Impact

“Neither threats of COVID-19 nor conflict will stop me from completing my education. I wish to be a successful midwife and serve women and children in my community.”

- Farida, Afghanistan

“I learned the dos and don’ts of menstruation. The information on healthy foods that are good for our body during this period was completely new to me. I actually played the session for my mother, as she never had the opportunity to learn about these things when she was young. I have also shared what I have learned with my neighbors and friends, so even they are benefiting from them.”

- Maimuna, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

“The radio sessions give me an opportunity to learn necessary life-skills and about issues such as gender identity, conflict resolution, gender based violence, COVID19 and so on. Like me, many of my peers were unaware of such important issues, as they did not have the opportunity to go to school and learn about them. That’s why I try to share everything I have learned with my friends and neighbors.”

- Arofullah, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

“I realized that information is power and I started looking for opportunities to develop myself, as well as for ways to contribute to the collective betterment of my community. Through my efforts to help other women and girls in the camps, I have gained the respect of my community, family members and husband. At first, no one listened to me. However, gradually, they started to embrace me as they understood that information gives them choices and opportunities.”

- Hamida, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

“We freely discuss issues of sexual and reproductive health, HIV, sexually transmitted infections and gender-based violence.”

- Tesfayesh, Ethiopia

“My disability is not a burden. In fact, it is a source of strength. My call to the world, especially people with special needs, is to resist and never give up under any circumstances.”

- Rohzin, Iraq

“I attend the adolescent girls’ session at this centre on a regular basis. Today’s session focused on harassment. The social workers taught us about the wrong place to be touched. If someone touches us and makes us feel uncomfortable, we should immediately tell someone we trust.”

- Noor, Iraq

“I was told that there is a centre that provides services for persons with disabilities.I was very happy to hear that there was a place where I could get support. The most difficult thing for me was to make a living on my own. In the service unit, they told me that I could produce handmade things at home. Now, I make a living by making home accessory handicrafts.”

- Ryman, Türkiye

“When we hear that a family intends to cut their daughters, we pack our coffee cups and go talk to them.”

- Mama Igbal, Sudan

“I dream of becoming a lawyer defending the rights of girls in my country.”

- Zahraa, Syria

“The war has made life very difficult. We have been displaced two times now. I have suffered eight miscarriages. The last one was while carrying water in our camp. I am pregnant again, and for the first time I am receiving medical care during my pregnancy from a mobile team. I am hopeful I will carry my pregnancy to term and have a healthy baby.”

- Displaced pregnant woman, Yemen

“A while ago I was completely lost; war and poverty destroyed the most beautiful things in our lives, even my family. After joining the safe space, I was able to gain livelihood skills in making handicrafts. Now I have a small workshop through which I sell handicrafts. I am currently preparing the next winter supplies to sell in the market.”

- Enas, Yemen

“I encourage all girls living in this shelter to do their best and never give in to their circumstances until they fulfill their dreams. Psychosocial support sessions provided me with courage and safety to pass the exam and cleared my mind from my concerns in such difficult living conditions.”

- Siham, Syria