For Shukri*, a 28-year-old mother of three from Bula Gadud displacement site in Kismayo, life was once a painful struggle. A survivor of domestic violence, Shukri endured physical injuries and emotional distress, with no means to seek medical care or support. With no access to medical care or support, Shukri felt trapped and hopeless. But her life took a transformative turn when she approached Northern Frontier Youth League (NoFYL), an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kismayo, supported by Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF).

“I was in so much pain and felt completely helpless,” Shukri recalls. “I didn’t have money to go to the hospital, and I was afraid to ask my husband for help. I thought this was my life forever.”

Shukri’s turning point came during one of the awareness campaigns at Bula Gadud IDP site. These awareness campaigns by NoFYL aim to educate communities about the signs of GBV, available support services, and the importance of seeking help. Inspired by the information she received during the campaign, Shukri reached out to a NoFYL caseworker and opened up about her struggles.

The response was immediate. NoFYL’s case workers swiftly responded to Shukri’s needs. She was provided with immediate medical attention to address her injuries, followed by ongoing psychosocial support. This holistic approach not only helped her recover physically but also gave her the strength to rebuild her emotional well-being.

“She was in a lot of pain when she came to us,” says Amina Mohamed, a nurse with NoFYL. “We treated her injuries and ensured she had the necessary care to heal. It was heartbreaking to see what she had been through, but we’re glad we could help her regain her health.”

Shukri’s recovery was further supported by sessions of psychosocial support, with counsellors who worked closely with her to address the emotional scars left by her experience.

“Shukri was deeply affected by her ordeal,” explains Sundus Hussein, NoFYL’s counselor. “Through counseling, we helped her regain confidence and understand that what happened to her was not her fault. Seeing her regain her smile was a moment of hope for all of us.”

Recovery did not come easy for Shukri. She was not convinced the psychosocial support and medical assistance would help, and she did not improve much in the beginning. She found it difficult to trust people to talk about her ordeal. But her counsellors, led by Sundus, were dedicated. Slowly, but surely Shukri began to glimpse the light at the end of the tunnel. In all, Shukri received more than a dozen psychosocial support sessions that helped her overcome her stress and trauma.

In a complementary effort, NoFYL caseworkers and camp leaders took a proactive step by engaging with Shukri’s husband to address the root of the violence. They educated him on the consequences of GBV and its impact on their family, emphasizing the need for change.

“Many men don’t fully understand the harm they cause,” says Istahil Sugow, NoFYL’s caseworker. “We explained to him the impact of his actions and the legal consequences if he continued. He admitted his wrongdoing, blamed it on the devil, and promised to change.”

Today, Shukri is on the path to rebuilding her life. Her health has improved significantly, and she feels more empowered to care for herself and her children. She remains grateful for the support she received from NoFYL.

“I don’t know what I would have done without NoFYL,” Shukri says. “They gave me the care I needed and showed me that I’m not alone. Their help meant everything to me and to women like me.”

Shukri’s story highlights the importance of accessible GBV services and community awareness in addressing gender-based violence. Through our interventions, we are not only saving lives but also fostering safer, more informed communities.

“No woman should have to suffer in silence,” Halima Aden emphasizes. “Support is available, and we are here to help them find it.”

For Shukri, the journey to healing continues, but she stands as a testament to the resilience of women and the power of compassion in breaking the cycle of violence.

*Name changed to protect identity