Since the beginning of Covid 19, the world has changed, and many countries have taken important measures such as lockdowns to prevent contagion. It has been reported that more than 4.5 billion people have been confined at home since December 19th. The lockdown was meant to be a measure of protection. While the lockdown has worked as protection and safety, it has also unlocked another pandemic that remains invisible in the closed walls of the house. As Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women argues, “we see a shadow pandemic growing of violence against women.” (unwomen.org). Further, the pandemic has also had a much harsher impact on some already systemically disenfranchised communities. During these unprecedented times, we have also witnessed the rise and fall of movements of resistance and change in different parts of the world.

"Violence, Resistance & Change - Women’s Voices during the Pandemic" hosted by the Violence Against Women Initiative at Lesley University seeks to elevate these voices to all lived different experiences during this time of COVID. We hope this platform will allow us to reflect and deepen our commitment and engagement to preventing violence against women.