Building Resilient Women and Inclusive Communities in Fragile Contexts

When Amina first joined a WOJE community session, she sat quietly at the back of the circle. "I did not know I had the right to speak," she later said. "I thought violence was something we must endure." Today, Amina facilitates discussions with other women in her community, guiding conversations on safety, health, and dignity. Her story reflects the change that Women for Justice and Equality (WOJE) is working to nurture across fragile and low-resource settings.

A Vision for 2026: Justice, Health, and Economic Resilience

As WOJE enters 2026, its work continues to focus on justice, health, and economic resilience for women and girls whose lives are shaped by conflict, displacement, and poverty. The first quarter of the year builds on the achievements of 2025, a year marked by deep community engagement, strengthened partnerships, and institutional growth.

Creating Safe Spaces for Protection and Healing

In communities affected by violence, safety is not only about physical protection; it is also about trust. WOJE's protection work centres on creating spaces where women and girls can talk openly about their experiences and learn how to seek help.

During recent community dialogues, women discussed how to recognize risks, where to report abuse, and how to support survivors with dignity. These conversations are changing long-held attitudes. "Before, we blamed the woman," explained Mary, a mother of four. "Now we understand that violence is wrong, and we must protect each other."

By engaging men, youth, and local leaders, WOJE promotes shared responsibility for prevention. Community members are beginning to see protection not as an external intervention, but as a collective duty.

Knowledge That Saves Lives: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

For many adolescent girls, menstruation and reproductive health remain surrounded by silence and shame. WOJE's SRHR sessions challenge this silence with accurate information and practical support.

In one school-based session, girls learned about menstrual health and their right to access care without fear or stigma. "I used to miss school every month," said Nyamal, aged 14. "Now I know how to take care of myself, and I do not feel ashamed."

WOJE works closely with health providers and community structures to ensure that knowledge is linked to real services. These partnerships reduce misinformation, improve referral pathways, and encourage young people to make informed choices about their bodies and futures.

Economic Strength as a Shield Against Vulnerability

Economic insecurity often forces women into harmful choices and increases their exposure to violence. WOJE integrates livelihood support into its protection strategy by helping women develop skills, savings habits, and basic financial literacy.

At a recent training, women shared how small income-generating activities were changing their households. "When I earn something, my voice is stronger at home," said Grace, who now runs a small food business. "I am not only waiting for help; I am building something for my children."

By strengthening women's economic agency, WOJE reduces dependency and builds confidence, enabling women to participate more actively in family and community decisions.

Partnerships, Learning, and Accountability

Behind every community activity is a system of coordination and learning. WOJE collaborates with local authorities, civil society networks, and development partners to ensure that its work complements national and international priorities.

Regular monitoring and reflection help the organization adapt its programmes based on what communities say they need. Feedback mechanisms allow women and girls to raise concerns safely and anonymously. "They ask us what we think," noted one participant. "It makes us feel respected."

Safeguarding and ethical practice remain central to this work, ensuring that support is delivered with care and accountability.

Looking Ahead - From Survival to Resilience

WOJE's priorities for the coming months include expanding community-based protection activities, strengthening links between SRHR education and health services, and scaling women's economic empowerment initiatives. Institutional strengthening will continue, ensuring that systems remain transparent, ethical, and responsive.

For women like Amina, these priorities represent more than programme goals. "I want my daughter to grow up knowing her rights," she said. "Not learning them after suffering, like I did."

Through principled action and strong partnerships, WOJE remains committed to advancing justice, equality, and dignity for women and girls. By placing communities at the centre of change, the organization is helping transform fear into confidence, silence into voice, and vulnerability into resilience.