Testimonies of Overcoming

'The waters are rising, but so am I... I am not going under, but over!' - Catherine Booth

The Salvation Army believes that both male and female are made in the image of God and are equal in value and therefore is opposed to sexism. We reject any view that subordinates women to men, or men to women.

However, the value of women and girls is continually undermined. Each story in this digital exhibition shares something of the greater story of womanhood, resilience and overcoming difficulty with faith and determination. The exhibition, created for International Women's Day 2023, tells the story of women within the Salvation Army who have risen and overcome against all odds. As long as there is need, we will continue to raise our Battle Cry: the waters are rising, but so are we. We are not going under, but over!

Hover or click on the portraits to read inspiring stories from women around the world.

‘Mary Kay Ash once said, “It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure.” I am constantly looking for opportunities to prevent human trafficking from happening’

Anne, Kenya

‘We want to fight loneliness and create a community where people can find their place, maybe also find a home away from home, and a family when you feel alone'

Heidi, Norway

'I find empowerment when I am sitting at a table with others that are fighting for justice for those that are in situations of modern slavery and human trafficking'

Beatrice, Canada

‘As I grow in my own strength, I pray that more women and girls will grow in their independence, make decisions, be bold in their actions and be willing to take risks.’

Martha, India

‘Knowing that I have no limitations in pursuing any profession through education gives me a lot of hope and helps me to be an advocate for my fellow women’

Grace, Kenya

‘I am called to be a missionary. I am called to be a foster parent or to adopt. I am called to be a justice-seeker. I am called to be a justice advocate’

Sandra, USA

‘I want to share my experience of God’s love with the students and help them recognise their value, giving them hope for the future. With this attitude, I encounter each person in my small classroom, where some students may feel insignificant'

Annah, Korea

‘I was a timid girl, afraid to stand up for myself, but not this time! God gave me the strength to push back’

Revathy, Singapore

‘It’s an amazing journey, and there are painful and disappointing days. The right people taking that journey with you are key. Eyes high. God’s got it’

Miriam, Australia

Due to discrimination against the Roma people, life was incredibly hard for Aneta and her daughter, Darina. Today, both women serve and work in The Salvation Army in Slovakia, where 50 per cent of the workforce – at various levels – is Roma

Aneta and Darina, Slovakia

‘My work with Others has given me a way to work from home, so that I can balance work and income with family expectations. I am seeing the change in myself and in others. We are proud’

Khushi, Bangladesh

‘I still feel nervous and insecure every time I meet and talk to other people. But something has changed! God gives me strength and encouragement, not only within me but also through the people around me’

Eva, Indonesia

‘Through the hard knocks of life, I have got back on my feet and have continued to want to learn. I want to learn about God, about myself, about my purpose and place in this world’

Emily, United Kingdom

‘Pioneering, ministering, leading, dreaming big and caring for others come at a cost. But they also bring rewards and joy. There will be moments of breakthrough and victorious overcoming’

Rosalie, Canada

‘I was completely on the wrong track, but now I’ve found my faith again. This time my faith comes from the bottom of my heart, not just in my head’

Cynthia, Switzerland

‘We see an increase in human trafficking, but survivor voices are rising up too. We evolve and become victors if we all stand against this social injustice together’

Milliam, Kenya

‘Even though at that moment I did not understand the way God was making for me, later I did. It comforted and encouraged me, providing me with courage to face the problem’

Dorothy, India

'This school taught me how to feel included. I wanted students to feel the same way I felt while attending school ... loved, accepted and included'

Sashana, the Caribbean

'By taking care of others, I feel useful and forget about my anxieties. Knowing that someone needs me gives me the energy to keep going'

Yulia, Belgium

'Leaders inspired within me the desire to see our women and girls encouraged, knowing that they have worth and are valued in the Kingdom of God'

Yvonne, South Africa

'Today, I live comfortably in the truth that God’s got me. He knows my need and he meets me there without fail'

Lauren, United Kingdom

'Any unloving thoughts I had towards myself were not from God. The voice of God is always loving and compassionate'

Ingrid, New Zealand

'Hebrews 6:19 reads, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Let’s hold fast to God’s word and his powerful presence'

Shelley, USA

'I see it as Jesus has saved me several times, not just when I was first saved… Knowing that God’s grace is new every morning has helped me throughout my life'

Victorita, Sweden

'All my officership I have preached about our miracle-working God and, in this moment, I was pressing in more than ever to this truth'

Robyn, Australia

'I am advocating for justice and journeying with survivors in their healing. I have become the change I once wished to see, using my scars as a badge of honour'

Malaika, the Netherlands

'When I was in my deepest place of darkness and defeat, I never imagined that I would be where I am today'

Jessy, USA

'The miracles he performs are not only about perfect health or flawless eyesight. Not even about days free from pain'

Eva, Sweden

'I have committed myself to helping others – particularly other women – to overcome life challenges by engaging in business projects'

Kenrinie, Malawi

Ashley’s motivation is for women to know that no experience in their story is wasted. Even on their darkest days, hope is there

Ashley, USA

'When we cling to hope and the goodness of God and his plans for us, then we can get through the 'hard' ... because truly we were created with a purpose'

Meagan, USA

'God promised me that he would help me whenever I was in need, because he was the one who gave my son, my gift, to me'

Megumi, Japan

'I needed the time to fellowship, to regroup and, once again, to find my rhythm both spiritually and physically'

Beth, USA