Gdynia, Poland, November 21, 2024 — Marta Frej, renowned Polish illustrator and activist, partners with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to spark dialogue on the different forms of gender-based violence faced by displaced women, while amplifying the voices of Ukrainian women in Poland.

Drawing on testimonials shared by IRC customers, Frej created a series of powerful illustrations that bring these stories to life. As part of the global campaign 16 days of activism against gender-based violencethe work is presented both online and in the iconic Gdynia Emigration Museum.

Activation, “I have the power to… say no to violence”, builds on Frej’s previous campaigns, challenging traditional notions of “power” and highlighting the many ways in which gender-based violence manifests in all walks of life, regardless of origin or origin. origin.

Campaign illustrations are now available in preview here.

Marta Frej, Polish illustrator and activist, says:

“My work has always been about amplifying women’s voices, sharing their experiences and celebrating their resilience. Every day I witness how women face countless challenges, and their stories deserve to be recognized. What I felt was missing in my work so far was the voices of women with lived experiences of displacement. I am deeply honored by the trust that Ukrainian women in Poland have placed in me by sharing their stories.

“As new members of our society, their unique perspectives and experiences deserve to be recognized. I believe we need to redefine power and strength as a society, understanding that sometimes vulnerability is the higher expression of both. This campaign is crucial because it forces us to confront all forms of violence, from casual insults to its most extreme manifestations. Once you see him, you cannot ignore him: you are faced with a choice: act against him in your daily life or remain complicit.

Foteini Vrontaki, head of women’s protection and empowerment at the IRC, adds:

“Our global experience demonstrates how displacement significantly increases the risk of gender-based violence. Refugee women face increased risks due to various factors in their host countries, including lack of social networks, family separation, financial instability, living in collective shelters or unfamiliar households and limited knowledge of their rights and available resources.

“Two-thirds of women global have experienced some form of gender-based violence in their lives. Unfortunately, this violence often does not stop as they flee to other countries in search of safety. Socio-economic violence in the workplace, harmful stereotypes, verbal abuse and harassment are unfortunately becoming a daily reality for many.

“To break the silence and challenge narratives that blame survivors, it is essential to debunk the myths surrounding gender-based violence and ensure that the voices of women and girls are heard. Through this campaign, we aim to spark conversations that firmly say “no” to violence while emphasizing the importance of prevention. By highlighting the resilience of refugee women, we call on everyone to become strong advocates for women’s rights.

Notes to editors:

• The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day of man, emphasizing that violence against women is the most serious form of violence against women. widespread violation of human rights on a global scale.
• It is estimated that around 736 million women worldwide – almost one in three – have been victims of physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner, sexual violence by another partner, or two, at least once in their life. According to the United Nations, war and forced displacement also impact women’s security, significantly increasing the risk of experiencing violence.