USD 10.3 million grant awarded to Together for Girls

Photo by Vika Strawberrika on Unsplash

Oak Foundation will grant USD 10.3 million over four years to Together for Girls, a global partnership dedicated to breaking the cycle of violence against children, with special attention to sexual violence. The funding will support a diverse and broad coalition of survivors and allies working to demand an end to the pandemic of sexual violence against children, through advocacy for bold public policy solutions and campaigns to shift societal norms and eradicate survivor stigma.

“For too long, sexual violence against children has been veiled in silence, engulfed in shame, and sheltered by impunity,” said Daniela Ligiero, CEO and executive director of Together for Girls and also a survivor of child sexual abuse. “It happens everywhere, in homes, schools, communities, places of worship, sports, and online. However, we know sexual violence can be prevented. This unprecedented funding will enable our growing partnership to better contribute to the global, powerful movement of survivors and allies fighting for an end to child abuse.”

The award is one of the largest such awards for survivor-centred advocacy and campaigns focused on ending child sexual abuse and other forms of sexual violence against children — including girls, boys, and diverse gender identities.

“We are building an inclusive and impactful global healing movement,” said Paul Zeitz, survivor and founder of Build a Movement 2022. “I am honoured and thrilled to be part of this newly forming global movement where survivors will help lead bold and transformational action to end this scourge on humanity.”

The award will support efforts to elevate survivor voices and leadership and contribute to coalition-building through aligned and coordinated advocacy and campaign efforts that are globally networked, nationally coordinated, and locally grounded. Efforts will be guided by an advocacy framework focused on prevention, healing, and justice.  

“Most of us, after abuse happens, feel broken or worthless. But with time, work, community, and purpose, we come out stronger, more powerful,” said Tabitha Mpamira, survivor, activist and founder of the Mutera Healing Foundation. “We are resilient and we are ready. I know that through our experiences as survivors, and those who love survivors, we have a tribe. Together, I know we can move mountains.”

“Every child has the right to grow up free from the threat of sexual violence,” said Ligiero. When we work together, as survivors and allies, we are powerful. We must be brave, so that children can be safe.”