Blogs
New book seeks to empower children to stop sexual abuse
As the Programmes and Partnership Director at Freely in Hope, an international organization dedicated to ending sexual violence in Kenya and Zambia, she works tirelessly to provide holistic academic scholarships, leadership opportunities, and platforms for survivors to create initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of sexual abuse. She is a member of the Global Survivor Council, a coalition of survivors, advocates, and experts who have come together to call for urgent government action ahead of the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, to be held in Colombia next month. According to the World Health Organization, one in two children worldwide—over a billion minors—experience violence each year. The coalition argues that violence against children is not just a social issue but a global crisis that demands immediate attention. The coalition has released an open letter urging world leaders to attend the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, set to take place in Colombia next month.
African Women's Day: spotlight on two inspiring members of the Brave Movement Africa
In light of African Women’s Day, we are spotlighting two members of the Brave Movement Africa platform, Dr. Echoes of Strength: Surviving and Thriving By: Lorraine Ong’injoSignificant challenges and profound growth have marked my journey through healing from childhood sexual violence. With the support of our founding members, I have played a crucial role in establishing a platform for survivors of sexual violence. I also convened the survivors of sexual violence network under the Wangu Kanja Foundation in Nairobi and founded the ReBuilding Community Organization. I use my voice to raise awareness about childhood sexual violence and advocate for stronger protections for children. Some of the ways that I take action include public speaking and awareness campaigns, through which I share my story and raise awareness about childhood sexual violence at numerous events. Finally, I organize and conduct workshops for educators, parents, and community leaders on recognizing and preventing childhood sexual violence. My work has empowered countless survivors to speak out and seek help, raised awareness about childhood sexual violence within and beyond the community, brought stronger legal protections for children, and increased accountability for perpetrators through policy changes. I have also contributed to cultural shifts by promoting healing practices and encouraging open dialogues about childhood sexual violence. In the future, I plan to expand the Brave Movement Kenya and envision our organization will grow to support even more survivors across Kenya and beyond. I aspire to enhance support services to survivors through counseling, legal assistance, and educational programs. My journey as an advocate against childhood sexual violence is far from over. Childhood sexual violence is a pervasive issue that affects countless children globally. Brave Movement: Chasing Solutions for Childhood Adversities By: Dr.
Give survivors a political voice!
I was five when I was raped by an adult cousin during a summer stay at my great aunt’s home in Southwest France. My parents were away. I couldn’t resist. I had no agency.
Apple: stop selling unsafe iPhones to kids
As the world waited for Apple to launch its new iPhone on September 20th, 2024, the Heat Initiative organized a campaign to spotlight a critical issue at their flagship store in New York City: Apple products are not safe for children and adolescents.
Harnessing the power of youth in addressing online sexual abuse
Today, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 worldwide, accounting for the largest population of young people in history.
A survivor's account of sexual abuse beyond the screen
In January, I got a call from the Red Dot Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization based in India.
An Olympic disgrace
We don’t know who was in the room when the Dutch Olympic Committee decided it would be fine to send a convicted child rapist to the Olympic Games. But we can be pretty sure who wasn’t — anyone who has experienced sexual violence as a child. As a survivor of child sexual violence, I know what it’s like for our voices and experiences to be ignored, as they so often are.
African Women's Day: spotlight on two inspiring members of the Brave Movement Africa
In light of African Women’s Day, we are spotlighting two members of the Brave Movement Africa platform, Dr. Bukola Ogunkua and Lorraine Ong’injo, to highlight the unique challenges and triumphs of African Women and the vital role they play in breaking the silence, advocating for justice, and building a future free from violence and abuse for all children.