As evening falls, Amina* sits outside her shelter, preparing dinner for her family. As the sky darkens, a familiar sense of fear and uncertainty sets in. For Amina and many other women living in makeshift shelters, nightfall is not just the absence of light – it’s a time of heightened vulnerability. Without proper lighting, even simple tasks like going to the toilet, cooking, or visiting friends and family becomes daunting. Many women avoid stepping out of their shelters after sunset, fully aware of the dangers that could be lurking in the shadows. Unfortunately, incidents of gender-based violence (GBV) are all to common, as darkness provides cover for perpetrators to strike.
Reflecting on her experience, Amina says: “Every night, I worry about what might happen if me or my daughters need to go out. Many women have been attacked and assaulted during the night. The darkness makes it impossible to move around safely. We stay inside, terrified of what could be waiting out there. Thanks to NoFYL, our nights have changed.”
In September 2024, Northern Frontier Youth League (NoFYL), with funding from UNICEF Somalia, distributed solar-powered lanterns to 250 women and girls across the displacement sites in Belet-Xaawo (150) and Doolow (100). This initiative aimed not only to improve the quality of life but also to enhance safety and security for these vulnerable populations.
Fatima*, a mother of four, shares the impact of the solar lanterns: “Before we received the solar lanterns, the nights were terrifying. I was always worried when I needed to use the toilet or when my children had to finish their schoolwork. The darkness made us feel like prisoners in our own shelters. But now, with the lanterns, I feel much safer. My children can study in the evening, and I can move around without fear.”
The impact of the solar lanterns goes beyond just enhancing safety. For many women, the ability to carry out daily tasks after sunset has restored a sense of normalcy to their lives. Salwa*, a young woman from Kaharey site in Doolow, described how the lanterns have transformed her evening routine: “Cooking dinner used to be a struggle. I would rush to finish before it got dark, and sometimes we had to eat cold food. But with the solar lantern, I can cook whenever I need to, even late at night. It has made life so much easier.”
The lanterns have also cultivated a stronger sense of community among the women in the camps. With the fear of darkness diminished, social activities and gatherings have become more frequent. Women can now visit each other’s shelters, share meals, and offer support in ways that were previously impossible.
For children, nighttime often meant an abrupt halt to their studies, as the faint glow of a single candle was typically insufficient for reading or completing homework. Hussein*, a 14-year-old boy from Qansaxley site, shared how his studies have improved: “Before, I could only study during the day, and sometimes I wouldn’t finish my homework. But now, with the solar light, I can study at night. I feel like I can do better in school because I have more time to learn.”
For many beneficiaries, these small, portable lights have brought a renewed sense of hope and joy – a new life after sunset. Going to the toilet has never been safer, visiting family and friends has become a regular part of life again, incidents of GBV have decreased, and children’s ability to study has significantly improved. As the camp settles into the evening, the soft glow of solar lanterns can now be seen scattered throughout the displacement sites – a sight that was once unimaginable.
*Names changed to protect identity
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