Dear Ayoub
Did you know the World Health Organisation has declared violence against women to be a global health problem of epidemic proportions? I recently read a powerful blog by the Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, which stresses that the only way to end violence against women is to address the root cause - gender inequality. Nisreen's story below is testimony to the power of women coming together in a supportive environment, sharing their stories and realising that they are not alone. Without the support of the women in her class, Nisreen might never have had the courage to seek the support of her family to stop the abuse she received at the hands of her husband. You can give another woman a chance to join the Women for Women International programme - sponsor a woman like Nisreen today. 25th November marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence that follow, we will be running a blog series showcasing different perspectives from Women for Women International staff, programme participants and supporters – talking about why they feel so strongly that violence against women and girls is wrong. Follow @womenforwomenUK on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram to receive the daily blog updates. I would love to hear from you if you are planning to take action during the 16 Days of Activism - the more of us who speak out, the more likely it will be that violence against women will become unacceptable.
Brita Fernandez Schmidt
Executive Director
Women for Women Internationa | 
