Women Relief Aid’s Post

Around the world, young women peacebuilders like Auma Concy of Women Relief Aid are proving that, without the voices and perspectives of youth, peace cannot be achieved. This #YouthDay, find out how her partnership with Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) is scaling up the impact of her organization in #SouthSudan: https://bit.ly/3yAEwnG

With thanks to the Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF)'s Rapid Response Window, we have been working with women peacebuilders in seven contexts to increase women’s participation in peace processes. Read more on the lessons from this here: https://buff.ly/4eLPqGI

Join us for #TrekForRights2025 and help raise crucial funds for women and girls living in conflict-affected areas, all while experiencing the spectacular Southern Alps of Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island. Women and girls in places like Ukraine, Palestine, Haiti, Sudan and Afghanistan face heightened risks of violence, property loss and income security. Despite the challenges, less than 1% of global government aid directly supports women’s rights organisations. Your participation in #TrekForRights2025 can help bridge this gap, proving reliable, flexible and sustainable funding to organisations working to meet the needs of women and girls living in conflict zones. Will you take this opportunity to make a meaningful difference? Follow the link to find out more. https://lnkd.in/gKK78KwJ

Today is World Refugee Day. When you think about the word ‘refugee,’ what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it overloaded boats crossing choppy seas? Tattered tents under a scorching sun? Headlines announcing controversial new policies? Or is it other words like ‘crisis’ and ‘problem’? We often hear faceless statistics that seem staggering and overwhelming. According to UNHCR, there are now more than 117 million – a record number – forcibly displaced people worldwide. But what does this mean in real terms? At Women for Women International, we are guided by two guiding lights: to raise funds for women survivors of war and to elevate their voices, which are often overlooked and forgotten. We do this through the power of storytelling. Because a story is something everyone can understand – and it serves as a reminder that behind every statistic is a human being, with hopes, dreams, and fears. I recently wrote a blog to shine a light on the incredible journeys of Shireen, Kateryna, and Fryal – women who have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. 👉 You can read it here:

Last month I, and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, had the privilege of facilitating a two-day convening of Sudanese women leaders in Kampala, Uganda to discuss the current state of the conflict, how the crisis in Sudan is impacting women, and to develop policy recommendations for the international community. These incredibly inspiring women created important recommendations that can be found in the link below. More must be done to end the conflict in Sudan, provide the necessary humanitarian aid, develop a path towards accountability and democratic rule, and assist Sudanese in rebuilding their country after the war. #Sudan https://lnkd.in/em3ryRPD

📢 Ceasefire Agreement: A Missed Opportunity for Gender-Sensitive Peacemaking? 🌍 After 14 months of devastating conflict, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a ceasefire, providing a 60-day window to work toward a lasting peace—a vital step for the region. The ceasefire outlines security arrangements, including the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UN peacekeepers. Yet, glaringly absent are considerations of the gendered impact of the armed conflict or the gender-specific needs during the ceasefire period. So, how could the ceasefire have been potentially more gender-sensitive or even gender transformative? Here are a few critical steps towards gendering ceasefires, based on a report we produced in collaboration with UNW, and ensuring gender-transformative conflict recovery: 1) Recognise the Gendered Impact of Conflict Ceasefire agreements would ideally address the gendered dimensions of the armed conflict and how they shape the needs of affected communities. Regarding the current armed conflict between Israel and Lebanon, the following information could be relevant to consider: Displacement data: Lebanese authorities report 1.5M displaced, with UN Women highlighting 520,000 women and girls face acute needs. 2) Enhance women's influence over ceasefire negotiations A combination of different inclusion modalities can enhance women's meaningful participation in ceasefire negotiations. This includes gender panels or consultations with negotiation parties. 3) Maximise specificity and ensure implementation Mechanisms for Gender Provisions Even when gender provisions are included in ceasefire agreements, they are often not fully implemented if at all. Making gender provisions as specific as possible can enable their implementation. Clear accountability mechanisms are essential to bridge the gap between commitments and action. Women's participation in the monitoring of ceasefire agreements is also conducive in this regard, e.g., as part of a gender panel or commission. 4) Empower Women in Crisis Response Recognising and amplifying the role of women in humanitarian and crisis response as a follow up to a ceasefire agreement is crucial. UN Women has spotlighted the contributions of countless women during the conflict since October 2023, showcasing their leadership in supporting their communities. 🔗https://lnkd.in/eQej4wYK As people return to communities in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, it’s important to seize the opportunity to address the gendered dynamics of conflict recovery. A ceasefire isn't just about silencing guns—it's about paving the way for sustainable, inclusive peace. 🔗https://lnkd.in/d3RsR9cR #Peacemaking #Ceasefire #Inclusion #InclusivePeace #WomenInPeacebuilding #GenderSensitivePeacemaking

