WATER RUNS DEEP – The Sisters of Hope Gathered to Tell Their Stories
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They were once victims of gender-based violence and were sheltered for their safety
They were traumatized but had to relive the horrific experience to achieve justice
There were successfully reintegrated and have become mothers with families of their own
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Water runs deep is emblematic of the Sisters of Hope and their journey as survivors of sexual abuse; how
the abuse have taken a toll on their young lives, forcing them to pause, to learn, to reflect and move on.
Close to 30 girl survivors of sexual abuse who have been successfully reintegrated from SVSG’s shelter care
program from 2006 to 2021, gathered once again at the Campus of Hope during the weekend to network
and reflect.
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The annual gathering which started back in 2018, is the Sisters’ contribution as a young feminist group,
towards raising awareness on building each other up, on strengthening the sisterhood, resilience and
wellbeing.
It is water that nourishes and helps with the internal growth of the young women’s rights movement.
Seeing the girls who were once scared and traumatized, withdrawn and depressed; rise up to become
mothers themselves, or continued studying either here or abroad, really is water running deep. Watching
them care for the girl survivors of GBV at the Campus of Hope brings healing all around. Their advocacy
role puts the spotlight on creating safe spaces for young girls to network and fellowship.
As a survivor centred initiative driven by inspirational and brave survivors of GBV such as Leilua Lino,
Feagaiga Stowers, to name a few, the Sisters of Hope are building themselves up for greater things ahead.
A new Executive Committee has been set up for the Sisters of Hope, to drive the momentum forward. The
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long-term vision is to establish themselves as an organization, to inspire many young women to step up
and out of violence.
“With funding support from FRIDA, the Young Feminist Fund, the Sisters of Hope have been encouraged
time and time again to tell their stories in a safe space.”
“These stories have been used as a way to take back young women survivor’s power and create a narrative
that is healing and centres on empowerment.” Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President and Sisters of Hope Mentor.