Photo: Courtesy of Sade Curry
The session
The workshop, Building Resilience through Self-Compassionate Thought Work, was led by Sade Curry on April 29, 2026. Thirty-nine coalition members participated in an engaging, practice-driven session that introduced the Self-Compassionate Thought Work Framework. Through real-time coaching and open Q&A grounded in participants’ lived experiences, members explored the thought patterns contributing to burnout, isolation, and over-functioning. The session emphasised hands-on application, equipping participants with practical tools to reframe these patterns and build healthier emotional processing habits that support long-term sustainability in their work.
Why it mattered
A 2025 survey of coalition members revealed significant demand for increased mental health and well-being resources, with a third flagging this as a critical need. The pressures facing activists and frontline advocates have intensified over the last year, as many navigate funding cuts, denial of violence against women and girls, and increased threats to their persons and organisations. This underscored the need for tools to manage the mental and emotional cost of working to end violence against women and girls and uphold women’s rights.
The expert
Sade is certified in trauma, feminist, and life-and-relationship coaching. Her coaching philosophy is to help women succeed by practising personal leadership and autonomy in their lives, work, and relationships.
Key takeaways
- Feeling “Good Enough” Is Not Circumstantial – Feeling “good enough” isn’t dependent on how things are going. It’s about practising self-compassion, even when life or work isn’t going your way.
- Small Impact Still Counts – Saving one person matters. Sometimes that person is you—and that is okay. By saving yourself, you make it possible to support others.
- Embrace Your Humanity – Acknowledge that you are human. Choose to live with less judgment, as self-compassion means letting go of constant self-criticism.
- Replace Judgment with Curiosity – Self-compassion creates space to ask: What’s going on? Do I need support? Am I overwhelmed? It helps you reflect without being harsh on yourself.
Testimonials
“I learned how to validate my own exhaustion without guilt to prevent burnout in my activism.” – Ranjita Pawar, India
“I learned to treat myself with the same kindness one would offer a friend.” – Basher Al-Domini, Yemen
“I learned the need to take a step back and ask questions when facing burnouts as well as the difference between being burnt out and being lazy.” – Chukwudi Okoye, Nigeria
