ActionAid’s Strong Women Challenge is back in a big way!
Did you know that 137 women are killed by a partner or family member every day? If, like us, you’re tired of hearing horrifying statistics like this, then ActionAid’s Strong Women Challenge (SWC) is for you.
What is the Strong Women Challenge?
You’ll commit to doing 137 step ups every day for a week and raise money as an individual or part of a team.
The SWC will run from 9 – 16 November 2021.
Why get involved?
To help women around the world who are escaping violence to access life-changing support at ActionAid protection shelters.
You’ll be stepping up for women like Rani – a survivor of gender-based violence
After escaping a violent marriage and pregnant with her second child, Rani sought refuge at an ActionAid’s protection shelter. She received counselling and support to get back on her feet and now she works at the shelter helping other women seeking safety.
“I am not fearful of anybody now. I am fearless today,” Rani says.
One in four countries around the world have no laws that protect women from domestic violence. That means that all too often, women like Rani have nowhere to turn and no way to escape their abuser.
Since the start of the pandemic, violence against women has risen dramatically around the world. In Bangladesh, ActionAid’s local women’s networks have seen a 345% increase in violence against women. In Nigeria there’s been a 700% increase in reported cases from as early as April last year.
Plus, COVID-19 lockdowns have closed protection services and trapped women at home with their abusers. This is why the Strong Women Challenge is now more important than ever before.
Last year, our amazing Strong Women Challengers raised an incredible $67,000 for women escaping violence. Now in its fifth year, the Strong Women Challenge is looking to smash that target.
By fundraising for the SWC you’ll be supporting ActionAid to provide life-changing services at our protection shelters in countries like Uganda and Bangladesh where women can access legal advice, counselling and vocational training to become financially independent. You will help provide women with the vital resources they need to leave their abusers and live a life free from violence.
So, what next?
Get your mates, colleagues and cousins together to take on the challenge and start raising money and awareness for a great cause.
Show the world you’re stepping up to end gender-based violence!