Women and Girls
We believe everyone deserves to live free from violence, and women and girls are disproportionately affected.
We take a community-led approach to confront violence against women and girls, create safe and inclusive spaces, and build opportunities for women and girls to lead full lives.
Locally-led initiatives for lasting impact
Our programs to advance women’s equality begin with the people who live and work in the communities we serve. They are the experts, trusted by their neighbors and deeply aware of the challenges they face. We work together to create respectful, impactful and inclusive change.
Immediate care
For survivors of violence, we prioritize care that restores dignity and hope. This ensures they know their rights and how to access critical services. With our partners, we:
- Build safe spaces
- Provide healthcare and counseling
- Make legal aid accessible.
These services help survivors heal and rebuild their lives in a supportive environment.
“I gained knowledge through the program. Now, I proudly raise my voice to reduce violence in my community while actively supporting survivors.” –Mother Susanna, program participant in Liberia
Changing cultural norms to end violence against women and girls
Preventing violence against women and girls requires more than responding to its effects. It demands shifting mindsets and cultural norms to stop violence before it happens.
Episcopal Relief & Development uses a groundbreaking, inter-faith approach to improve equity and social inclusion for women and girls. With Muslim, Christian and traditional faith leaders, we facilitate workshops and discussions about women and men’s rights.
These community meetings shift harmful beliefs, decrease intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence, and improve women’s access to social services and resources.
“In these households, decision making is starting to include women in discussions about dowries, resources…and highly-personal things like when to go to the hospital during pregnancy.” –Alex, Djeri group facilitator, South Sudan
Our impact
We developed this approach with communities in Liberia, and have refined through rigorous evaluation.
Over the last 10 years, we have changed lives in more than 50 communities.
- 91,000+ women, men and youth have participated in our programs
- 41,000+ women and girls have accessed life-changing resources and support.
- 800+ trained faith and community leaders lead awareness initiatives that support long-term change.
These numbers represent lives transformed, communities strengthened, and hope restored.
Be part of the change
Dive into inspiring stories of resilience and transformation of women like Avinka who create lasting change in their communities. Then, explore our interactive map to see where and how we fulfill our commitment to serve women and girls within their communities.
Read stories of impact | Explore the map
Give today
Your support helps expand these life-changing programs. Together, we can create a world where women and girls have opportunities and safe spaces to achieve their fullest potential.
