Blooming Strong: An Ode to Resilience

As the 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women and Girls comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect, honour, and celebrate the incredible strength, courage, and resilience of women across the world. Women who rise from the fire and ashes of life’s most challenging circumstances. Women who wear the scars of battle not as marks of defeat but as symbols of their unyielding spirit. 

At Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse, we believe in amplifying the voices of victims and survivors, transforming narratives of despair into stories of resilience and hope. The Blooming Strong campaign stands as a testament to this unwavering strength. It is a celebration of women who do not give up, who persist against societal pressures and the weight of multiple roles assigned to them from womb to tomb: daughters, sisters, mothers, wives, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, caregivers, and warriors. 

This year, Blooming Strong marks a significant milestone: 10 years of championing resilience and empowerment. Over the past decade, it has become more than just a campaign; it is a legacy, a movement, and a source of inspiration for countless individuals working tirelessly to empower their communities. Blooming Strong reminds us of the transformative power of solidarity and resilience, urging us to continue pushing for systemic change and unwavering support for survivors. 

We dedicate this moment to honour all women who embody resilience. They are the heart of Blooming Strong. 

A Journey in Their Boots 

At the heart of this reflection is the poignant poem, These Boots, by the Survivor Voice Network. It is a powerful symbol of the journey women undertake and the battles they fight, often silently, in their quest for freedom and justice: 

These Boots 

I share this as an observer: 

We started this journey with echoes of, “We need to keep on keeping on until change happens.” 

She’s kept her boots on, ready, at every opportunity to eradicate the issues victim-survivors face in all spheres of society. 

This isn’t her first expedition, but she’s resilient to keep on fighting no matter what it takes. 

Every time we meet, they re-tell the story of where their boots were ripped, soaked, muddied, scorched, repaired, stolen, and more. 

These are their survival shoes. 

We’re only a few miles in but already you say, “You make me feel that what we're doing can't be ignored.” 

I won’t allow it to be, because I carry your voices with me every day, as I step into each of your boots following the compass between worlds. 

Here you say, “I’ve had the opportunity to feel heard.” 

I’m still learning to navigate my way and want this to be the truth of every victim-survivor: that you will impact every sphere as changemakers to those in trusted positions until these boots are no longer required. 

This poem honours the survival stories behind every pair of boots and to ensure that the journey of victim-survivors is acknowledged and valued. 

Turning the Narrative Around 

Too often, women are portrayed as victims of crime, especially during campaigns like the 16 Days of Action. Blooming Strong transcends this narrative, focusing instead on the immense strength women demonstrate daily. Surviving within an abusive relationship, enduring despite the pain, or taking the brave step to leave and rebuild from scratch—these are acts of unparalleled resilience and courage.

This year, Blooming Strong 2024 gave us the opportunity to celebrate not just victim-survivors but also the incredible colleagues, partners, and leaders in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector who embody this resilience. They are the lifelines for many, the champions of change, and the inspiration for a better future. 

A Call to Remember 

As we conclude this campaign, let us not forget: we are all Blooming Strong. Let us carry forward the spirit of resilience and compassion, continuing to advocate for sustainable change. Let us amplify the voices of women, celebrate their strength, and honour their journey. 

Together, we can ensure that no woman’s journey is ignored, that every boot’s story is heard, and that one day, these boots will no longer be needed.