“The women and girls’ safe spaces provide social support, skills training, access to safe and multi-sectoral GBV response services and information on women’s rights and health,” says Ikran Omar, NoFYL’s case worker from Bardheere.
With funding from UNICEF Somalia, Northern Frontier Youth League (NoFYL) established three Women and Girls Safe Spaces that offer holistic support to mitigate the risk of, and respond to, gender-based violence (GBV) in Bardheere, Belet-Xaawo and Dollow. The safe spaces have become a cornerstone for the displaced community, offering not only protection but also empowerment for women and girls. The bonds formed, the skills acquired, and support received have had a profound impact, transforming both individual lives and the community as a whole. These facilities integrate various services under one roof, ensuring survivors receive comprehensive care, including psychosocial support, counseling, GBV and child protection awareness sessions, skills training, dignity kits & solar lantern distribution, and access to safe, non-discriminatory multi-sectoral GBV response services.
“I was carrying so much pain inside,” shares Maryan*,a survivor of GBV who first learned about NoFYL’s GBV services during an awareness session at the Women and Girls Safe Space. “Through the counseling sessions here, I’ve learned to cope and heal. The support I’ve received has given me the strength to move forward.”
Maryan’s story resonates with many others. The safe space is not only a place of refuge but also a center where women and girls can socialize, share their experiences, and form lasting connections. These interactions have fostered a supportive community that extends beyond the walls of the safe space, creating a broader network of care.
“I used to be shy and afraid to speak up,” says Fadumo*, a 19-year-old who also frequents the women and girls’ safe space in Belet-Xaawo. “But here, I’ve made friends who understand me. We share our stories, and I’ve learned that I’m not alone. This place has given me the confidence to express myself.”
“We love coming to the safe space,” added Amina* during a group session at the women and girls’ safe space (WGSS) at Iftin site in Bardheere. “I especially enjoy the group psychosocial support sessions because we share our stories, connect, talk, laugh and heal.” The WGSS plays a crucial role in providing group psychosocial support, allowing women and girls to connect and heal together. Through these sessions, participants find comfort, understanding, and strength in their shared experiences.
Marlia* is neither a GBV survivor nor a participant in the tie and dye skills training, yet she regularly visit the women and girls’ safe space in Bardheere. “The center provides a respite from life in the camp, helping us momentarily forget our displacement. It’s a place where we, as women, can gather as and feel safe. I come here whenever I want; it’s my happy place,” says Marlia, who comes from Iftin site. She adds that after finishing her chores at home, she eagerly heads to the safe space, where she connects with other women and girls. There, she feels more at peace and happier than she does at home.
Additionally, the safe space is more than just a meeting point; it’s a center for learning and empowerment. One of the most impactful initiatives held at the women and girls safe space is the tie & dye skills training. From February 2024 to July 2024, a total of 60 women and girls in Bardheere & Belet-Xaawo have learnt the intricate craft of tie & dye, transforming plain fabrics into vibrant pieces of art. This skill not only nurtures their creativity but also opens doors to economic independence, helping to reduce vulnerabilities that contribute to gender-based violence (GBV).
“I am grateful that NoFYL selected this space for the tie and dye training,” says Khadija*, a mother of three who recently completed the training at the WGSS in Bardheere. “It’s close to our shelters, making it a safe and convenient place for us to gather, meet, and learn every day without fear. It is also a place to discuss the current challenges.”
In addition to skill-building, the safe space provides essential resources aimed at improving the overall wellbeing of women and girls in the area. Dignity kits, which contains vital hygiene products, and solar lanterns are regularly distributed at the safe spaces, ensuring that women and girls can maintain their health and safety even in difficult circumstances.
“In Bardheere, women do not have any other space to gather together, socialize, discuss issues relevant to them or even forget about their distress in life. During the distribution of dignity kits and solar lanterns, we normally bring all the beneficiaries in one location. This approach makes it easier to ensure privacy and comfort, especially when distributing dignity kits. The Safe Spaces provide a secure and protective environment during these distributions,” says Ikran, NoFYL’s case worker in Bardheere.
Muslimo* is one of the beneficiaries who received dignity kits at the WGSS in Bardheere. She explains that the safe space provided privacy, shielding women and girls from prying eyes, which was particularly important as many feel shy about receiving the kits:
“The space has been incredibly helpful to many of us. Whenever we need to meet, we just go there. Carrying dignity kits, which include pads and underwear, can be embarrassing to talk about, but the safe space made it easier. The case worker unpacked each item and explained it to us, making us feel more comfortable and informed.”
*Names changed for privacy and protection
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