To mark the International Day of Women 2025, the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network conducted a series of awareness-raising sessions in the IDP camps of Hargeisa, Somaliland.
The events aimed to strengthen awareness and enhance access to sexual violence support services for IDPs and minority communities. This effort is part of SIHA’s longstanding commitment to advocating for women’s rights and ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups in Somaliland.
The awareness sessions sought to inform IDPs and minority communities about the range of services available to them, particularly those provided by SIHA’s supported partners such as the Women Advocacy and Progress Organization (WAAPO) and the Voice of Somali Minority Women Organization (VOSOMWO).
Additionally, the sessions introduced participants to the existing formal support structures in Hargeisa, including police stations, the Baahi Koob One Stop Center, the prosecutors’ office, courts, and legal aid services.
A key component of the initiative was the distribution of referral pathway directories to community members and IDP committees. These directories serve as essential tools to facilitate the reporting of sexual violence cases and ensure the accountability of perpetrators.
By providing detailed information on where survivors can access support services, SIHA Network aims to bridge the gap between affected individuals and the assistance they require.
SIHA Network has been a vital force in advocating for women’s rights in Somaliland for the past two decades. Through its collaborative efforts with local partners, SIHA has worked tirelessly to enhance legal and psychosocial support for survivors of sexual violence.
Recognizing the deep psychological scars left by such experiences, the network also organized psychosocial counseling sessions for survivors, ensuring they receive the necessary emotional support and guidance.
As part of the awareness event, SIHA also introduced an art-based healing exercise for sexual violence survivors. This initiative provided a safe and creative space for women and girls to express their emotions, share their stories, and begin the journey toward healing. Art therapy has been recognized as an effective tool in trauma recovery, allowing survivors to process their experiences in a non-verbal yet profoundly impactful way.
The efforts of SIHA Network, in collaboration with WAAPO, VOSOMWO, and other local service providers, have significantly contributed to raising awareness about sexual violence support systems in Hargeisa’s IDP communities. By equipping survivors with knowledge, support, and advocacy tools, SIHA continues to play a crucial role in the fight against sexual violence and the pursuit of justice for affected women and girls in Somaliland.
Moving forward, SIHA remains committed to expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for policy reforms to ensure sustained protection and justice for survivors of sexual violence. The success of this initiative underscores the importance of community engagement, survivor-centered support systems, and collaborative efforts in addressing sexual violence and empowering vulnerable communities.
