We also know that women are more likely to be forced to move with their children, either becoming internally displaced or refugees. Of the over 100 million people who have been forced into displacement, over half are women and girls. And while fleeing for safety, they’re at high risk of violence and abuse, sexual and labour exploitation, trafficking and abduction. Many also lose their livelihoods due to loss of land and livestock, and language barriers in their new home. And, in the absence of property titles, they’re likely to suffer loss of housing too.

Suzan is one of the women in our programme in South Sudan. She grew up during the second Sudanese civil war and didn’t get the chance to go to school. She lost brothers who left behind young children, whom she raises as her own, and she lost her husband in war as well. Without an education, Suzan tried farming and selling food at a local market, but it was impossible to make enough to support so many children. She’s been forced to move around the country a few times and has been very open with our team about the toll her trauma and daily challenges have had on her mental health. But joining our programme helped her find comfort in community and gain the skills and knowledge to improve her life. When her daughter became pregnant and her family tried to force her into early marriage, she vowed to do whatever it took to make sure her daughters could complete her education – so she could have a brighter future. And now, she works with other community members to solve the conflicts in their life.

Somehow, even in the most uncertain of times, hope and humanity shine through. We’ve served over half a million women in our 30 years and I have been lucky enough to meet some of them. Our new #SheDares campaign is a movement to galvanise support for women survivors of war who stand up for their rights when they’re on the line. These are women who have lost so much but continue to pursue peace, and who dare to dream of better days. It’s a celebration of the bravery of all women: our friends, our families, ourselves.

Even when it feels like the world is falling apart, women find a way to pick up the pieces and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. They support their families and they strengthen their communities. They hold each other close in sisterhood. Iryna in Ukraine said that if she could share one message with the world, it would be this:

“Follow the call of your heart. If at least one woman changes her life thanks to you, it will be a colossal contribution to the victory of humanity.”

“Women are suffering in war – this is how we’re supporting those who are working to rebuild”