"Simply Survivors": an exhibition by Stand Speak Rise Up!

On Thursday, 12 November 2026, the City of Luxembourg's College of the Mayor and Aldermen and the association Stand Speak Rise Up!, represented by HRH Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Chékéba Hachemi, officially opened the photo exhibition "Simply Survivors" in Place de Strasbourg. The exhibition seeks to break the silence around sexual violence against women in armed conflicts, as their stories are too often minimised, ignored or forgotten.

Through photographs taken by the survivors themselves, and their accompanying testimonials, the exhibition provides an opportunity to see and hear stories about lives that have been scarred by violence, but also marked by resilience, courage and rebuilding. It invites viewers to take a fresh look at these women's life journeys, to recognise their dignity and humanity, and to better understand the realities experienced by the victims of sexual violence and the children born as a result of rape. The images provide an honest immersion into realities that are often little known, and reveal experiences that too frequently remain in the shadows.

Stand Speak Rise Up!, which was created in 2019 at the initiative of HRH Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Chékéba Hachemi and Stéphane Bern, supports survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones and children born as a result of rape. In particular, the association supports projects in education, healthcare, housing, economic empowerment and access to justice, helping those affected rebuild their lives, be able to support themselves financially and integrate into society.

The exhibition will be on display in Place de Strasbourg until January 2027. Admission is free.