This project provides a travelling shelter for women and girls living in post-disaster zones. The roving Female Friendly Space (FFS) travels to various post-earthquake camps in Nepal where women and girls can go to report incidences of violence, seek services, be referred to medical or trauma counselling, attend awareness workshops and feel safe. The FFS also provide income generating activities, education, shelter and 24-hour protection for women and their children.
This project is URGENT. Gender-based violence increases in emergencies because of the displacement of communities, absence of law and order, lack of adequate basic services, and the breakdown of social support networks. As a result, females of all ages need protection, support, and access to services in emergencies. Those from marginalized communities are increasingly vulnerable. 8,000,000 people were affected by the earthquakes in Nepal and 40,000 are females at immediate risk of violence.
The roving FFS will bring awareness to the growing problem of gender-based violence within the camps through workshops and daily activities for women and girls who attend the space, and an awareness campaign that sheds light on violence against women which will reach all camp residents. The space will also serve as an information desk with gender-trained staff who can refer females to health, legal and other services available to them through our collaboration with the Police and other NGOs.
Each FFS will target 200 females and 100 males. It will decrease the risk of gender-based violence in the camps and increase access to services for female survivors. It will also reduce the stigma associated with sexual violence by providing females with human rights awareness and support, and by providing the whole camp community with education. Providing women/girls with education and access to services will empower them to protect themselves. Educating communities will reduce violence.
