In the month of October, Northern Frontier Youth League (NoFYL) distributed 448 solar-powered lanterns and 401 dignity kits to women and girls in Bardheere, Belet-Xaawa and Doolow, Gedo region. Specifically, in Bardheere, NoFYL distributed 148 solar lanterns and 147 dignity kits, while in Belet-Xaawa, NoFYL distributed 171 dignity kits and 150 solar lanterns. In Doolow, NoFYL distributed 150 solar lanterns and 83 dignity kits.

Increasing displacements have resulted in the loss of livelihood, as well as family and personal income for women and girls which enabled them to procure items that contribute to their personal security and hygiene. Without access to culturally appropriate clothing and hygiene items, the mobility of women and girls is restricted and ultimately their health is compromised. Maintaining dignity in crisis is a vital component to ensure that women and adolescent girls have a sense of personal security, confidence, and self-esteem to continue to seek opportunities and better livelihoods.

Ahsan*, a 16-year-old girl from Belet-Xaawa. She described the importance of dignity kits in her day-to-day life. “For a long time, I missed school because I didn’t have the necessary items. My family couldn’t afford to buy them, and I felt ashamed to attend class without proper hygiene,” she said. “This dignity kit has helped me return to school with confidence and focus on my studies again and being with my friends. It has really eased my worries.”

Maryan*, another recipient from Bardheere, expressed how the dignity kits impacted her daily routine. “I used to struggle with limited resources and often had to stay home, feeling isolated,” she shared. “Having access to these essential items makes me feel like my well-being matters. It’s a small but powerful change in my life.”

The solar lanterns are proving invaluable for families who face struggles at night for safety and visibility in displacement settings, where basic resources are limited, and the risks of darkness are high.

In Bardheere, Hawa*, a mother of three, shared her relief after she received the solar lantern: “Every night, we rely on candles. But candles are not safe, especially around young children,” she explained. “This solar lantern has changed everything. Now I can cook and care for my family even after dark, and I feel less afraid of what could happen when I can’t see.”

In Doolow, where NoFYL distributed 150 solar lanterns, mothers like Fadumo spoke about the positive impact of the solar lanterns. “In our area, safety is a big issue, especially at night. With this solar lantern, I feel safer going out to fetch water or visiting neighbors in the evening,” she noted. “It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in how we live our lives.”

Halima*, a young woman in Doolow, emphasized the value of having access to light in their shelter: “Before, evenings were full of uncertainty and fear, but this lantern has helped me feel more secure in my own space. I can even go to the toilet at night, which was difficult before.”

Zahra* emphasized how access to the dignity kits improved her quality of life. “Without these items, I felt restricted and isolated from others, even from participating in community activities,” she shared. “With this dignity kit, I feel more included and confident, like I can be myself again.”

For women and girls facing crisis conditions, access to simple yet essential resources like solar lanterns and dignity kits is vital. These items help them regain a sense of personal security and self-esteem, enabling them to navigate their challenging environments with a renewed sense of hope.

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