UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s Post

When her marriage was arranged at 16, Rainy made the difficult decision to reject that path and pursue her education instead. Ever since, her mission is to help others rewrite their own stories, just as she was able to rewrite her own. Read about her inspiring journey fighting against gender based violence in a special edition of #HumanitariansAtWork in honour of the #16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Special edition: A humanitarian’s lifelong fight against gender-based violence

Special edition: A humanitarian’s lifelong fight against gender-based violence

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency on LinkedIn

Raissa Muhutdinova

Regional Director with GCI for Central Asia

4d

Gender-based violence (GBV) is more than a statistic—it’s a daily reality for countless women and girls, especially in humanitarian crises. The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV isn’t just a campaign; it’s a call to action for all of us to step up, speak out, and support survivors. Kazi Afroja Ali Rainy’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and courage in tackling GBV. As an Associate GBV Officer with UNHCR in Mozambique, her work embodies hope in the darkest moments. She doesn’t just address the aftermath of violence; she challenges its roots, proving that change is possible even in the toughest environments. Let’s take inspiration from her and from this campaign. Whether by amplifying survivor voices, challenging harmful norms, or fostering safe spaces, we each have a role to play. Together, we can transform awareness into action and advocacy into impact. This #16Days edition of Humanitarians at Work reminds us that every effort counts in creating a world where violence has no place and safety is a right, not a privilege. Let’s commit to being the change we wish to see.

Okoroafor Kingsley Chukwuma

Customer Support Engineer at ARK TECHNOLOGY LTD with expertise in Engineering and Customer Experience.

4d

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender. It is rooted in power imbalances and structural inequalities between genders and is a widespread violation of human rights. GBV can affect anyone but disproportionately impacts women, girls, and marginalized groups. Forms of GBV: 1. Physical Violence: Includes beating, assault, or any form of physical harm. 2. Sexual Violence: Rape, sexual harassment, and coercion. 3. Emotional/Psychological Violence: Verbal abuse, threats, controlling behavior, and manipulation. 4. Economic Abuse: Withholding financial resources, preventing economic independence. 5. Harmful Traditional Practices: Female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, honor killings. GBV is a global issue that requires collective action from governments, organizations, and individuals to create a safer and more equitable world.

Nebiyu Hailu

Founder and Lead Trainer of YRT(Youth Readiness Training)|Biotechnologist | Researcher | Youth Advocate | Environmentalist | Volunteer at Selamta Family Project

4d

GBV is one of the biggest problem we all encounter one way or another. These days we want to put light on all the points that were in the dark people's all around have been entertaining it as a normal thing that made it invisible for long im glad that there is a big movemet all around to break this giant. I my self have a team of 33 trying to work on gender misconception here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia if you would like to collaborate or fund contact me directly. Thank you for inspiring millions.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Rainy’s bravery is inspiring! Choosing education and self-growth is a powerful step toward a brighter future.

Zihambe Uteka

Educator I Development Analyst I Digital Marketing Specialist

3d

Gender-based violence is a problem that poses significant risks to the health and well-being of persons with far-reaching consequences at social, political and economic levels. It is a global pandemic, deeply rooted in gender inequality, and is fundamentally a human rights violation. GBV has no social or economic boundaries, and is present in every country and affects all socio-economic groups. has lasting impacts on survivors, their families and their communities. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence reminds us that GBV is a serious historical and global problem that UNICEF has described as 'the most pervasive yet least visible human rights violation in the world' . Injuries and health problems are common as a result of physical and sexual violence, but the psychological and emotional wounds they can inflict are sometimes deeper and last longer. Let's unite and challenge harmful norms that promote violence.

Isadora Zoni

Reporting, Interagency and External Relations at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

4d

It is striking to observe the prevalence of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) among our colleagues who are dedicated to combating this issue. While this shared experience fosters a deeper understanding and empathy within our organization, it also raises the question of when we can collectively move beyond this reality and effectively eradicate violence against women and girls. As we embark on the 16 days of activism, I am hopeful that our global efforts, particularly in Mozambique, will yield fruitful outcomes in the fight against GBV 🧡💪

Yazeed Esmail

Information Technology | Networks CCNA | IT Support Technician | IT Support Specialist | IT Desktop Support | Database

3d

Gender-based violence is one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world. It knows no social, economic or national boundaries. It undermines the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its survivors. It remains shrouded in a culture of silence, supported by cultural beliefs and values that perpetuate, justify and deny it as a normal component of relations between women and men.

Okeny Brian Snr

Social Worker/Entrepreneur/Passionate about Social Justice

3d

depending on its severity and the circumstances giving rise to state responsibility, domestic violence can constitute torture as it involves some form of physical and/or psychological suffering, including death in some cases...this view challenges the assumption that intimate violence is a less severe or terrible form of violence than that perpetrated directly. Smart campaign

Yazeed Esmail

Information Technology | Networks CCNA | IT Support Technician | IT Support Specialist | IT Desktop Support | Database

3d

Gender-based violence is one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world. It knows no social, economic or national boundaries. It undermines the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its survivors. It remains shrouded in a culture of silence, supported by cultural beliefs and values that perpetuate, justify and deny it as a normal component of relations between women and men.

Endris Ahmed

Business Officer at ZamZam Bank S.C

4d

Efforts to prevent and respond to GBV require a multi-faceted approach, including legal reforms, awareness-raising campaigns, support services for survivors, and the engagement of men and boys as allies. It is crucial to address the underlying social and cultural norms that perpetuate gender inequality and violence, and to promote a culture of respect, consent, and non-violence in all relationships. Thanksgiving to UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations for their continuous struggle to minimize its hurt.

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