S3E9: The Powerful Journey of Two Survivors Turned Activists

The Sexual Violence Research Podcast

Survivors hold the key to bringing about empowering and systemic change in the field of gender-based violence. Their stories and their voices must be at the forefront of decision making and policymaking.

That’s why, in this episode, we hear the stories of two extraordinary survivors who are now leading activists, Kolbassia Haoussou MBE and Jac sm Kee.

Kolbassia is a torture survivor who experienced awful conditions when fleeing persecution. His journey led him to Freedom From Torture, where he is now Survivor Leadership and Influencing Director.

Jac is a feminist activist, writer and researcher from Malaysia, whose work largely focuses on the role of technology in gender-based violence. Alongside a number of roles, she is the co-founder and cartographer of the Numun Fund, which supports the creation of feminist technology.

In this episode we hear Kolbassia’s heart wrenching story, of the trials he faced while overcoming the trauma of torture, leading him to activism. Jac examines both the negative role of technology in perpetuating stereotypes and violence, as well as its benefits and how it can reshape power structures. And we hear how both are fighting for change, influencing governments and tech organisations alike.

Your host is:

Ayesha Mago, Global Advocacy Director, SVRI
This podcast was recorded at the SVRI Forum 2024. Find out more at svri.org.