/ ONLINE MEDIA

2025

17.01.2025 / YouTube

Where Do Women in Afghanistan Stand Today?

How can millions of women be stripped of their rights while the international community remains almost silent?

Chékéba Hachemi, invited by Flora Ghebali, shares her relentless fight for women’s rights in Afghanistan despite decades of immense challenges. This video presents a sobering overview of the alarming situation faced by Afghan women. Today, 28 million women are silenced under what can only be described as a true gender apartheid.

A video to understand, take action, and refuse to look away.

2024

The Grand Duchess’s Fight: Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence

29.12.2024 / Virgule

A UN report indicates a 50% increase in sexual violence in conflict zones in 2023. Through Stand Speak Rise Up!, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa supports survivors and has contributed to major advancements, such as Resolution 2467 on the rights of children born of rape. Inspired by Dr. Mukwege, she condemns rape as a weapon of war and highlights the dire situation of women in Afghanistan, while advocating for equal education and male involvement in the fight for gender equality. Following Grand Duke Henri’s abdication, she plans to intensify her commitment.
Chékéba Hachemi: An Afghan Woman in the Night

24.12.2024 / Franc-Tireur

Far from staying silent in the face of Taliban oppression, Chékéba Hachemi, co-founder of Stand Speak Rise Up!, denounces a “gender apartheid” and continues to fight for the 28 million Afghan women deprived of their rights. From her childhood in Kabul to her international advocacy, this woman of unwavering courage refuses to give up.

Women in Exile: Confronting the Violence of Their Journey, Let’s Act with Determination

05.12.2024 / Libération

The article highlights the violence faced by women in exile, with one in three being a victim of sexual violence. Often used as a weapon of war, these assaults have severe physical, mental, and social consequences. Despite the scale of the issue, support systems remain inadequate.

To address this, Groupe SOS and Stand Speak Rise Up! propose concrete solutions: creating safe spaces, improving access to healthcare and justice, and raising awareness among those involved in reception efforts. These actions aim to restore dignity and security to women in exile.

The Grand Duchess colors the world orange with the Stand Speak Rise Up! initiative

01.12.2024 / Forbes Luxembourg

Stand Speak Rise Up! a Luxembourg-based association with an international reach, dedicated to supporting Survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones, lit up Luxembourg and the world in orange during Orange Week, an awareness-raising campaign against gender-based violence. On Saturday November 23, as part of Orange Week, a large march organized by the CNFL, represented by its President Claudine Speltz, took place in the center of Luxembourg City to denounce violence against women. H.R.H. the Grand Duchess took part in the event, accompanied by Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Yuriko Backes, Minister for Equal Opportunities, and Maurice Bauer, Luxembourg City Councillor.

LUXAIR AND STAND SPEAK RISE UP!: TOGETHER AGAINST SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT ZONES

25.11.2024 / ELLE

Luxair and Stand Speak Rise Up! join forces in a unique partnership to raise awareness of sexual violence in conflict zones. Since its creation five years ago by H.R.H. Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Stand Speak Rise Up! has made it its mission to break the silence surrounding this violence, which is still all too often ignored. Thanks to a Luxair aircraft specially branded in the association’s colors, this partnership aims to spread a strong message and reach a wide audience, with a view to encouraging collective awareness and active support for victims.

A Luxair plane in the Stand Speak Rise Up! colors

25.11.2024 / Virgule Luxembourg

Luxembourg-based charity Stand Speak Rise Up! reached a new milestone this weekend in its fight against rape as a weapon of war. On the occasion of Orange Week, the association announced a partnership with the Luxair airline.

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa marches in orange to support women victims of violence

24.11.2024 / Histoires Royales

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg led the orange procession through the streets of the capital on Saturday, November 23. Once again, the wife of Luxembourg’s sovereign was on hand to denounce violence against women.

Maria Teresa de Luxembourg, unfailingly determined to protect women

23.11.2024 / Point de Vue

This weekend, Grand-Duke Henri’s wife took part in the march to launch Orange Week, a week of demonstrations against violence against women. An unmissable event for a woman whose commitment has not waned over the years. Quite the contrary, in fact.

Luxair joins forces with the Grand Duchess’ NGO Stand Speak Rise Up!

23.11.2024 / PAPERJAM

Luxembourg-based Luxair has joined forces with Stand Speak Rise Up! to defend women victims of violence. It is dedicating the cabin of one of its aircraft to raising awareness of violence against women, in particular rape as a weapon of war. Five questions for CEO Gilles Feith.

Maria Teresa: “I couldn’t let these women down”

22.11.2024 / PAPERJAM

Rape as a weapon of war” is a global problem that is difficult to measure due to the stigma and insecurity of its victims. The United Nations estimates that the phenomenon increased by 50% in 2023. This cause has become the hobbyhorse of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, her association Stand Speak Rise Up! created in 2019… and Luxair, which is supporting the association with a new partnership.

A “standard” aircraft for the victims

19.11.2024 / RTL INFOS

Luxair Airlines makes a commitment! As part of a partnership with the Stand Speak Rise Up! association, the Luxembourg airline unveiled this Saturday a decorated aircraft in support of women suffering violence around the world.

