Reaching Out"I have seen how women in Aceh are stereotyped as weak and powerless. I might not [have finished] my secondary education, but I know this is wrong and such discrimination needs to be addressed in a higher level."
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Rahmawati is a 35 year old Acehnese who is challenging the cultural conventions within her community and beyond.
The devastating 2004 tsunami shook her world when she lost her son, her home,
her belongings and many relatives. But Rahmawati did not lose hope. After being placed in a shelter camp in Banda Aceh, Rahmawati successfully managed to gather groups of women to sell donated items in an effort to generate income. Rahmawati was eventually elected Representative for Women, becoming the camp's voice to authorities, donor agencies and NGOs. The issues have not been resolved. The years of conflict and devastation in Aceh have destroyed many lives. There are thousands of women like Rahmawati waiting to be educated and empowered especially when it comes to issues such as gender equality and domestic violence. Help these women find their way again...Give them the hope and happiness that they have lost over the years. |
| National Committee for UNIFEM, Singapore - 2 Nassim Road, Singapore 258370 - | 
| : +65 6238 6763 | 
| :+65 6238 6762 | 
| : snow@unifem.org.sg |