The success story of a woman living with physical impairment at Mayen Abun IDP camp, Twic County, Warrap state. Mrs. Adhar Macham Barac, a representative of the people living with disability in Mayen Abun IDP camp in Twic …
Read more: A woman living with physical impairment
Ms. Ajok Deng Chol is a women leader in Mayen Abun IDP camp. She has seen firsthand the challenges that women and girls face in her community. Before Women for Change came to the camp, women and girls were often isolated and vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV) and menstrual shame. They had no access to basic necessities like slippers, torches, menstrual towels, or clothes. This made it difficult for them to move around safely at night, and it also made them feel ashamed and isolated. The darkness at the camp made it difficult for us to move around safely at night, and the lack of menstrual towels also made us feel ashamed and isolated when menstruating," said the woman leader. "We were afraid to speak out about our needs, and we felt like we had nowhere to turn." She continued Women for Change has provided women and girls with the essential menstrual necessities they need to live safely and comfortably. They have also trained women and girls on GBV prevention and response. This has helped to reduce menstrual shame and the number of GBV cases in the community, and it has also given women and girls the confidence to speak out against violence.
Monica Ajok Malual is a recipient of the MHM awareness and distribution of dignity kits at Mayen Abun. Before Women for Change came to our camp, we were not able to participate in many events because of the shame associated with menstruation. We were expected to stay inside the house during our periods, and we were not allowed to go to school, work, or social gatherings. This was very isolating and frustrating, and it made it difficult for us to live our lives. The distribution of dignity kits by Women for Change has made a huge difference in our lives.
Mr. Ayuel Koleng, a caseworker at the Mayen Abun IDP camp, Twic county, Warrap State. I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of gender-based violence (GBV) on women and girls in our community. Before Women for Change came to our camp, there was no one to help victims of GBV. We were ignorant about the causes of GBV, and we didn't know how to report it. This made it difficult for women and girls to get the help they needed” exclaimed Ayuel. Women for Change has changed all of that. They have trained me and other community members on GBV concepts, causes, prevention, types, principles, and how to report it. This has helped us to create awareness within the community, and it has given us the confidence to psychosocially support victims of violence. Women for Change has also established a women and girls-friendly Space (WGFS) at the camp. This center is a safe space for women and girls to come and discuss their issues. They can also receive psychosocial support, learn new skills, and earn a living. “The WGFS has been a game-changer for our community. Women and girls are now feeling informed and enlightened about GBV. They are also feeling more confident and empowered. They are no longer afraid to speak out against violence, and they know that they have a safe place to go for help” ……he continued.
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