“This means a lot for me, and for the Sudanese women community, to put a light on the women, and the problems they face”, shares Dalia, a volunteer at UNFPA’s Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) during the closing event of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (GBV). On 10th of December, the world commemorated the International Human Rights Days, and UNFPA marked the end of the 16 Days of Activism. On this day, Giza WGSS held a closing event with over 200 refugee women and girls, as well as volunteers and staff members who engaged in activities that are regularly organized in the WGSS. 

“I think these events are a new opportunity for them to meet people from their community who also access activities in the Safe Spaces,” says Toqa, one of the WGSS volunteers.  

Community theatre, art therapy, collage-making, girls’ empowerment workshops, GBV awareness activities, and empowering sports games are just some of the engaging activities that refugee women and girls participated in during the 16 Days of Activism events at UNFPA’s 13 WGSS across Egypt.

Operated in partnership with Etijah and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, WGSS serve as vital hubs where women and girls access comprehensive services to prevent and respond to GBV in a non-stigmatizing environment. Beyond providing life-saving support, safe spaces also foster empowerment and healing for GBV survivors and women at risk of GBV through group therapy, awareness sessions, and economic empowerment initiatives. “Many people who are here come from very tough experiences, and they access necessary services, but there is also a fun part. (...) If they want to go to a yoga class, have fun and connect with other people (...) they can have that,” explains Toqa, a 24-year-old volunteer at the WGSS.

Safe Spaces also provide an opportunity to embrace community and cultural diversity. This was demonstrated at the Alexandria Safe Space, where UNFPA, UNHCR, Caritas, and the refugee-led organization, Rouh Initiative, organized a joint event for the 16 Days of Activism. The event featured an exhibition of traditional dresses and music from various African countries, with participants learning about the unique stories and origins behind each garment. “For someone who lost everything, to find a community open to them, who listens to their problems, and is open to get them in a new society, it means a lot” says Dalia, 28 years old volunteer at the WGSS.

Dalia has been volunteering in the WGSS for 8 months, yet her passion for volunteering started 14 years ago in Sudan, as a teenager. “Me, as one of the civil society members I attend a lot of  [GBV awareness] events like these, but for many Sudanese women, this might be the first time they attend a session which talks about their rights and what they can do [against GBV]. This means a lot for me, and for the Sudanese women community, to put a light on the women, and the problems they face.”