liquid soap and are supported to set up small shops and establish savings and loan accounts. For Florence, this work is essential as financial independence is an important step in allowing women to leave violent situations. Women are using these new skills to free themselves from poverty and violence.
"I have a passion for working with women, to see that even the last woman can rise up, have her say and be heard," says Florence. “When I see a woman who I started with, who set up a business and can now buy land and build houses – that’s my passion, and why I want to work in the community."
Furthermore, Florence ensures that her work isn’t just focused on women, but also on men and whole communities. She believes strongly that men can be allies, and runs a men’s workshop where men examine their own roles and behaviours, and commit to being champions for gender equality.
Care, compassion and support aren’t just part of Florence’s job, but make up the tenets of her entire life. She gave birth to two children and has adopted 13 children who need the love and protection that she is able to offer. Hameria, one of her adopted daughters, is part of a school group of young women who act as role models and raise awareness of women’s issues.
“What I want to see is the next generation of young people taking on power,” says Florence. “Young women getting involved in changing everything.”
You can support Florence, ActionAid and all the women they work alongside. As we approach this special time of year and start planning presents, why not make a donation to ActionAid?
Just £3 a month could provide two weeks’ worth of meals for a girl escaping abuse.
ActionAid and Grazia stand with women. Will you stand with women too?