For Fatima*, a mother of two in Kahda district, life took a devastating turn when a violent attack left her physically and emotionally wounded. With no resources to access medical care, her pain deepened, and fear consumed her days and nights. Isolated and struggling, she felt trapped in a cycle of suffering with no clear path forward.
That path appeared when Fatima discovered the Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS), a sanctuary supported by KOICA, implemented by UNFPA, and facilitated through the Northern Frontier Youth League (NoFYL). With open arms, the center welcomed her, offering a lifeline of compassionate care and critical services.
At the WGSS, a dedicated medical team treated her injuries, provided antibiotics to prevent infection, and ensured consistent follow-up to monitor her recovery. Financial barriers that once seemed insurmountable were lifted through transportation support, allowing Fatima to attend every necessary appointment without worry.
But healing is not only physical. Fatima also found solace in the center’s psychosocial support services. Through individual and group counseling, she slowly began to reclaim her sense of self. In the presence of others who shared similar experiences, she found solidarity and strength.
“I found my strength again,” she shared with a renewed spirit. “The safe space gave me a voice and hope when I had none.”
Empowered by her journey, Fatima now encourages other women and girls to seek help, breaking the silence that often surrounds survivors of gender-based violence. She speaks openly about the importance of support and healing, becoming a beacon of resilience for her community.
Fatima’s story is just one among 112 women and girls who accessed life-saving services at the WGSS this year. These centers are more than just shelters—they are transformative spaces where survivors regain control of their lives, rebuild their confidence, and ultimately, thrive.
Through the continued support of KOICA and the dedicated efforts of UNFPA and NoFYL, the WGSS remains a symbol of hope, ensuring that no woman or girl has to endure her pain alone.
*Not her real name
