22-year-old Halima's life took a dramatic turn when an unforgiving drought forced her family to flee their home in Misir, Somalia. Settling in the Sarmanwey IDP camp in Baidoa, Halima and her husband faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives in a new environment.
Halima, pregnant and determined to contribute to her family's well-being, found work washing clothes for the host community. However, her husband, jobless and consumed by harmful habits, spent his days chewing Khat and engaging in idle activities within the camp. Their strained relationship and financial burdens created an environment fraught with tension and despair.
One fateful day, as Halima returned from work, her husband confronted her, demanding money to fuel his destructive habits. When she refused, his anger escalated into violence. He mercilessly beat and wounded Halima, leaving her bleeding profusely and in desperate need of medical attention.
Fortunately, within the IDP camp, social mobilization supervisors, deployed by READO under the FCDO project, swiftly responded to the distress call. The news reached Assad, the dedicated project leader, who accompanied the social mobilizers to the scene. Recognizing the urgency, they wasted no time in transporting Halima to the FCDO-supported GBV OSC for immediate medical assistance.
At the OSC, Halima received the necessary treatment for her injuries, stabilizing her condition. With her consent, she was safely returned to her home, under the watchful eye of the IDP committee members. It was here that Halima's journey of healing truly began.
Halima's resilience and courage inspired the team at READO, who ensured she received comprehensive support. She was registered and willingly engaged in ongoing psychosocial support sessions, where skilled counselors provided solace and guidance. Additionally, Halima was granted cash assistance and dignity kits, addressing her immediate needs and helping rebuild her shattered sense of self.
The PSS sessions not only supported Halima but also included her husband, who began to confront the consequences of his actions. Through counseling, he acknowledged his mistakes, expressing remorse and making a heartfelt promise to never repeat such violence. Halima, too, expressed her gratitude for the transformative impact of the GBV services on her family.
To this day, the READO team continues to follow up with Halima and her husband, providing ongoing PSS as they strive to rebuild their livelihoods. Their story stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassionate intervention.
Halima's journey from the despair to a place of healing and hope showcases the profound impact of the FCDO project and the dedication of UNFPA's implementing partners. Through their unwavering commitment, lives are being transformed, empowering survivors and fostering positive change within communities affected by GBV in Somalia.
All names of the individuals mentioned in the story have been changed to protect their identities.
