“I had lived with violence all my life since I was very little and I thought it was normal. I learned that if someone hits you or insults you it is not because they love you.”
“The elections were peaceful but then violence erupted. My house was stoned and my children were concerned about my security. But I am determined to remain a councillor.”
“A psychologist is required who will work in a permanent capacity on machismo, gender-based violence and domestic violence. There is a crisis of values within the family.”
“My husband’s plan was to torture and abuse me till I died because he was not ready to die alone. I could not sleep at night because I was afraid he would try to infect me.”
“My family worry for my safety. But I am available 24 hours a day and the police also call on me for help with cases of gender-based violence so I know I am doing useful work.”
“Women like me who were abused by the military were an embarrassment. When we found the courage to come forward, authorities themselves told us we were a shame to the community.”
Here’s an update from the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe about how they had to resort to a sit-in to make sure women’s voices are part of Zimbabwe’s new constitution.
“I will get a job tailoring, be able to leave my husband and support my child. When I go to the training centre I can forget about my troubles, which helps me cope with the difficulties of my life.”
Women across the world are determined to be heard. In Liberia we’ve seen first-hand how radio can play a crucial role in helping Liberian women live free from violence and confront inequality.
On Friday 9 November we held our second Three Butterflies Lunch at the Savoy Hotel in London, raising funds to support our partners’ life-changing work in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
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