ACbit – Chega! Ba Ita Learning from the Past, for A Better Future
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Graciana is a survivor of sexual violence during the Setembro Negro Massacre in 1999. She was captured by militia and taken for interrogation at the Kodim military post. There, she and her family members were subjected to torture and sexual violence by TNI and militia.
After the conflict, Graciana played an important role in her family by becoming the main breadwinner. Through farming and raising livestock for sale, she worked hard to meet her family’s needs. It was not easy for her to raise and provide for her eight children, including four children of her late sister (who was killed by the militia during the Setembro Negro Massacre). Fortunately, she had a supportive husband who always stood by her in all her efforts, and her children became her greatest motivation to persevere—without complaint.
The activities implemented by ACbit, and Graciana’s active participation in them, have significantly contributed to strengthening her knowledge and capacity to improve her life. As she explained:
“I have been involved in ACbit’s activities such as PAR (Participatory Action Research), life skills, micro-enterprise training, and others. These activities have helped me a lot and empowered me to become stronger, more confident, and independent in facing life.”
With ACbit’s continued support, Graciana grew stronger and developed the necessary skills to support her household. Together with her husband, she has watched her children grow into responsible adults. Some of them have started working, and one of her sons is now married with a child – an addition that has brought even more joy to Graciana’s humble family life.
Graciana is not only strong within her family, but she also plays an important role in her community, particularly among fellow women survivors of past conflict. She serves as a Dinamizadora, supporting women who live in vulnerable conditions. In 2022, together with other survivors, she helped establish the Galagol Group – a safe space where they can organize economic activities, share experiences, and find solutions to the challenges they face. Today, Graciana serves as a counselor for the Galagol Group, continuing her journey of resilience, leadership, and solidarity within her community.
