Rebuilding Life, Helping Others: Gisèle’s Journey Toward Healing 

A year ago, Gisèle stood at a crossroads. After nearly two decades under the powerful and suffocating control of her husband, she made a life-changing decision—to break free. What was once a story whispered behind closed doors, is now a powerful testament to resilience, transformation, and the impact of community support. 

The Hidden Struggle 

For 17 long years, Gisèle endured psychological, physical, and emotional abuse.

“He belittled me constantly,” she recalls. “Everyone knew, but no one spoke up. They told me to pray, to endure.”  

Every attempt to escape was met with threats, overwhelming pressure from her family, and a legal system that often felt complex and out of reach. But silence, Gisèle knew, did not mean consent. She realized she had to find a way out—not just for herself, but for her son, who was growing up in the same environment of fear. 

A Lifeline Through the Ensemble Project and Akwaba Mousso 

Her turning point came with the Parcours Violences program and the Ensemble initiative, a regional project combating gender-based violence (GBV) in West and Central Africa. Through Ensemble, Gisèle connected with Akwaba Mousso, a survivor-centered organization in Côte d’Ivoire.  

There she found what she had long been denied:  

“Without Akwaba Mousso, I don’t know what I would’ve done,” Gisèle says. “They saw me when I felt invisible.” 

With their support, Gisèle secured a protection order, took her son and left her abusive home, and took the first brave steps towards a new life.  

More Than Survival—A New Life 

Life in a shelter wasn’t easy—but it was safe. Gisèle focused on rebuilding herself: financially, emotionally, and mentally.  

She enrolled in a vocational training program in animal husbandry to supplement her work as an administrative assistant. Through Ensemble’s network, she worked with a mentor, developed a business plan, and is now awaiting funding to launch her own venture. 

Today, Gisèle lives independently in her own apartment. She shares custody of her son with his father, but most importantly, she has reclaimed her power and her voice. 

From Survivor to Advocate 

Gisèle’s journey didn’t end with survival—she has now become a force for change. Trained in active listening and domestic violence responses, she volunteers with Akwaba Mousso, supporting women who are where she once was.  

“I want to be for them what I wish I had much earlier,” she says. 

Her message to other women is clear and powerful:  

“You are not worthless. You are not alone. You deserve a fulfilling life. Today, I am no longer under his control. I’ve regained my self-confidence, and I urge women to choose to leave toxic relationships to have a fulfilling life.” 

The Ensemble initiative created supportive opportunities where women and girls can learn how to advocate for their rights. Together, we are not only responding to GBV—we are working to prevent it, dismantle harmful norms, and build a future rooted in dignity and free of violence. 

Thank you to Marie-Jocelyne Kangah and Kate Tibone for sharing Gisèle’s story.

EngenderHealth led the Ensemble initiative, from 2022 to 2025, addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in five countries in West and Central Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Mali. Ensemble means “together” in French, and we designed this program with the understanding that by working together, our impact will be greater than the sum of our individual efforts. To that end, we collaborated with governments, civil society organizations, and other national and regional stakeholders in West and Central Africa to support local actions to prevent, respond to, and ultimately eliminate GBV. Critically, Ensemble placed women in the lead; the project was co-designed with local organizations run by and representing GBV survivors, youth, and women.  

Want to support women like Gisèle? Learn more about EngenderHealth’s work, the Ensemble initiative, and how you can get involved here.