As study after study has taught us, there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.” - Kofi Annan
In the work be do, the link between female empowerment and the well-being of the entire family is crystal clear.
Women are most often the nurturers and educators within the family. They take on the large part of the at home care, and in many circumstances still work to provide for their children, showing us over and over that, “when women thrive, all of society benefits and future generations are given a better start in life.”
Our staff have walked beside some extraordinary mothers, sisters and daughters as they’ve grown, overcome and stood up, stronger than ever before. We’ve seen firsthand proof that, one by one, these women are changing the world for everyone around them.
Here are 10 amazing women that have stood out to us over the years:
AGNES
After Agnes fled from South Sudan with her family, tragedy hit again when her son was killed in a fight at school. As her family sought revenge, Agnes stepped in and declared that the violence had to stop. She invited the families to sit down and resolve their issues without fighting, and after the success of that, started a peace-making group in her community.
WAJA
She showed us something precious that belonged to her. It was a hot pink Post-it note with Arabic text. Written on this piece of paper were her daughter’s goals- ‘Learn to speak English,’ ‘Travel to Paris,’ ‘Travel to America.’ Her love and devotion to create a future for her children helps her to carry on. Despite not knowing the future for her and her family, she remains hopeful, fueled by her love and devotion to provide the best future she can for her family.
JOHANNA (13 years old)
“I have learned to forgive. My friend died before I forgave him, and it has been paining me a lot. Now, I have removed that pain that I have been having because I have learned that I can forgive even those who are not here.”
SERA
Sera spent 9 days hiding from ISIS on top of Shingal mountain with her newborn daughter. They were without food and water, and terror was all around them. When the baby fell sick, Sera herself felt so hopeless she thought about throwing the baby into the river, to spare her from suffering. Thankfully, her husband stopped her. In the camp, she continued to feel hopeless, and seeing that it was affecting her children, Sera sought help, and came to one of our programs. After she regained her hope, her children began to thrive as well.
ALINA (10 years old)
Alina listened to the boys in her group being interviewed, and one after one, they all talked about becoming doctors. Alina didn’t miss a stride when her turn came, exlaiming, “when I grow up, I want to run a hospital!” She loves the word hero, because she wants to fight for what is right, and knows that using her skills can not only help her be a hero to herself, but to others, too!
JALISSA (7 years old)
Jalissa walked everyday to the Heroes Journey program, despite a disability with her legs. She was excited to learn from Emmanuel’s Dream, a book we use in our children’s programming about a boy with one leg who overcomes his adversity to reach his dreams. Jalissa says, “I really loved the story of Emmanuel’s hope because he only had one leg and he could do anything, and I also can do that if I work hard, even if I’m disabled!”
NEHEMA
After escaping to a ‘safe’ place, she continued to experience horrors unspeakable. She felt she had nowhere to turn, and no hope of justice or redemption. But then a friend told her about Tutapona and she found help. Nehema continued against all odds to hold her family together, and their smallest brother is a testimony of the healing in their lives!
JEANIN
Hope saved Jeanin’s life. After being left for dead, her injuries made it impossible for her to carry on, and she had decided to end her own life. Then a voice inside her said, “But you have children.” She began individual counseling sessions, and became the light her children need to guide them.
GILYA
Gilya’s story is one of love and strength - a journey from heartbreak to hope. After ISIS came, she had no safer alternatives but to get on a boat with her four young children. And after getting stranded and rescued, her struggles continued- widowed and displaced in a camp. But her strength carried her through, and after attending Tutapona’s program, she not only has courage but HOPE for her future and for her children.
RACHEL
Raising a family in a refugee settlement is difficult. Not only do you face the challenges of poverty and unemployment, but you also face the emotional effects of leaving everything behind in your home country fleeing war and conflict. But Rachel now sees the challenges she has faced as an opportunity to build her future, grow stronger, and have hope.
