Acts of Courage: Reflections on My Work in GBV Prevention and Response

By Sandra Bunch, WI-HER Director, Strategic Growth and Partnerships

Through the years, I’ve had the privilege to work and learn with women, girls, and communities, often focusing on gender dynamics and what these dynamics mean for their health, wellbeing, and livelihoods. We often explored what hurt and helped them to create doable, practical changes in their own lives and communities. These discussions weren’t always immediate. They required trust and knowing each other.

I remember so clearly one gender training where women and girls sat silently, hesitant to share details of their intimate realities. After a week of working together, a few women explained that they had been afraid we may not keep their confidence. A couple said their participation alone led to arguments with their husbands; for one, violence. Still, they showed up to learn more and build relationships with each other.

I’ve witnessed many similar acts of courage in my career. These moments of courage have taught me that any progress we make is because people have the courage to act for change. It’s also inspired me to have courage in my work and life.

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This reflection is part of WI-HER’s 2023 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. UN Women created the 16 Days campaign to bring awareness to issues related to responding to, preventing, addressing, and ending GBV.