On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and compassion of the women who walk alongside others to bring hope and healing through Tutapona’s programs. Across Uganda, Iraq, and Ukraine, our female staff work tirelessly to support individuals and communities affected by conflict and crisis.
In this blog, you’ll hear directly from them—their experiences in trauma care, the stories that have shaped them, and their advice for women striving to overcome challenges and make a difference. Their words are a testament to the power of courage, empathy, and unwavering dedication.
What inspired you to work in trauma recovery, and how has your journey shaped the way you see resilience in women?
Nariman, Head of Programs, Kurdistan, Iraq
As a Yazidi woman, my greatest motivation came after my people were subjected to genocide and immense trauma. I wanted to show them their strength, especially the women, and help them recognize their inner resilience. I didn’t want them to feel ashamed after being enslaved. Through my work, I’ve witnessed their incredible courage—attending workshops, seeking healing, and embracing recovery despite cultural barriers to mental health support.
Sara, Country Director, Uganda
I was inspired to work with Tutapona after seeing the power of healing and restoration in post-conflict areas of Uganda. Early in my career, I worked in the Pader and Katakwi districts, where I saw the immense psychological wounds people carried—especially women and girls who had survived the Northern Kony war. Many had endured unimaginable hardships yet were expected to move on without meaningful support. This experience ignited my desire to be part of an organization that not only acknowledges trauma but actively helps people reclaim their lives.
Stella, Field Facilitator, Uganda
Witnessing trauma in my own loved ones inspired me to work in trauma recovery. That experience shaped my emotional resilience and gave me a passion for supporting others as they navigate their healing journeys.
Iryna, Clinical Therapist, Ukraine
After I began my career in psychology, the war broke out. I realized that working with people who had suffered trauma, especially because of this war, was my calling. I have so much compassion and empathy for people. I couldn’t do anything else. Ukrainian women are fascinating. I am inspired by them; their courage and resilience. 70% or more of our programs are women. Among them are many internally displaced people, military wives whose husbands are at the front lines, and unfortunately, there are many widows. I am constantly amazed at how they can be so strong. They are many times stronger than me, and I admire that.
Rose, Clinical Therapist, Uganda
I have always had a passion for community work, especially in supporting those facing adversity. Uganda hosts more than 1.4 million refugees, many of whom have endured extreme hardship. Helping them build resilience, adopt coping strategies, and improve their quality of life is my goal. Women, in particular, are often sole caretakers, and by equipping them with skills to navigate challenges, we empower entire families and communities.
Can you share a short story of a woman whose healing journey has deeply impacted you?
Nariman
Nadia Murad, the Yazidi woman who survived captivity under ISIS and went on to share her story with the world—earning a Nobel Prize—has been a source of inspiration for me. Among the women I’ve worked with, one stands out: she endured years of enslavement under ISIS but managed to escape. Once free, she sought ways to rebuild her family and reconnect with her community. She participated in a group program and even encouraged other women to attend. Her resilience and strength have stuck with me.
Sara
A woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo survived a brutal attack in which rebels destroyed her home, murdered her husband, and raped her. Left to die, she woke up in a hospital, only to be discharged to attend her husband’s burial. She fled to Uganda with her three children but suffered from terrifying nightmares, hallucinations, and immense emotional pain. Branded as “mad” by those around her, she struggled to find hope.
Her healing journey began when a neighbor introduced her to Tutapona. She slowly opened up to counseling while continuing her medical treatment. Over time, her nightmares faded, and she found peace. When doctors eventually stopped her medication, she realized how powerful emotional healing had been in her recovery. Her story reinforced my belief that, with the right support, restoration is possible even after the darkest of days.
Stella
I once worked with a woman in our GROW program who stood out because she was often unkempt, late, or intoxicated. She was Ugandan, though her husband and most of the group members were refugees. In time, she confided in me—she was HIV-positive and had stopped taking her medication due to gender-based violence in her family. She had turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Through our program, she learned healthier ways to manage her emotions, reduced her alcohol intake, and reunited with her family. Her transformation inspired me deeply.
Iryna
A good friend of mine lost her husband to the war. She still hasn't been able to bury him because this territory is under occupation. She has two small children, but despite this hardship and grief, she continues to head an educational foundation, organize events for young people, and engage in humanitarian aid. I am inspired by her strength of spirit, and how she continues to help others despite her situation.
Rose
One woman I worked with struggled with complicated grief after witnessing her husband’s murder during the war. She became unable to function, care for herself, or look after her family. With individual therapy, she was able to process her emotions and receive support. Today, she is living a full life again—her strength and recovery are a testament to the power of healing.
What message would you share with women around the world who are facing hardship and trauma today?
Nariman
You are valuable, even if others don’t always see it. Show your strength, and be proud of yourself. Behind every successful woman is herself.
Sara
Your pain does not define you. You are more than what has happened to you. Even in moments of weakness, you carry strength within you. Healing is not about forgetting—it’s about reclaiming your power, step by step, in your own time. Give yourself permission to seek help, to rest, and to rise again when you’re ready. No matter how deep the pain feels now, hope and healing are possible.
Stella
You are still worthy of love and compassion. Be kind to yourself, always.
Iryna
Don’t lose your compassion and empathy. These qualities will take you far, and showing this kindness to others will inspire them!
Rose
Don’t be afraid to seek support. Processing your pain and finding ways to move forward will help you see how strong you truly are. You are capable of overcoming more than you realize.
The stories and insights shared by these women remind us of the extraordinary resilience found in the face of adversity. From war-torn regions to refugee settlements, they stand as beacons of hope, proving that healing is possible—even in the hardest of circumstances. On this International Women’s Day, we honor their courage and commit to continuing the work of walking alongside women as they rebuild their lives.
