I was able to overcome my silence and I was the first to mobilise the women.” - Lami
After initially joining a CARE Savings Group, Lami began taking part in the Women Lead in Emergencies project. As she grew in confidence, Lami was elected president of her group and chosen to be part of a committee to protect women and girls.
In the refugee camp where Lami lives, women and girls were facing considerable risk of sexual and gender-based violence. Women were frightened for their safety and survivors had no access to support or services. The women in her group knew that something needed to be done to ensure their safety. It was Lami who led and mobilised the women to take a stand.
Lami gathered the women to go to the home of the village chief to petition him to work with others in the community to stop the violence. But the village chief wouldn’t hear their concerns and they left the meeting without any action being taken. Lami and her group didn’t give up, and instead went to the local authorities. As a result of their advocacy, they agreed to offer enhanced protection in the camp where the women lived, ensuring the women there could live in safety.
“I was able to overcome my silence and I was the first to mobilise the women,” says Lami. “Our voices were heard by the authorities who agreed to patrol every night to prevent men from entering our houses. This was my greatest achievement. I was not afraid or slowed down by anyone. I spoke in public and in front of everyone in order to defend our rights.”
Women like Lami are leading in conflict and in crisis. Because everyone deserves to feel safe, to build a better future.