#16StoriesofChange – From fear to freedom. Today and everyday, ALDA stands with women on our journey toward a world without violence

Everyday at ALDA we pause to remember a worrying reality: violence against women is one of the most pervasive human rights violations. Violence against women is a global crisis, silencing countless voices and limiting futures. Yet, every act of resistance against this injustice is a spark for change. But this day, November 25, is also a call to action to turn stories of pain into stories of strength, resilience, and hope. 

At ALDA, we believe in the power of storytelling to transform the narrative, not only on November 25, but everyday. Today, ALDA—through its Gender, Inclusion & Human Rights Hub—launches a heartfelt campaign, #16StoriesofChange, in honour of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

From November 25 to December 10, Human Rights Day, the campaign will amplify the voices of 16 women part of the WEMIN project. These real-life stories of resilience, empowerment, and transformation demonstrate how inclusive programs can drive societal change and build bridges between cultures. Each story will highlight the extraordinary journey of migrant and refugee women as they found their place—and their voice—in European societies.

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A journey of empowerment: real stories from the WEMIN project

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Get to know Bahar Kara, an extraordinarily brave woman who survived persecution by IS in northern Syria and escaped her abusive brother. Against all odds, she made her way to Germany, where a protection program for women finally granted her the safety and dignity she deserves. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and the unyielding hope for a life free from fear—a testament to the strength it takes to rebuild and thrive.

Then there is Ilaf, who fled to Europe as her hometown was torn apart by violent conflict, determined to secure a safe future for herself and the baby she was expecting. The WEMIN Greek language lessons played a crucial role in helping her learn the language, regain her self-confidence, and connect with her new community. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of a better life.

These stories, and many others, showcase the transformative power of collaboration, mentorship, and inclusion. Through WEMIN, participants gained not only practical skills but also the confidence to become active members of their communities. The WEMIN project, now concluded, achieved remarkable outcomes by fostering dialogue and intercultural exchange across Europe. Its key initiatives included:

• Mentorship programs that guided women through education and work opportunities.
• Cultural awareness trainings, from language classes to socio-cultural integration activities.
• Peer learning platforms that encouraged women to share their experiences and learn from one another.
• The creation of a Good Practice Guide to help other organisations replicate successful integration models.

Beyond individual empowerment, WEMIN worked to promote social cohesion and challenge stereotypes, demonstrating that migrant and refugee women are not just vulnerable individuals—they are valuable, resourceful members of society.

At ALDA, the European Association for Local Democracy, our mission goes beyond projects: we aim to build resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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Central to this vision is our Gender, Inclusion & Human Rights Hub, which integrates a holistic, intersectional approach to address systemic inequities

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Why gender, inclusion, and human rights together? Because identities overlap. A woman who has a migrant background, for example, may face compounding challenges of both gender and cultural discrimination. Recognising this complexity, we strive to tackle these issues comprehensively, leveraging partnerships, advocacy, and local action to dismantle barriers and create opportunities.

We’ve learned that empowerment isn’t a one-way street—it’s a partnership. It’s about creating spaces where women’s voices are heard, where their stories become part of a larger narrative of community resilience, and where their contributions are recognised as vital to societal progress.

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The #16StoriesofChange campaign is a reminder that real change requires collective action.

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By showcasing the outcomes of projects like WEMIN, we aim to inspire stakeholders across Europe to replicate and scale these efforts. For ALDA, this campaign also underscores our broader commitment to gender equality and anti-discrimination, as outlined in our recently published policy. We believe that by embedding equity into every level of governance—local, national, and European—we can create a society that doesn’t just respond to gender-based violence but prevents it.

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What Can You Do?

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This International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we invite you to join us on this journey. Follow the #16StoriesofChange campaign on our social media channels and share the stories of these incredible women. Let their courage inspire you to take action in your community—whether it’s advocating for policy changes, supporting local initiatives, or simply listening to the voices of those too often silenced.

Change begins with awareness, but it thrives through action. Together, we can build a world where every woman, regardless of her circumstances, lives free from violence, empowered to lead, and celebrated for her strength.