Gdynia, Poland, November 21, 2024 — Marta Frej, a renowned Polish illustrator and activist, teams up with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to spark dialogue about the various forms of gender-based violence faced by women with displacement experience, while amplifying the voices of Ukrainian women in Poland.
Drawing from testimonies shared by IRC clients, Frej has created a series of powerful illustrations that bring these narratives to life. As part of the global campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the artwork is being showcased both online and at the iconic Emigration Museum in Gdynia.
The activation, 'I Have the Power to... Say No to Violence,' builds on Frej’s previous campaigns, challenging traditional notions of 'power' and highlighting the many ways gender-based violence manifests across all walks of life, regardless of background or origin.
The campaign illustrations are now available for preview here.
Marta Frej, Polish Illustrator and Activist, says:
“My work has always been about amplifying women’s voices, sharing their experiences, and celebrating their resilience. Every day, I witness how women navigate countless challenges, and their stories deserve to be acknowledged. What I felt was missing in my work until now were the voices of women with displacement experiences. I am deeply honored by the trust Ukrainian women in Poland have placed in me by sharing their stories.
“As new members of our society, their perspectives and unique experiences deserve recognition. I believe we must redefine power and strength as a society—understanding that, at times, vulnerability is the highest expression of both. This campaign is crucial because it compels us to confront all forms of violence, from casual catcalling to its most extreme manifestations. Once you see it, you cannot unsee it—you are faced with a choice: to act against it in your daily life or remain complicit.”
Foteini Vrontaki, IRC's Women’s Protection and Empowerment Manager, adds:
“"Our global experience demonstrates how displacement significantly increases the risk of gender-based violence. Refugee women face heightened risks due to various factors in their host countries, including the lack of social networks, family separation, financial instability, living in collective shelters or unfamiliar households, and limited awareness of their rights and available resources.
“Two-thirds of women worldwide have experienced some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime. Unfortunately, this violence often does not end when they flee to other countries in search of safety. Socio-economic violence in the workplace, harmful stereotypes, verbal abuse, and harassment sadly become a daily reality for many.
“To break the silence and challenge survivor-blaming narratives, it is essential to debunk myths surrounding gender-based violence and ensure that the voices of women and girls are heard. Through this campaign, we aim to spark conversations that firmly say 'no' to violence while emphasizing the importance of prevention. By highlighting the resilience of refugee women, we call on everyone to become vocal advocates for women’s rights.”
Notes to editors:
- The 16 Days of Activism against Gender–Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day, highlighting that violence against women is the most widespread violation of human rights globally.
- It is estimated that approximately 736 million women worldwide – nearly one in three – have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their lives. According to the United Nations, war and forced displacement also impact women's safety, significantly increasing the risk of experiencing violence.