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In the early hours of February 24, 2022, a televised announcement by Russian President Vladmir Putin would ignite a “special military operation” in Ukraine. Citing his objectives of the country’s “demilitarisation” and “denazification”, his words signaled the siege of key Ukrainian cities by Russian military forces and upended the lives of Ukrainian men, women, and children.  

In Mariupol, Olga sang pop and folk music with her group, Melody, who made it onto Ukrainian X-Factor and her husband was the Head of Mariupol’s orchestra. When war broke out, Olga made the perilous journey across the border to Poland with her son, Max, and her parents. Her husband stayed behind in Ukraine.  

This Women's History Month, get inspired by these female authors who are using their #PowerToChange to bring awareness to injustice, inequality and the incredible resilience of women.

It’s been one week since two deadly earthquakes killed at least 36,000 people across Türkiye and Syria. Our partner, Women Now for Development (WND) tells us humanitarian aid is still not reaching war torn regions of Northwest Syria. As many as 5.3 million people in Syria have been left homeless by this disaster, according to the UN, many sleeping in subzero temperatures without food or medical attention. 

Thinking about buying something extra special this Holiday Season? Your purchases have power, and we are excited to share a Holiday Gift Guide with a difference – helping you find thoughtful gifts that support women survivors of war.  

After years of silent suffering, the women of South Sudan are beginning to speak out about rape and sexual violence. Read about how Change Agents are breaking the silence on Violence Against Women over the radio.

This Giving Tuesday, with the support of our corporate partners, we are able to work with resilient women to rebuild their lives, gain crucial skills and transform their futures, families and communities. From meaningful cards to quality wardrobe staples, read on to discover the ways you can shop with purpose through your favourite brands on this global day of giving! 

For women entrepreneurs in our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations programme, owning a bicycle has helped them grow their businesses and support their families. Read Mukunde and Alphonsine's stories.

As political figures and activists engaged in discourse, addressing the effects of climate change through political leadership, a small group of women in South Sudan assembled less than 1000 miles away. Faced with a withering supply of crops and livestock, they’re pursuing an avenue of farming that will make them more resilient. 

To mark International Men's Day 2022 our newest Ambassador Mick Élysée demonstrates how men can channel their masculinity to create positive change.

All women are vulnerable to violence – with one in three experiencing some form in their lifetime. But those in conflict-affected regions are much more exposed to it. Living in conflict zones, experiences war and suffering displacement all increase the risk.

Following the conclusion of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, read our Global Policy and Advocacy Manager Nisha Singh's reflections on the past year of global advocacy, research and programme delivery to support women in Afghanistan.