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Empowering women and girls
Women and Girls Friendly Spaces (WGFS) are much more than just physical locations; they are symbols of hope, empowerment, and solidarity for women and girls in communities affected by crisis and conflict. These spaces serve as havens where women and girls can come together, free from the fear of violence or discrimination, to connect with others facing similar challenges. Here, they find a supportive environment where they can share experiences, learn from each other, and access vital information and resources.
WGFS plays a crucial role in addressing gender-based inequalities and promoting women's rights. They offer a range of activities and services tailored to the needs of women and girls, including life skills training, education, referral services, and psychosocial support.
Through these programs, women and girls gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to challenge gender norms and advocate for their rights within their communities.
In 2024, Danish Refugee Council (DRC), through its Mobile Response team under the Emergency Rapid Response Mechanism (ERRM) consortium funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid, constructed a WGFS in Aweil East County in Mathiang Dut Akot.
This space now offers a safe haven for girls and women in the area, which currently hosts a significant number of internally displaced persons since 2022, affected by internal conflict and displacement.
Alual Kon Arieth is a widow and mother of five children. Her husband tragically passed away during the crisis in Abyei. Before the conflict, Alual ran a local restaurant in the Abyei market, and life was relatively good for her and her children.
However, everything changed when the crisis forced them to seek safety in Aweil East, Mathiang Dut Akot, on the 24th of July 2023. Alual was left to fend for her children, relying on collecting firewood and wild leaves for survival.
The Women and Girls Friendly Space has been a source of support for people like Alual. Here, they can acquire skills and support themselves and their children. Alual first learned about the DRC WGFS from another IDP woman who had been supported by DRC.
Initially, she joined the women in traditional dances, finding solace in the shared experiences of loss and displacement. She developed an interest in embroidery and learned the skill, practicing sewing for a month at the center.
Now equipped with these skills, Alual is confident in her ability to earn money for her family. She no longer needs to collect firewood and wild leaves, leading to a tolerable, stress-free life and enabling her to freely interact with other women.
Moreover, WGFS provide a platform for women and girls to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
By creating spaces where their voices are heard and valued, WGFS help to build women's leadership and promote gender equality at all levels of society.