Sophie Turner
Sophie Turner
On International Women's Day 2017, Sophie Turner announced a new role as Ambassador of Women for Women International - UK.
Through her experience researching and filming the harrowing scenes of rape and abuse in her role as Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones, Sophie decided she wanted to use her profile to help survivors of sexual violence.
Sophie contacted Women for Women International and was invited on a field trip to Rwanda, where women are still dealing with the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. During this time, over 1 million people were killed and the UN estimates that up to 500,000 women were systematically raped during the 100 days of violence.
Sophie's Visit to Rwanda
On the visit, Sophie saw firsthand how Women for Women International helps women survivors of conflict not just survive but thrive.
Sophie meets Grace and her family outside their house in Rwanda. Photo: Hazel Thompson 
Sophie meets Judith and looks at the clothes she has made in her tailoring business. Photo: Hazel Thompson 
Sophie attends a Women for Women International class in Rwanda. Photo : Hazel Thompson 
Sophie meets women producing traditional Rwandan artwork. Photo: Hazel Thompson
Why I support Women for Women International
"I met so many incredible women on this trip. To name a few; Grace, a single mother of five who, through the saving skills she learnt at the women’s opportunity centre, has been able to provide for her kids and buy two cows.
There was also Judith, a women who runs her own textiles business making clothes and also teaching other women the same skills that she had developed."
The women I met in Rwanda have inspired me in so many ways.