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Elisabeth is a survivor of rape by soldiers from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She is speaking out in “Our Voices Matter” about the Congolese authorities' disregard of her report of sexual violence and the lack of accountability for perpetrators of rape in the DRC.
Antonieta’s home was demolished by the Rio city government, forcing her and her six-year-old daughter Ludmila to live temporarily in an orphanage before they were able to relocate. Their new home is located in a more dangerous neighborhood and farther from Ludmila’s school. Antonieta is organizing her community to stop forced evictions in the name of development.
Jaime Lynn is an eleven-year-old girl whose home on the Navajo Nation in the Arizona desert has no running water. She is deeply concerned about the growing effects of climate change and works tirelessly to catalyze the state and federal government to take action before the damage to the atmosphere is beyond repair.
Every day, I am inspired by the incredible courage displayed by women we have trained to use video to amplify their voices and seek justice. These women are on the frontlines challenging those who deny their most basic rights.
Today, on International Women’s Day, WITNESS celebrates all of the courageous women and men who are standing up for change, gender justice and equality. Together, we can improve the lives of millions of women worldwide and the communities they so passionately work to protect.
In solidarity,
Yvette Alberdingk Thijm
Executive Director
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