Hryhorii Baklanov, a theatre and film actor, joins the “Break the Silence” campaign because he is convinced that every voice that speaks out against violence is a step towards creating a non-discriminatory society where safety, respect and dignity will reign. Domestic violence is when force becomes an instrument of control and subjugation. It can affect anyone: children, adults, women, and men. Pushing, hitting, beating, and deprivation of liberty are only visible manifestations. But behind these actions, there is often much more, namely, emotional pressure, a sense of hopelessness, loneliness, helplessness, shame and fear. Today we call out: Break the Silence! Because your voice is your power, and it can be the beginning of change. Have you experienced GBV and need help? Seek support from specialists: 0800 600 044 - Crisis assistance @godivchata or chatbot https://lnkd.in/dVVsr2jW 1547 - Hotline on counteracting human trafficking, preventing and combating domestic violence, gender-based violence and violence against children (information, psychological, and legal advice, round-the-clock, anonymously) 116 111 - National hotline for children and youth (free of charge while using cell phones) 2345 - Men's Psychological Support Line   #BreakTheSilence information campaign takes place within the framework of the project "Enhancing the safety, security and mental health of women and girls, as well as advancing their human rights" funded by The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) with technical support of UN Women Ukraine. The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) mobilizes critical support for local and grassroots civil society organizations working on women, peace and security and humanitarian action. WPHF is a flexible and rapid financing mechanism supporting quality interventions designed to enhance the capacity of women to prevent conflict, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities. This video has been produced with the financial support of The United Nations Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), but this does not imply that the views and contents expressed herein are officially endorsed or recognised by the United Nations. UN Women Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) #girls_against_gbv

Yulia Zoriy, a TV presenter of the “Morning in the Big City” programme on ICTV2, joins the “Break the Silence" campaign because she is convinced that women deserve support, equality and respect. As a media professional, she feels a duty to speak up about the issues that are silenced, to support survivors, and to call on society to counteract violence. Words can also be a weapon! Psychological violence is more than just verbal abuse and hate speech, humiliation and threats. It is control, intimidation and numerous attempts to break a person's will, deprive them of their belief in themselves and their ability to resist. Today we call out: Break the Silence! Because your voice is your power, and it can be the beginning of change. Have you experienced GBV and need help? Seek support from specialists: ▪ 0800 600 044 - Crisis assistance @godivchata or chatbot https://lnkd.in/dVVsr2jW ▪ 1547 - Hotline on counteracting human trafficking, preventing and combating domestic violence, gender-based violence and violence against children (information, psychological, and legal advice, round-the-clock, anonymously) ▪ 116 111 - National hotline for children and youth (free of charge while using cell phones) ▪ 2345 - Men's Psychological Support Line   #BreakTheSilence information campaign takes place within the framework of the project "Enhancing the safety, security and mental health of women and girls, as well as advancing their human rights" funded by The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) with technical support of UN Women Ukraine. The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) mobilizes critical support for local and grassroots civil society organizations working on women, peace and security and humanitarian action. WPHF is a flexible and rapid financing mechanism supporting quality interventions designed to enhance the capacity of women to prevent conflict, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities. The campaign materials have been produced with the financial support of The United Nations Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), but this does not imply that the views and contents expressed herein are officially endorsed or recognised by the United Nations. UN Women Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) #girls_against_gbv

The NGO Girls is launching a large-scale information campaign #BreakTheSilence as part of the 16 Days Against Violence campaign. From 25 November to 10 December every year, we talk about the problem of gender-based violence (GBV), which affects millions of Ukrainians and remains one of the most critical social issues. The campaign's aim is to draw attention to the various forms and manifestations of GBV, to show its devastating impact on people's lives, and to suggest ways to help survivors. Have you experienced GBV and need help? Seek support from specialists: 0800 600 044 - Crisis assistance @godivchata  1547 - Hotline on counteracting human trafficking, preventing and combating domestic violence, gender-based violence and violence against children (information, psychological, and legal advice, round-the-clock, anonymously) 116 111 - National hotline for children and youth (free of charge while using cell phones) 2345 - Men's Psychological Support Line #BreakTheSilence information campaign takes place within the framework of the project "Enhancing the safety, security and mental health of women and girls, as well as advancing their human rights" funded by The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) with technical support of UN Women Ukraine. The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) mobilizes critical support for local and grassroots civil society organizations working on women, peace and security and humanitarian action. WPHF is a flexible and rapid financing mechanism supporting quality interventions designed to enhance the capacity of women to prevent conflict, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities. The campaign materials have been produced with the financial support of The United Nations Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), but this does not imply that the views and contents expressed herein are officially endorsed or recognised by the United Nations. UN Women Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) #girls_against_gbv

Our call to create and lead our narrative. Women for Afghanistan with support from the Rapid Response Window #RRW of the United Nations Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) successfully hosted its first in-person Central & South Asia regional dialogue in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from 8-11 July 2024. Additionally, WFA conducted virtual consultations with 160 women across Afghanistan. The event brought together over 40 Afghan women residing in Tajikistan, alongside government and civil society representatives. Led by WFA Chair Fawzia Koofi, the regional dialogues aim to unify and foster collaboration among Afghan women in Central and South Asia. These discussions aim to create a path for an upcoming All Afghan Women Summit (The Summit) and seek to establish partnerships with CSOs as well as the government officials to advocate for improved conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan. Key Demands and Calls to Action from Women in Afghanistan: - Long-term: Unite for education, work access, and civic liberties. - Immediate: Reverse the April 2024 ban on women running NGOs; create a UN monitoring mechanism for fair humanitarian aid distribution. From Women in Tajikistan: - Long-term: Advocate for a meaningful engagement of women for a possible peaceful political settlement; Increase education scholarships for Afghan girls in the region. - Immediate: Establish and support a network of Afghan women in Central and South Asia to influence policies; create a political office under international auspices to build a peaceful narrative. WFA plans more regional dialogues this year, culminating in the “The Summit”, to unite Afghan women and develop a women-centric peaceful narrative for Afghanistan. #WomenforAfghanistan #PeaceProcess #GenderEquality #AfghanWomen #WomenEmpowerment #HumanRights