Violence against women: Luxair brings a new special paint

18.11.2024 / AERO International

Luxembourg’s national airline Luxair has given its Dash 8 a special new design. There’s a serious message behind it.

A great look for a great cause at Luxair

17.11.2024 / Les Frontaliers & résidents

The airline has redesigned the sides of one of its aircraft in the Stand Speak Rise up! colors. The fight against violence against women rises to new heights.

Luxair takes action against violence against women

15.11.2024 / Le Quotidien

In collaboration with Stand Speak Rise Up!, Luxair is the standard-bearer in the fight against violence against women worldwide.

Luxair joins the fight of the Grand Duchess

15.11.2024 / L’Essentiel

LUXEMBOURG – The company has decided to decorate one of its aircraft in the colors of the Stand Speak Rise Up! association, which supports women victims of violence on the battlefields.

Afghanistan, the cry of alarm: ‘They are walling women alive.

26.08.2024 / ELLE

Three years after the Taliban took power, women’s rights in Afghanistan continue to deteriorate. For ELLE, Chékéba Hachemi, president of Afghanistan Libre and co-founder of Stand Speak Rise Up, reacts to the new morality law, which further silences women.

Interview with Chékéba Hachemi: The Dire Situation of Women in Afghanistan

10.06.2024 / 360CrossMedia

Jerome Bloch highlights the statements of Chékéba Hachemi, co-founder of Stand Speak Rise Up!, on the dire situation of women in Afghanistan.

Stand Speak Rise Up! mobilizes for Afghan women and girls through emergency humanitarian distribution projects and access to maternal and child health care.

Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Honored for Her Commitment Alongside Catherine Deneuve

12.03.2024 / Paris Match

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg traveled to Paris to participate in events related to Stand Speak Rise Up! on the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day. She spoke at the Paris Bar Association about rape as a weapon of war and attended the presentation of the Antoinette Fouque Prize, in the presence of personalities such as Catherine Deneuve. In 2021, the UN named her a “Champion in the Fight Against Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.

Luxembourg: A solidarity project to help children build their future

14.02.2024 / Le Quotidien

Stand Speak Rise Up! and the British association Grace organized a solidarity cinema evening on February 28 at Ciné Utopia in Luxembourg to support children born from rape in Uganda. The film, The Wound Is Where the Light Enters, was followed by a discussion.

Stand Speak Rise Up!, founded in 2019 by Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, supports Survivors of sexual violence and children born from rape. Grace, a British charity, promotes reconciliation for children born of war, their families, and their communities.

2023

Maria Teresa of Luxembourg: “In wars, rape is a weapon of mass destruction”

01.12.2023 / L’Express

On November 28, at the Women’s Forum in Paris, Maria Teresa of Luxembourg presented her NGO, Stand Speak Rise Up, dedicated to supporting women raped in conflicts. She emphasized that despite recent media attention due to the Hamas attack on Israel, this issue remains largely ignored.

Since the 20th century, sexual violence as a weapon of war has primarily affected women and girls in 62 countries. Inspired by Dr. Denis Mukwege in 2016, Maria Teresa is committed to giving a voice to these victims and supporting their reconstruction and quest for justice.

BGL BNP Paribas commits alongside the Grand Duchess

19.09.2023 / Paperjam

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Chékéba Hachemi, co-founders of the NGO Stand Speak Rise Up!, met with BGL BNP Paribas employees on September 19 to launch a joint project in support of women. During this event, they presented the NGO’s actions, which fight against rape as a weapon of war and support Survivors.

600 employees attended the presentation, where the Grand Duchess emphasized the importance of this cause and her commitment to it. Guests were able to ask questions and participate in a donation drive, which BGL BNP Paribas committed to match. The funds raised will be used to finance a training project for young refugees in Luxembourg.

The event concluded with a book signing session featuring the works of the Grand Duchess and Chékéba Hachemi, providing a moment of conviviality and sharing.

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa continues her fight for women in a captivating show

10.10.2023 / Histoires Royales

The hair salons of Eric and Laurent organized their annual solidarity fashion show in Thionville, this year benefiting the association Stand Speak Rise Up! founded by Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. The event, hosted by Sophie Darel, attracted over 700 people.

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Chékéba Hachemi thanked Eric Sammartano for his commitment. A cheque for 21,000 euros was presented to the association in the presence of Thionville’s mayor, Pierre Cuny.

The Grand Duchess expressed her fondness for Thionville, and Chékéba Hachemi praised the international solidarity for women.

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa supported in her fight by Carla Bruni

21.06.2023 / Paris Match

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, deeply engaged in the fight against rape as a weapon of war, has garnered support from several French artists to launch a video appeal for donations. Carla Bruni, Amir, Tristane Banon, Mathias Malzieu, Maurice Barthélemy, Sandra Sisley, and Nicolas Ouchenir all participated, sharing poignant messages on the importance of supporting Survivors. Since its creation in 2019, Stand Speak Rise Up! has raised 350,000 euros, supported more than 1,000 women, and indirectly helped 4,000 people.

