Voices, Silences, and the Weight We Carry

This year, InterAction’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Working Group blog series sought to highlight and amplify the voices of women and girls leading the charge against GBV in humanitarian crises around the globe.

Women from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, Latin America, and elsewhere highlighted their perspectives and priorities in each of their respective contexts, as well as their central role in responding to crises and enhancing the resilience of both women and their communities.

Through their stories, we witnessed the power of women’s movements and the transformative potential of grassroots women-led and girl-led leadership. However, it is important to acknowledge those whose voices we have not heard and the weight carried by GBV specialists who work tirelessly alongside survivors. There are increasingly challenging and often invisible realities and pain that many endure outside the spotlight.

For every woman and girl whose words made it into the series, there are countless others who remain unheard—whether because of concerns for their safety, systemic silencing, or the burden of trauma. Their absence is a reminder of the complexity of the fight to end GBV, with layers of intersectionality that shape the visibility or invisibility of survivors and advocates.

Across diverse contexts, women are fighting for change. Whether it’s survivors themselves, community leaders in conflict zones, grassroots advocates in humanitarian settings, or young activists challenging social norms, the fight against GBV takes many forms. We honor those who could not share their stories and recognize that their contributions are just as crucial to the movement.

This fight does not come without a toll. The mental and emotional toll on GBV professionals, especially those who work closely with survivors, is an important yet often overlooked aspect of this field. These professionals face the immense challenge of navigating the pain and trauma of others while also tending to their own well-being. The demand for their services is increasing, yet the support systems in place for their mental health are often insufficient.

Vicarious trauma and burnout are common among GBV professionals, who are exposed to the distressing realities of violence and exploitation daily. Many report feeling overwhelmed by the emotional burden of their work, often without adequate resources or time to decompress. This is especially true for those who come from the communities they serve as they may share in the collective trauma of survivors, creating a double burden of lived experience and professional responsibility.

To sustain the GBV movement and ensure the well-being of those on the front lines, we must prioritize the mental health of GBV professionals. This means not only providing access to counseling, peer support networks, and training on vicarious trauma, but also fostering a culture that encourages self-care without guilt. The resilience of the movement depends on the resilience of its advocates and that requires creating environments where healing is possible.

This year’s series highlighted the importance of elevating these efforts and understanding that the fight against GBV is not monolithic—it is made up of unique struggles, strategies, and solutions informed by local realities and led by fierce women and girls. Driven by the stories shared, the silences acknowledged, and the need for change recognized, the international community must commit to amplifying all voices, supporting those who cannot speak, and prioritizing the well-being of everyone involved in this vital work.

The path to a world free of violence is a long one, but together, we can make strides toward justice and healing for all.

—

Note: The views expressed in this blog are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect those of InterAction.