Solidarity and Support for Women and Mothers in Need - Your Christmas Donation

Women in need - Interview with Global Protection Advisor Helen Hayford

One in three women worldwide is a survivor of gender-based violence. In other words, she has been subjected to violence because she is a woman. The assaults result in health problems for the girls and women, such as anxiety disorders, depression, sexually transmitted infections, etc. In addition, they are often stigmatized, shunned by their families and communities and are therefore exposed to further psychological violence even after the act of violence. 

Why is it so important to focus on women and girls in our work?  How can the construction of a well help to make women's lives easier? These are some of the question that Helen Hayford, who works as Global Protection Advisor at Malteser International, will answer in this interview. 

Lurajis' path to a brighter future in Colombia

The sheer number of Venezuelans in Colombia has overwhelmed the country’s healthcare system, making it difficult for refugees to receive the necessary healthcare they require. Women and children in remote areas like La Guajira are particularly affected. Lujaris del Carmen Báez Fernández, a pregnant woman from Venezuela, is grateful for the medical and nutritional assistance she and her one-year-old son receive from Malteser International. This support has given Lujaris hope for a better future for her family.

From womb to world - two stories from mothers in a refugee camp in thailand

28-year-old Eh Nee K'Mwee Paw and 32-year-old Naw Tae Paw are well aware that pregnancy and childbirth can be associated not only with the joy of new life, but also with concerns about illness and death. Both women share the experience of pregnancy in a refugee camp in Thailand. Both women know the daunting worry for the life of their child and their own lives. The stories of Eh Nee K'Mwee Paw and Naw Tae Paw and their babies have a happy ending - thanks to thorough healthcare before, during and after birth in Malteser International's health facility.  

Back to life - a safe haven for women and girls in Nigeria

Refugee women and girls are exposed to particular dangers, such as sexualized violence. Even everyday activities such as fetching water or going to the toilet can put displaced women and girls at risk of abuse. "One of Malteser International's most effective initiatives was to set up a safe space for women like me. The safe space provides a refuge from violence and a platform for sharing where we can voice our concerns without fear of judgment or retribution. We receive counseling and psychosocial support here," says Fatuma.

Start-up support for women entrepreneurs in agricultural production in Lebanon

In Lebanon, many families have to earn extra money to secure their livelihoods. Malteser International, together with its local partner organization the Order of Malta Lebanon, supports agricultural businesses run by women. Jacquelinde, Saada and Alia from the Akkar region in the north of Lebanon, for instance, received new equipment to improve their production and expand their businesses.

Bridging gaps in pregnancy care through community outreach

19-year-old mother of two from Bangladesh tells her story

One day in December, Koli noticed that her period had stopped - a worrying situation given the circumstances of her life. Unable to afford a pregnancy test, she spent her days in anxious anticipation. It was during this time that a Community Health Worker visited her home, introducing her to the healthcare services provided by the health facility, run by Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK) in partnership with Malteser International. Feeling encouraged, Koli reached out to our health facility, the Amjakhali Community Clinic, for assistance.

Nur Kaida: “Never let your circumstances define you“ – a pregnancy in the biggest refugee camp in the world

When Nur Kaida discovered that she was pregnant, it came as a shock to her. She did not know how to provide for two children and was overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. To cope, she began to reduce her own intake of food. It was fortunate that a Community Health Worker from our partner organization Gonoshasthaya (GK) Kendra visited Nur Kaida's home in this situation.