In Their Shoes: Walking the Path of Survivors to Inspire Change

Each year, the 16 Days of Activism campaign calls on us to reflect on gender-based violence (GBV) and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. But beyond the headlines and statistics are the lived experiences of survivors, often unheard and unseen. What if, for just a moment, we tried to walk in their shoes? To feel their fear, their courage, their hope? Would we fight harder for change?

Let’s explore the journey of survivors of gender-based violence, the challenges they face, and how we can all contribute to inspiring change, one step at a time.

1. The Silent Struggle: Understanding the Survivor’s Journey

For many survivors, the path begins in silence. The first step often comes with isolation, fear, and confusion. Many face shame, societal judgment, and even disbelief when they try to speak out. Walking in their shoes means acknowledging the internal battles they fight daily Battles that no one else sees.

GBV doesn’t just happen in a vacuum; it thrives in environments where silence and stigma are the norm. Survivors are often forced to choose between enduring their pain quietly or facing a society that isn’t always ready to listen. It’s in these shoes that we must walk if we are ever to truly understand the depth of their experiences.

What can we do?

We can listen. We can believe. We can make sure survivors know they are not alone; that their voices matter, and that the silence around GBV needs to be shattered.

2. Walking the Path of Courage

Choosing to speak out is a courageous act for any survivor, but it is only the beginning. Every step forward, whether seeking justice, getting counselling, or rebuilding their lives, takes immense bravery. For some, this journey lasts a lifetime. Imagine walking through the fear of retribution, the frustration of slow legal processes, or the emotional toll of reliving trauma during investigations.

In their shoes, we must recognise how much strength it takes to rebuild a life after GBV. Yet, too often, survivors are left without adequate support systems – be it legal, psychological, or emotional. Our role as allies is to help pave smoother paths for them, ensuring they have access to the resources they need.

What can we do?

We can support organisations that provide essential services to survivors. Whether it’s donating, volunteering or advocating for better policies, we can contribute to building a society that supports survivors on their road to recovery.

3. Turning Pain into Power: Survivors as Agents of Change

Survivors are not just victims; they are also powerful agents of change. Many survivors turn their pain into advocacy, fighting for laws to be strengthened, for greater awareness to be spread, and for future generations to be safer. Walking in their shoes means recognising that their journey doesn’t end with survival but that it continues as they strive to inspire change and prevent GBV from happening to others.

We must ask ourselves: How can we support survivors in this transformative process? How can we amplify their voices and ensure their stories lead to meaningful, lasting impact?

What can we do?

We can share their stories. We can elevate their platforms. And we can actively engage in activism, joining the fight to make communities safer, and to ensure no survivor walks their path alone.

4. Inspiring Change, One Step at a Time

True change requires collective action. It’s not enough to be aware; we must be active in our fight against Gender-Based Violence. The 16 Days of Activism serves as a reminder that while survivors walk their path every day, it’s up to us to join them in solidarity.

In their shoes, would we stay silent, or would we fight for a world free from GBV? Every step we take, whether by raising awareness, supporting survivors, or challenging harmful societal norms—moves us closer to a future where no one has to walk this journey alone.

Time to Walk Together

Walking in the shoes of survivors is not just about empathy; it’s about action. It’s about standing with them, supporting their healing, and pushing for change in every space where Gender-Based Violence exists. The path may be long, but together, we can inspire a future where every survivor is heard, believed, and empowered.

As we reflect on the 16 Days of Activism, let’s make a commitment. Let’s lace up our shoes and walk the path alongside survivors. Not just in solidarity, but in meaningful action. Whether it’s through advocacy, providing support, or driving policy changes, there are many ways we can make a difference. And this journey doesn’t have to start alone. Organisations like the TEARS Foundation are here to help survivors begin their healing – offering vital support and resources.

By partnering with TEARS, we can ensure that survivors never walk this path alone —because together, we can inspire the change that’s long overdue.