Addressing gender-based violence with tailored solutions

The 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan identified 270,000 people, mostly women, in need of protection support. Internally Displaced People (IDPs) are particularly at risk, with almost 90% of gender-based violence (GBV) incidents in Q1 of 2023 involving IDPs. The most common forms of violence include assault, psychological abuse and denial of resources.

To address these challenges, AFNS funded a women-led organisation called Woman Support Association (WSA) to run a Women and Girls Safe Space in Hazano, Idleb. This project aims to prevent GBV by teaching life skills, providing psychosocial support, and raising awareness in the community. It also works with survivors to ensure their safety and wellbeing, and support them with livelihoods opportunities.

For instance, WSA played a pivotal role in transforming the life of a 29 year-old widow and mother, facing unemployment, psychological abuse, and the harsh realities of displacement. They provided psychosocial support to build her self-esteem and identified her passion for sewing as a key to her empowerment. A small grant enabled her to purchase a sewing machine, turning her skill into a sustainable source of income. WSA also provided new shelter and essential supplies, offering stability and security. Now, with a growing client base for her sewing services, she is a prime example of the resilience and independence that WSA has fostered among many vulnerable women.

This project was celebrated in a communication to partners to mark International Women's Day 2024. In another success story, Sawsan, pictured right with her child, received support for tuberculosis from a specialist centre in Idleb operated by Hand in Hand for Aid and Development. In total, AFNS reached 765,000 women and girl's with assistance in 2023.