We believe it is possible to create a community where human rights are strictly observed under all its principles, and acts like child marriage, GBV, rape, IPV, and FGM could cease. SOLO works towards witnessing that. We empower women to claim their rights and prop up the affected civilians.
Our team did research and the number of IDPs in Kismayu is increasing daily, with the district recording more influxes of IDPs from neighboring districts like Jamame and Afmadow. Most of these IDPs are women and children, increasing the vulnerability of women and girls to GBV. Once they arrive in Kismayu, these women often make homes using pieces of cloth in overcrowded areas, which is very insecure. They then begin looking for odd jobs like house cleaning in hotels or homes, making them vulnerable to physical assault, sexual harassment, rape, and other forms of GBV. Similar trends have been observed in the Middle and Lower Juba, Lower Shabelle, and Gedo Regions.
While progress has been made in addressing GBV and supporting women and girls in Kismayu, the larger humanitarian crisis requires sustained attention and action to address the underlying causes and provide support to those affected.
"To have a place or a group where you belong inspires passion and harmony. We are here to help build the community we all want to live in."
"SOLO carried out a project I.e Enhancing Access to Integrated, High Quality and Lifesaving GBV/SRH Services for Women and Adolescent Girls in IDPS camps and host communities in drought-affected locations in Somalia."
Our team made a lot of changes in the affected communities.
Distribution of Dignity Kits and Menstrual Hygiene Kits. SOLO has distributed over 2000 dignity kits to vulnerable women and girls in the IDP camps. •The provision of these kits to adolescent girls has been particularly beneficial. They expressed gratitude and increased confidence in managing their menstrual cycles. Many of them now seek out the mobile teams to request additional MHM kits. It restored their confidence and dignity. They now feel they can be part of their own communities in a proactive manner. The women before distribution at the site were made to understand that the center is there for them and they can access it with any problem affecting them when it comes to GBV and SRH. The pre-distribution awareness session has been used as a good entry service for the Women and Girls as they felt more valued and saw the importance of the WGSS centers.
A good number of these women and adolescent girls have been receiving GBV case management. Through this SOLO has observed an increased interest in women’s and girls’ issues within the community. Social mobilization through mobile teams and staff at static centers has been effective in raising awareness within the community. Women and girls are now aware that they have a safe place to turn to for issues related to gender-based violence (GBV).
- Over 3000 including disabled males and females were sensitized on GBV referral pathways,
- Assisted with referral
- Reached by social mobilization
- A good number of women were provided with SRH information
- Outpatient services
- Others received referrals from the mobile team and got family planning counseling & information, oral and injectable modern family planning methods
- Women and girls received Clinical Management of Rape (CMR)
- Received Case Management and PSS.
- Provided with SRH information
- Provided with outpatient services
- Received referral by mobile
- Received family planning counseling & information
- Received oral and injectable modern family planning methods.
- Cash assistance has also been provided to women and girls affected by GBV, including those experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), early marriage, FGM, and other forms of GBV. This assistance has helped them plan their lives and has encouraged more women to come forward and seek help. Group and individual counseling sessions are available for these groups, facilitated by psychosocial staff at the centers.
Thus far, the project has provided cash assistance to 89 women and adolescent girls, ranging from 45 USD to 60 USD. Of these, some women have experienced IPV, girls in difficult early marriages, and others underwent FGM and were in a destitute situation.SOLO has also referred 41 women and girls affected by GBV from their homes or in transit from one IDP camp to another safer area, as security concerns have made them fearful. Cash assistance has helped them purchase essential items and pay off debts.
SOLO was able to implement two additional services in Kismayu. One stop center (OSC) which is in Galbeet and a Safe shelter in Dalxiska IDP camps.
SOLO has recruited all the staff that was needed to operationalize the WGSSes, OSC and Safe Shelter. The staff have received on-job training by the GBV officer
BARKULAN OSC -Galbeet is home to a fully operational One Stop Center (OSC) that provides initial care and support to women and girls affected by gender-based violence (GBV). The OSC offers survivor’s referral services required for case management, such as medical treatment and care for physical injuries, clinical management of rape (CMR), and referrals for legal assistance and prosecution. The center also provides psychological counseling and follow-up support. 125 women and 52 girls received psychosocial support on various GBV issues, including intimate partner violence (IPV), rape, traumatic experiences, negative effects of female genital mutilation (FGM), and early/childhood marriages. During the sessions, some women and adolescent girls also disclosed incidents of harassment at their workplaces.
- BAXSAN SAFE SHELTER Dalxiska offers an alternative and temporary safe shelter for survivors of gender-based violence who are at risk of harm. The Baxsan Safe Shelter aims to provide a secure environment for survivors to deal with their traumatic experiences and prepare for legal proceedings while protecting them from any potential harm by the alleged perpetrator(s).
The Safe Shelter provides case management services, including psycho-social support, safety measures, legal assistance, and follow-up care to ensure access to justice for survivors. Additionally, survivors are offered economic and vocational training to equip them with the necessary skills to lead independent and dignified lives after leaving the shelter. Cash assistance is also provided to support this effort.
To increase accessibility, SOLO established a functional hotline number and its availability has been advertised at various centers. Social mobilizers have also played a role in referring survivors, while some have also self-referred. The above-mentioned GBV cases were primarily reported through these channels.
A good number of women were provided with SRH information, and outpatient services, others received referrals from the mobile team.
- Our team organized a training session to familiarize the staff with the project requirements, with a particular emphasis on addressing GBV and promoting SRH, specifically birth spacing or family planning. The aim was to increase awareness and encourage staff to promote family planning methods despite the misconception that they may not be accepted in Islamic culture. The training resulted in an increased uptake of family planning methods by the community with the help of SOLO staff.
- Additionally, a separate training was conducted for the GBV staff, focusing on building trust within the community and identifying GBV cases. The team identified various barriers and developed strategies for overcoming them. Overall, 42 staff members were trained on these topics.
SOLO has been attending GBV AOR meetings chaired by UNFPA and Co-chaired by MOH and has been working closely with other partners providing other GBV working group members and other service providers like MCH with ANC and delivery services, Nutrition services, and all other health services for everyone. The project has been able to refer ANC mothers have referred to various MCH/ BEMOC services including SOLO, Save the Children, and CARE-implemented sites. PNC cases with postnatal bleeding and malnourished neonates have equally been referred. Adolescent girls with UTI and menstrual pains have equally been referred.
