Hear Women’s Stories

 

Kate

United states

Inspired by her father's military service, Kate enlisted in 2007 but quickly encountered gender inequality in the Marine Corps. Despite a positive experience in the Lioness Program, her return from deployment was marked by toxic leadership, burnout, and a lack of support for professional development.

“We had a problem: Anything perceived as being "woman-ish", weak, or vulnerable was a reflection of the person being a problem

 

A STORY FROM NEPAL

ANONYMOUS

The author reflects on growing up during Nepal's civil war, witnessing the profound impact on women, including her aunt, Fupu, who joined the conflict seeking gender equality but faced disillusionment post-war. Inspired by these experiences, she is driven to advocate for women's rights, peace-building, and socio-political reform to honor the sacrifices of women like Fupu.

“It troubles me that I am writing her story from a place of comfort while she, like many other ex-combatants, continues to struggle—not just to survive in a country that she struggled to call home—but to remember her own humanity despite the most inhumane treatment she faced during the war.