Seven days of silence. Can you imagine? She was small for her age, a mere 16 years old but pregnant. For years, her brother and “caring” uncle had repeatedly sexually abused her. One day, she became pregnant. That is when I met her.

Medani* was sent by court order to Ma-Sevana, a home for mothers aged 10—18 who are the survivors of rape or incest in Sri Lanka. While this place would protect her, she had been taken from her home, friends, education... her childhood. The result was seven days of silence and longing stares that could not be overcome by counseling. However, there was a glimmer of hope, and it came in the form of small glass beads. Medani took an interest in stringing together colorful beads supplied by Emerge. After one day of beadwork, she spoke. Three weeks later, she had become a leader in the home, helping other girls create beautiful beadwork.

Emerge Global is a community that empowers women who have survived abuse to rediscover and celebrate their personal beauty, develop their self-sufficiency, and become leaders within their own communities

Emerge is a non-governmental, non-profit organization based dually in Boston and Sri Lanka. It began as a jewelry making program that rejuvenated the spirits of young women like Medani. Emerge connected them with supplies, and a global market to sell their art. All profits made from the sale of their work were deposited in each young womans private bank account. Today Emerge has grown beyond the jewelry program to include a home where these women can live to escape the jail system. In this home, the women find comfort in a supportive community, and the opportunity to obtain an education. With these tools, Emerge hopes that women like Medani will never have to be silent again.