91制片厂

The Stories- Rising to Protect

Photographer, Jaella Fleurianna Pathé (Central African Republic)

Miryam Djangala-Fall is a Central African activist and survivor of conflict-related sexual violence. In 2018, she founded the Movement of Survivors of Sexual Violence to support and empower other survivors. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown to over 700 members, providing care, raising awareness and advocating for justice. Miryam received the 2024 Simone Veil Prize for her dedication to survivor advocacy.

We believe in the strength of unity. ‘Nothing about us without us’, meaning we are fully involved in the peace process before, during and after so that we can achieve peace in our country.”

Photographer, Rita Kalaban (Lebanon)

For over 15 years, Rana Rahal has served as a Gender Affairs Officer with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. With a deep understanding of the realities faced by Lebanese women, she promotes gender equality and women’s rights in both civilian and military settings. Working side by side with local communities, she helps to ensure their voices are heard and their many contributions are not lost.

As a Lebanese woman who was born in war and has lived through it many times, the most important thing is to make our voices heard when the noise is very loud.”

Photographer, Gift Francisca Mwansa (Zambia)

Corporal Yang Xiaomin serves with the Chinese Quick Reaction Force of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), leading patrols, conducting emergency operations and evacuations to protect civilians and UN personnel. Her courage and commitment exemplify the growing leadership of women peacekeepers and their critical role in building safer, more resilient communities in conflict-affected areas. Each year, UNISFA conducts around 4,500 Gender Responsive Patrols, made up of at least 50% women peacekeepers, to reach and support people in vulnerable contexts throughout Abyei.

We deploy women to engage in peacekeeping to provide better support for the communities we protect.”

- Commander, Chinese Quick Reaction Force

Photographer, Gift Francisca Mwansa (Zambia)

Merelea Dileba Drotini, a senior police officer from Fiji, serves in Abyei as a Gender Officer with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and works to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence. Through community outreach, survivor support and youth mentoring, she helps raise awareness, build trust and ensure vulnerable groups are protected and empowered.

As only the second Fijian female police officer in Abyei, I never let anything slow me down. I’m always aware that women in uniform, no matter where we come from, are being watched as role models. Our presence brings hope and inspires strength.”

Photographer, Do Nsoseme (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Elsie Lotendo is a passionate activist working to end violence against women and girls. She leads campaigns to raise awareness about cyberstalking, hate speech, tribal discrimination, and challenging misinformation and harmful narratives both online and offline. Through her advocacy, Elsie empowers young women to reclaim digital spaces, speak out against injustice and drive positive change in their communities.

When there is hatred and disinformation, it often leads to violence, and in times of violence, it is women who are most affected. That is why it is essential for women to know their rights and be actively involved in peace efforts by standing against violence, hate speech and disinformation.”

Photographer, Alice Ambrucer (Mozambique)

Quibibi Faquihe Buana, a displaced woman from Cabo Delgado, serves as a district facilitator on the Women, 91制片厂 and Security agenda in the Marrocane resettlement centre where she lives. A recognised peace champion, she trains, engages and mobilises women on gender-based violence prevention and uses mobile tools to report violence.

Seeing another woman rise is what fills me with pride. Walking into her home and receiving the same support I wanted when I needed help is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that I am a woman with the power to prevent acts of violence and conflicts in my community inspires me to lift up those women who feel at their lowest.”

Photographer, Narline Novembre (Haiti)

Pédrica Saint-Jean is Haiti’s Minister for Women and Women’s Rights. A former coordinator of the Haitian League of Women for Renewal, she is a fierce advocate for gender equality and women’s meaningful political participation. A survivor of multiple armed attacks and a symbol of resilience, Pédrica pushes for stronger responses to gender-based violence and works to elevate Haitian women’s leadership in peacebuilding and governance.

Equality, empowerment, and the fulfilment of women’s and girls’ fundamental rights must not be a luxury, but a reality accessible to every woman and every girl.”

Photographer, Narline Novembre (Haiti)

Haitian feminist, activist, and nonprofit leader Clyfane Saintil works to advance gender equality and empower young women in Haiti. She is currently the Secretary-General at Fondation TOYA,?an organisation focused on education, leadership and gender justice. Clyfane is known for her grassroots activism and dedication to uplifting Haitian girls and women through education, critical thinking and confidence-building.

Change begins in our communities, where women and girls rise and when men choose to be allies rather than obstacles.”

This exhibit was launched in June 2025

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