More than 110 million people worldwide are displaced, with half of them being women and girls. They are exposed to particular dangers, such as sexual violence. Women in this context often have limited access to fundamental rights such as safety, food, health, shelter, nationality, and education. Even everyday activities like fetching water or using the toilet can expose displaced women and girls to the risk of abuse.
To support women and girls in refugee camps in Nigeria, we opened several centers in 2021 to provide a safe haven for women like Hadiza and Fatuma. Here, survivors of violence receive psychosocial support.
"One of the most effective initiatives of Malteser International was the establishment of a safe space for women like me," says Fatuma. "The safe space offers refuge from violence and a platform for sharing where we can express our concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation. Here, we receive counseling and psychosocial care." In addition, the staff often mediate between survivors of violence and their families. Thanks to the intervention of Malteser International, Fatuma is now living with her family again.
"My story of resilience is not just my own. Many other women in the refugee camp have also experienced positive changes. Violence against women has significantly decreased, and survivors receive the support they need. I am grateful to Malteser International for their tireless commitment to fighting violence against women and empowering women in our community," says Fatuma.
In addition to psychological support, the women in the centers also receive vocational training if they desire. With their own income, they emancipate themselves from their families.
