Tina Siamujemu, a 26-year-old mother of four in Zambia, knows firsthand the devastating impact of gender-based violence. In Zambia, an estimated 43 percent of married women experience physical violence from their husbands. Through Self-Help Groups, World Renew—together with the United Church of Zambia—is working to support women and change this reality of gender injustice.

This work aligns with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual UN Women campaign that runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). The campaign calls on communities worldwide to take a stand against all forms of violence against women and girls.

Tina is a participant in a World Renew Self-Help Group and recently shared her story of resilience and courage. “After I got married in 2007, I was abused physically, verbally, and emotionally,” she recounts. “My husband beat me, insulted me, and used whatever money he earned on alcohol and his girlfriends.” With no financial support from her husband, Tina struggled to provide for her children by working as a housemaid. But even at work, her struggles continued: “He would follow me to work to beat me up. Things got worse each day.”

Even in the face of violence, Tina was determined to support her family. She began making snack chips to sell for extra income. But her husband’s abuse escalated, and during one of his outbursts, he destroyed her equipment and supplies, ruining her business. He beat Tina in public, even attacking her at church. “I developed high blood pressure, and the children were all traumatized,” Tina recalls.

In a critical moment, Tina drew strength from the other women in her Self-Help Group. With their support, she found the courage to seek a divorce and finally found safety for herself and her children. “I decided to sue for divorce because I could not stand the abuse, torture, and pressure,” she says. Tina’s story embodies the purpose of the 16 Days of Activism: to empower survivors, raise awareness, and inspire action to end gender-based violence.

Tina’s own journey inspired her to stand up for others facing similar injustices. Child marriage, another prevalent form of gender-based violence in Zambia, became personal when her 14-year-old niece became pregnant. Tina intervened when the family considered marriage for the young girl. “The parents wanted to force her into marriage, but I encouraged them to take her back to school. She has a right to education,” Tina says. Thanks to support from organizations like World Renew, people like Tina are empowered to change the narrative of gender injustice and ensure the safety and rights of future generations.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, Tina’s story is a powerful reminder that awareness and advocacy are vital to ending gender-based violence, giving survivors a platform and a voice. Thank you for your support in helping women like Tina lead change in their communities.

We invite you to learn more about our gender justice work and how we empower women and men to overcome violence in their communities. During these 16 Days of Activism, download and join us in a brand-new reflection and advocacy guide, co-authored by World Renew, International Justice Mission Canada, and Citizens for Public Justice.