“Before I joined the Bicentennial Women’s Organisation, I was going through difficult times. My mental health was not good, and I was neglecting my daily activities. But, once I was elected as a representative of the women’s organisation, I began to emerge from the depressive period I was experiencing.
The workshops I took part in through CCAIJO taught me to be stronger, to share my concerns with other women, and to find a support network. There are women like me who have issues who can’t say it openly, but this space allows us to share and learn.
At first, I was very surprised to see that in other districts and provinces there were many women organised and strengthened. And I asked myself: Why can’t we, in this town, be as organised? That’s where we started. We have already made our work plan, and we are walking to other communities to bring this message to more women.
Sonia
Sometimes my husband thinks I’m wasting my time being involved with the women’s organisation. I tell him that women must find a space for ourselves, where we feel happy, calm and free to express ourselves. We learn about our rights, such as the right to political participation and healthy coexistence through workshops, talks, and meetings and this allows us to recognise ourselves as complete citizens.
My greatest dream is for women to understand that when we are united, we will no longer suffer from violence. If we are divided, we will not be able to get away from it but with strength in numbers, we can build a peaceful home, and a healthy society.”
Thanks to your compassion, women like Sonia are taking on leadership roles that are changing the lives of their families and communities forever.
