In the bustling town of Bosaso in Puntland state, Maryan, a resilient and widowed woman, is making waves. Head of a family of seven, she represents the unwavering strength and determination of women in Somalia. Amidst challenging circumstances, Maryan discovered a beacon of hope in the form of the Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) supported by the UNFPA and funded by Japan.
It all began when Maryan, inspired by the tireless efforts of the GBV social mobilization team, decided to explore the opportunities that WGSS had to offer. For her, the safe space was more than just a physical shelter; it was a gateway to a brighter future. With enthusiasm in her voice, she shares, "It is tough with all the uncertainties and instability that surrounds us. But when I go to the Women and Girls Safe Space, I get the chance to use my time, energy, and skills in a way that makes a difference. It's not just about benefiting myself, but also the women in our community. It's a place where we can come together and do something meaningful with our lives."
From January 2023 onwards, Maryan became a regular attendee at the UNFPA-supported WGSS, which has been providing case management services, PSS activities, GBV awareness-raising sessions, Life skill training, and center for referral and GBV information. Fueled by a desire to improve her livelihood and equipped with unwavering determination, she focused on honing her skills in tailoring. Over three months, Maryan received comprehensive training, graduating as a proficient tailor.
This initiative, driven by the UNFPA with the support of the Japanese government, aims to empower women like Maryan by helping them take control of their lives, ensuring their dignity, and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. With the support of her family, Maryan acquired her tailoring machine and set up her private shop, where she now crafts a variety of garments for women.
Maryan explains the impact of this initiative by stating, "It's important for us women in Bosaso and the nearby IDP camps to have a long-lasting and respectful way to meet our needs. That's where these activities come in—they help us gain valuable skills and earn a living." She emphasizes the significance of affordable clothing, stating, "For women like myself, who are in charge of our families and don't have much money, this opportunity means so much more. We can't afford fancy clothes, but now we have a chance to get clothes that are made for us, and at a fair price. It's also wonderful because it's not a hassle anymore to keep our dignity intact."
The ripple effect of Maryan's newfound skills extends beyond her journey. With each garment she crafts, she witnesses a sense of empowerment radiate throughout her community. "When a creates something that brings dignity, comfort, and joy to other women and young girls, it's empowering. We feel a sense of pride because we are making a positive impact on the lives of others. It's a beautiful feeling to know that our work is making a difference and bringing happiness to those around us." she adds proudly.
Maryan's work not only brought her a sense of purpose but also transformed her family's fortunes. Previously reliant on extended family and friends for basic needs, Maryan now has the means to provide for her seven family members, including their education fees. Looking ahead, she dreams of creating locally-produced, women-friendly sanitary pads and dignity kits to ensure the dignity of all women and girls sustainably.
Inexpressible gratitude fills Maryan's heart as she acknowledges the UNFPA for providing her and countless other women and girls in her community with this life-changing opportunity. Through empowering initiatives like WGSS, women like Maryan are breaking the chains of dependence, finding their voice, and becoming catalysts for positive change. Maryan's journey testifies to the transformative power of support, training, and a chance to thrive.
