ActionAid UK, the international charity working to achieve social justice, gender equality and poverty eradication, this week launches its bold new fundraising campaign, Side by Side, which champions the inspiring women rebuilding their lives after crisis.

Amid rising anti-refugee rhetoric both in the UK and abroad, the campaign calls on viewers to “stand with women across borders, side by side” by committing to a regular donation that helps displaced women establish new livelihoods.

After two years off air, ActionAid UK returns to TV with a powerful message that centres the authentic experiences of women, amplifying their voices as they tell their own stories in their own words.

The number of forcibly displaced people has almost doubled over the last two decades, standing at one in 67 people globally, according to UNHCR – with women and girls among those most at risk.

ActionAid UK partners with women-led groups who work alongside women refugees, helping them to rebuild their lives with dignity and strength, as well as support other women.

The Side by Side film highlights the compelling stories of two remarkable women:

• Gloria, who fled conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and found refuge in Uganda, where she trained as a tailor and now inspires other women to do the same.
• Leokadia, who escaped the war in Ukraine and found safety in Poland, where she set up a cooking academy to help other refugee women earn an income.

Their stories demonstrate how regular donations to ActionAid empowers women to take control of their futures, support their families and strengthen their communities.

The campaign will run across national TV, with media planning and buying managed by MI Media.

Sabina Basi, Funding Director, at ActionAid UK, said: “At ActionAid, we believe that all women – anywhere in the world – deserve a life of dignity and hope. Side by Side celebrates women’s resilience and leadership, as well as the tangible impact they make to their communities — and calls on all of us to stand with them in solidarity, not as victims of crisis, but as agents of change.”

You can read about media partnerships we’ve developed for ActionAid here and here.