Millions of women and girls around the world are fighting for their freedom, their futures and even their lives, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Covid-19 crisis has been life-changing for all of us. But for too many, it has exposed a hidden pandemic: of escalating violence against women.
In Uganda, the number of women turning to ActionAid’s domestic violence shelters has increased by 150%.
Women on the front line
Florence is the director of the Tusitukirewamu Women’s Network in Uganda. She told us that her work supporting survivors of violence has become more critical than ever.
"We've had so many cases of gender-based violence that I’ve even had to take some women into my home," she said.
This year Florence will be on the front line. She'll be working round the clock to help women who are trapped with their abusers. But she cannot do this work alone.
So will you stand with women like her, by donating just £3 a month?
Your gift could help keep the doors of a shelter open, so women have somewhere safe to turn.
How your monthly gift makes a difference
Your gift can help us be there for women and girls when they need it most.
How you can stand with women
Every day, millions of women and girls around the world are fighting for their lives, trapped with their abusers during coronavirus lockdowns.
But in communities large and small, away from the spotlight, women and girls are leading the change.
With ActionAid's support they are building a new world—one that’s safe and equal. A world in which no woman lives in fear of violence.
It is vital that we stand with them.
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ActionAid
How women like Florence are leading the change
As part of her work at the Tusitukirewamu Women’s Network, Florence goes into schools to teach girls about their rights. That’s where she met Hameria.
Hameria (left) was just nine years old, but she'd already lost her parents.
When they died she was taken in by family friends but, once a lifeline, the family had become abusive.
A survivor of violence herself, Florence saw that something was seriously wrong. And she would not stand by and do nothing.
So she welcomed Hameria into her own home, and helped her to recover. Now, everything has changed for Hameria.
"I'm so inspired by Florence’s work," she says. "I want to help vulnerable people like her."
Florence is my mother, mentor, teacher, everything."
About ActionAid
ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty.
Our dedicated local staff are changing the world with women and girls. We are ending violence and fighting poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want.
We operate in rural and urban communities across Asia, Africa and Latin America.
We're committed to ending the cycle of violence in communities around the world, enabling women's economic empowerment, and supporting women's and girls' rights during humanitarian crises.
This project is just one example of ActionAid’s work. Your regular donation may not go towards this project. It will be used where it is needed most to further ActionAid’s general charitable purposes.
Page updated 5 October 2022
