Through my employment at the U.S. Institute of Peace, I have been working with extraordinary women peacebuilders around the world who are leading efforts in their communities and countries to end war and violent conflicts within the framework of nonviolent action, human rights, and the rule of law. I deeply admire what they have been able to accomplish in some of the most difficult environments in the world for women, children, and youth. I created this personal GoFundMe to help a woman who has given so much and now desperately needs the help of others.

Maryam (not her real name) is a courageous Yemeni peacebuilder who has dedicated her life to empowering women, girls, and people with disabilities through education and civil society building. But now, she is in danger.

She recently received devastating news—her name is on a list of civil society leaders targeted for arrest and detention by anti-government forces. For her, returning to Yemen is not an option. The fate of those already detained remains unknown, and the risk to her life is too great.

Right now, Maryam is in a temporary safe location, but she is facing immense challenges. She is the sole provider for her family, which includes children with bright futures ahead of them. Several are able to continue their studies, but the youngest cannot attend school due to the high fees for non-citizens. One child has special needs and requires ongoing medical care.

Despite the hardship, Maryam remains strong and determined. As a mother, she refuses to give up. As a peacebuilder, she is committed to continuing her work when it is safe to do so. But right now, she needs help.

Emergency aid from organizations like Freedom House and the McCain Institute has helped, but international funding is unstable, and the resources available to her are running out. Maryam urgently needs financial support to cover basic living expenses for herself and her children (food, rent, etc.), healthcare resources for her special needs child, school fees, and fees for the residency and work permits she needs to build a future in her temporary home.

Please consider making a contribution—any amount helps. Your support will provide safety, stability, and hope to a woman who has already given so much to her community. And if you can, please share this with your networks. Together, we can ensure that Maryam and her children are not left behind.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.