As many celebrate various cherished holidays across the globe, Giselle Laronde-West turns the spotlight on an organisation trying to ensure that every woman — no matter her circumstances — has the chance not just to survive, but thrive
When I first met Asiya Mohammed, CEO of Conflict Women, I was in awe of her knowledge of women’s issues around the world, as well as the extent of her working experience with gender-based violence — especially against women. She has experience working with USAID/DPK Consulting, and the United Nations Development Programme, Population Fund, and Children’s Fund (UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF), with field experience across the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
She is also the recipient of the 100th Commonwealth Point of Light Award from Queen Elizabeth II, and Trinidad & Tobago’s National Medal for the Development of Women (Gold) for exceptional service to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
I was so happy to learn that she started Conflict Women in 2014, a social enterprise based in T&T that aims to give women who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence an opportunity to escape abusive situations if and when they are ready, and offer them support toward becoming fully self-sufficient.
Over the last 11 years, the organisation has hosted more than 77 workshops for survivors on entrepreneurship, innovation and design, pitch decks, marketing and sales, and other business skills, while supporting them with seed capital grants to launch or expand their small businesses. Business mentors provide sound guidance, encouragement and support to the women, while many professional volunteers — including attorneys — have assisted in various capacities over the years.
Survivors also have learned skills like wire-wrapping, bead-weaving, sustainable jewellery, drawing and art — and have participated in therapeutic workshops like yoga for trauma, pottery, and equine therapy.
As a women’s organisation, Conflict Women has served as first responders to hundreds over the years, guiding them to where they will get the best assistance, depending on their needs. There are other organisations which deal with psychosocial support and shelters for those who need it, and they all work hand in hand through the referral pathway to provide the economic opportunity for a new start.
I have been an ambassador for this social enterprise since 2016, and it has truly been a rewarding nine years witnessing the company’s growth and expansion. Recognising survivors’ personal and professional development and having the opportunity to play even a small part in their journey towards financial freedom, while witnessing their growing confidence each time we meet, is truly a feeling I cannot fully describe.
Over the past two years, I have served as Director of Corporate Partnership and recently was appointed to be part of its newly formed Global Advisory Board, chaired by His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. We have been working diligently to secure more partnerships and donors both locally and internationally, hoping that these alliances will assist us in further developing the organisation, and enabling us to do more to secure the futures of those striving to survive after such unwarranted abuse.
We cannot stand still if we can do more to help
The launch of a pro bono legal panel of highly accomplished lawyers in 2024, for example, is a great step toward providing legal assistance required by those who do not have the resources or the support network to exit their current abusive situations or navigate the legal system.
Responding to the Trinidad & Tobago Newsday last November regarding a statement from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), CEO Asiya Mohammed said that “Trinidad & Tobago, as a CARICOM member state, was being spotlighted across the region based on the rising rate of femicides.” She reiterated Conflict Women’s call for a special court to address gender-based violence, with an emphasis on prevention and deterrence.
This year, during the annual 16 days of activism against gender-based violence — running 25 November through 10 December — Conflict Women will host its main annual fundraiser: an exhibition featuring the handcrafted jewellery and beautiful paintings created by survivors. The work will be on show at the Art Society of Trinidad & Tobago (5–7 December).
There is still so much work to be done where domestic gender-based violence is concerned — despite the progress made and the advancement of women around the world. From my perspective, we cannot stand still if we can do more to help.
At Conflict Women, we believe that once a survivor is ready, able, and willing to take the steps toward making a different life for herself, then we should try to do all we can to support, encourage, and help prepare them to meet the challenges of entrepreneurship — and to continue to not just survive, but thrive.
Learn more about Conflict Women at conflictwomen.com and on social media @conflictwomen.