Join the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence-LUNA Insights

Dear LUNAticks,

As we mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, we are proud to launch this special edition of LUNA Insights. This issue is dedicated to understanding the profound impacts of gender-based violence (GBV) on women's health and wellbeing, underscoring our commitment to the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Standing Against Gender-Based Violence: Our Commitment and Actions

Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue worldwide, with approximately 736 million women—nearly one in three—having experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner in their lifetime. This staggering figure excludes countless instances of sexual harassment, which makes the problem even more widespread. At LUNA, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of GBV on women's mental health and overall well-being has strengthened our resolve to act.

As an independent brand committed to women's health and wellness, we are actively participating in awareness campaigns and preventative projects during the 16 Days of Activism. This year, we are proud to join forces with Goethe Institut, Tanga Community by Spectra, Spoken Words Rwanda, and Femicide Watch Rwanda to run a 16-day campaign called "Twisuzume." This campaign aims to raise awareness about femicide cases and shine a light on the far-reaching impacts of GBV on women's lives and health.

Our Impact Up to Date:

• Support on the Ground: To date, we have provided over 470 consultations to women affected by violence across various communities in our country. Our efforts continue as we strive to reach more women in need.
• Technology and GBV: Harnessing Innovation to Fight Abuse In our digital age, technology plays a dual role in the context of gender-based violence. While it has unfortunately facilitated new forms of abuse such as cyberstalking and online harassment, it also offers groundbreaking tools that empower survivors and aid in prevention. At LUNA, we spotlight innovative solutions such as mental health support, which provides counseling help to those in danger, and online support platforms that offer anonymity and safety for survivors seeking advice and community. By integrating more features with other institutions, like emergency alerts, information, and resources from local police authorities, and connecting with lawyers and other services using these technologies, we aim to create a safer environment and extend a lifeline to those affected by GBV in the future.

The Broader Impact of GBV on Women's Health

The effects of gender-based violence on women's health are severe and multifaceted. Here are just some of the ways it affects their safety, wellness, and reproductive health:

• Physical Health: Survivors often face long-term physical health issues, including chronic pain, injuries, and gastrointestinal disorders. They are also at a significantly higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, as a result of sexual violence.
• Mental Health: GBV leaves deep psychological scars. Survivors frequently suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. These mental health challenges can persist for years if left untreated.
• Safety and Vulnerability: GBV undermines women’s sense of safety, often forcing them into social isolation and limiting their participation in community and economic activities. This not only affects the individual but also hampers societal development as a whole.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH): GBV disrupts women’s reproductive health in profound ways. Survivors of sexual violence are more likely to experience unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections. Moreover, violence during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term delivery, and low birth weight. Stress and trauma from GBV can even disrupt menstrual cycles, compounding the challenges women face in maintaining their overall health.

Join Our Cause

In light of these challenges, your support is more crucial than ever. At LUNA, we believe that raising awareness and implementing preventative measures are essential steps toward eradicating GBV. We invite you to join us in our efforts to combat gender-based violence by supporting awareness campaigns, sharing resources, and advocating for policy changes that prioritize women's safety and well-being.

Stay informed and involved—follow our ongoing efforts and upcoming activities in our battle against GBV. Let’s work together to create a world where women can live free from violence with access to the care and support they need to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting our mission to improve the lives of women everywhere.

Warm regards,

The LUNA Team