The Grand Duchess, honored by the UN in 2021, organized an international conference in 2019 with Denis Mukwege and Céline Bardet, which led to the creation of the association Stand Speak Rise Up!. This organization aims to denounce sexual violence in conflict zones and assist victims. The initiative has been recognized and supported internationally.

Stand Speak Rise Up!: The 2022 white paper has been released

19.02.2023 / Le Quotidien

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and the Board of Directors of Stand Speak Rise Up! have announced the release of the association’s 2022 white paper. This document, available for free on standspeakriseup.lu, details the projects and actions since the association’s inception in 2019, aimed at combating rape as a weapon of war and supporting survivors. It includes contributions from international experts and highlights the 2022 event in Biarritz, which helped raise funds for field projects.

2022

Rape as a weapon of war: giving voice to the Survivors

20.10.2022 / WE DEMAIN

At the initiative of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, the Stand Speak Rise Up! charity gala was held on October 15 at the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz. The event aimed to raise awareness and funds for victims of sexual violence in conflict zones, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Uganda, Syria, and Ukraine.

Dr. Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2018, participated in the event alongside five Survivors, Pramila Patten, Céline Bardet, and François Heisbourg. Sylvia Acan, a survivor from Uganda, shared her testimony.

Hosted by Charlotte de Turckheim and Stéphane Bern, the gala raised funds through patrons such as Moët-Hennessy, Hermès, Fondation Engie, BGL BNP Paribas, and L’Oréal. The funds will be used to develop projects led by survivors, in collaboration with the Panzi Foundation and other NGOs.

Charity Gala in Biarritz for Stand Speak Rise Up!

21.10.2022 / Virgule

The charitable organization Stand Speak Rise Up!, presided over by Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, organized a charity gala on October 15 at the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz. This event aimed to raise funds for women who are victims of sexual violence in conflict zones. The gala, hosted by Charlotte de Turckheim and Stéphane Bern, brought together notable figures such as Dr. Denis Mukwege and Pramila Patten.

Le dîner, accompagné d’une vente aux enchères, a permis de mobiliser des fonds pour des projets soutenant les Survivantes. Des membres de la famille grand-ducale, dont le grand-duc Henri et leurs enfants, ont également assisté à l’événement.

En parallèle, une exposition photo à Luxembourg-Ville a présenté les projets financés par l’organisation depuis 2019.

2019

28.03.2019 / Jeune Afrique

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg reaffirmed her commitment against rape as a weapon of war during a forum, surrounded by notable figures such as Fatou Bensouda, Denis Mukwege, Nadia Murad, and Muhammad Yunus. She urged the international community to end the impunity of perpetrators of these crimes.

The forum highlighted a strong African delegation, featuring testimonies from survivors of various conflict-ridden countries. Agreements were signed, including one between the Luxembourg Red Cross for the renovation of Panzi Hospital and Engie for the provision of solar panels to the hospital.

27.03.2019 / Le Monde

On March 26 and 27, Luxembourg hosted the international forum “Stand Speak Rise Up!” initiated by Grand Duchess Maria Teresa to combat rape as a weapon of war. The event brought together survivors from 18 countries, Dr. Denis Mukwege, and Nadia Murad, Nobel Peace Prize laureates of 2018.

The forum highlighted poignant testimonies and called on the international community to act against this scourge, emphasizing the importance of breaking the silence and supporting victims with medical, psychological, financial, and legal resources. Maria Teresa and Denis Mukwege stressed the need for an international reparations mechanism for survivors.

Calls to action were supported by United Nations representatives, promising to work for greater justice and to support survivors.

INTERNATIONAL FORUM STAND SPEAK RISE UP! “Humanity is the strongest weapon we have”

27.03.2019/ Paperjam

The international forum “Stand Speak Rise Up!” opened in Luxembourg, at Kirchberg, with speeches from Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2018, Nadia Murad, participated in a roundtable alongside survivors of sexual violence from various countries.

The event, organized by the Grand Duchess in collaboration with Dr. Denis Mukwege and Céline Bardet, aims to denounce rape as a weapon of war and give a voice to the victims. The participants shared their poignant stories and emphasized the importance of breaking the silence around these crimes to achieve justice and raise public awareness.

The Grand Duchess concluded by affirming unconditional support for the Survivors and the commitment to fight for their dignity.

Against Wartime Rape, Maria Teresa of Luxembourg Stands with Dr. Mukwege

26.01.2019/ Paris Match

On March 26 and 27, Luxembourg will host an international forum against rape as a weapon of war, organized by Grand Duchess Maria Teresa with Dr. Denis Mukwege and Céline Bardet. This forum, titled “Stand, Speak, Rise Up!”, will bring together survivors from 18 countries and Nobel Peace Prize laureates.

Inspired by Dr. Mukwege, Maria Teresa aims to give a voice to victims of sexual violence, who are often ignored. The goal is to break the silence, raise societal awareness, and fight against the impunity of perpetrators.

The event seeks to change the social perception of sexual war crimes and support Survivors in their quest for justice.