Many women and girl refugees and IDPs are not aware of what behaviours are socially acceptable due to coming from traditional cultures and backgrounds where their basic rights have been badly impinged. Our awareness sessions cover all kinds of issues and topics that affect them – including the prevention of gender-based and domestic violence, sexual abuse and exploitation, plus early marriage and human trafficking. Sessions take the form of group discussions, art and music therapy, as well as community outreach and home visits. These sessions are also targeted at men and boys to encourage and enable wider systemic change.
Our teams additionally provide education and awareness of issues that may require urgent attention – as seen with Covid-19. When the pandemic first broke out, our teams provided information on disease prevention and hygiene – including hand-washing tutorials for children. We also conduct advocacy campaigns to educate community members on mental health issues, and we provide access to a social worker and/or therapist for individualised support and group discussions. When we encounter severe cases, we refer them to partner organisations with the expertise to provide the necessary professional assistance.
CASE STUDY
Syrian widow Fatima was bereft when her grown-up children married and moved away, and she suffered from depressive thoughts. She began attending our awareness sessions on a variety of topics, and says: “These gatherings help me get rid of negative energy, and I am always happy to attend because the centre has such a kind and supportive team.”
Fatima has also found benefits in signing up for other educational classes we offer, and she adds: “I have been participating with my friend, and am very happy to be able to study Arabic and English,” she adds. “I feel good that I am going out to do these things.”