Our gender-based violence teams reduce stigma, promote women’s empowerment and respond to violence in emergency settings.
Global
Written by
Elizabeth Austin Levoy, Senior Communications Specialist
Photos by International Medical Corps
In times of crisis, violence against women and girls can escalate. International Medical Corps is at the forefront of preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) in countries around the world. Our teams offer community-based services not only to prevent violence but also to reduce stigma for survivors and promote women’s empowerment and economic independence.
At our women’s and girls’ safe spaces (WGSS), visitors seek respite, share their experiences and build support networks. Women and girls can access information and services and learn new skills, some of which can help them earn money. The activities at the WGSS also enable women to sit together, help each other, build relationships and focus on something positive and relaxing. The spaces also give our nutrition teams a place to work with women on breastfeeding techniques and other nutrition challenges, helping women and their children to grow and thrive.
Supporting Economic Independence in Somalia
Learn more about Maryan weaving her way to success in Somalia.
Basket weaving is one of the many activities that bring women together at our WGSS. In this photo, women in Somalia practice weaving.
Maryan Cismaciil weaves baskets at the WGSS in Jowhar, Somalia.
Women Helping Women in Pakistan
Saida Inyat Khattak, former GBV Coordinator in Pakistan, explains her work preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
At a WGSS in Malakal, South Sudan, International Medical Corps staff members lead a discussion on gender-based violence.
Angelina Nyanhial Madut found a community at a WGSS in Nyal, South Sudan.
Helping Women and Children in Ukraine
Learn more about our World Breastfeeding Week Event in Ukraine.
International Medical Corps hosted a music and poetry event at the WGSS in Irpin, Ukraine, in September 2023.
International Medical Corps held a World Breastfeeding Week event at European Square Park in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. We provided individual and group counseling on infant and young-child feeding (IYCF) practices, presented a photo exhibition and distributed educational materials to participants.
International Medical Corps held a World Breastfeeding Week event at European Square Park in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. We provided individual and group counseling on infant and young-child feeding (IYCF) practices, presented a photo exhibition and distributed educational materials to participants.
We set up mother-baby spaces in Ukraine where parents can learn about the importance of breastfeeding and proper nutrition, and even take a break while their children play in a safe environment.
Returnee Shines a Light at Home in Mali
Learn more about social worker and returnee Mariam in Mali.
Mariam Oumar Cisse fled her home in Mali in 2012 to escape the ongoing conflict. When she returned, she joined International Medical Corps—first as a volunteer-mentor and then as a staff social worker. She works with women and girls to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Mariam Oumar Cisse works with a girl during an exercise at the WGSS.
Supporting Displaced People in Ethiopia
Learn more about Zahara, Sofia and our work in Ethiopia.
Jewi Refugee Camp in Ethiopia’s Gambella Region hosts thousands of South Sudanese refugees who have fled conflict. International Medical Corps screens and treats children and mothers for malnutrition and provides health education for mothers on young-child feeding practices and early childhood development.
Sofia Seid, an International Medical Corps Assistant GBV Response Officer, stands in front of the WGSS in Chifra. She’s dressed in the traditional clothing of the Afar region.
Zahara Ali displays handicrafts she made during WGSS sessions in Chifra woreda, Afar region, Ethiopia.
An International Medical Corps GBV Response Officer holds a briefing session in Melkadida, Ethiopia.
International Medical Corps is committed to protecting women and girls from violence and providing programs to help them build community. Last year alone, our teams offered protection and support to more than 1.6 million people living with the threat—or reality—of gender-based violence. Learn more about our Women’s and Children’s Health programs.
