UNFPA conducted a 3-day training workshop on July 11-13 for the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) on psychological support services for women and girls arriving from Sudan, in partnership with Etijah. 

The training, delivered by Etijah, offered comprehensive knowledge for 20 ERC psychologists on response techniques in dealing with victims and women at risk of gender-based violence (GBV). It tackled Mental Health and Psychological Support (MHPSS), overview on identifying cases of GBV, emergency situations, GBV response, available services offered at the Safe Spaces as well as the response to GBV in light of the Sudan crisis.

Fighting between the Army of Sudan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted on April 15, and has forced thousands of people to flee the country to neighboring countries. Around 250,000 people fleeing fighting in Sudan have crossed into Egypt, most of whom are women and children.

UNFPA is coordinating efforts with the Egyptian government, and the ERC to meet the urgent needs of women and girls for health and protection, through ensuring access to quality gender-based violence against women and girls prevention and response services and enhancing measures to mitigate the risk of violence and prioritizing women’s access to reproductive health services. UNFPA prioritizes strengthening the local referral and coordination mechanisms in Aswan, to respond to the emergency needs.

UNFPA, together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, operates 11 Safe Spaces in six governorates in Egypt, offering comprehensive GBV services for refugee women and girls, including case management services, mental health and psychosocial support services, emergency housing, legal and medical services, reproductive health services, cash assistance as well as vocational skills training.