For years, Amina, a mother living in an internally displaced persons (IDP) settlement in Jowhar, endured repeated domestic violence at the hands of her husband. The physical and emotional abuse had become a painful reality of her daily life. Like many women in her community, however, she remained silent, believing that speaking out would only bring shame to her family. Domestic violence was widely viewed as a private family matter, and survivors were often expected to endure abuse rather than seek help.
“I lived in fear for a long time,” Amina recalls. “People around me believed that what happened inside a home should stay inside the home. I thought I had no choice but to suffer in silence.”
Everything began to change when Amina joined the psychosocial support (PSS) sessions facilitated by the Centre for Peace and Democracy (CPD) through the Women’s and Girls’ Safe Space established under the REBUILD Project. The sessions provided more than emotional support, they created a safe environment where women could openly discuss their experiences, learn about their rights, and challenge deeply rooted social norms that perpetuate gender-based violence (GBV).
Through regular group discussions, Amina learned about women’s rights, emotional well-being, healthy family relationships, coping strategies, and the devastating consequences of GBV on individuals and communities. For the first time, she began to understand that violence was neither acceptable nor something she was destined to endure.
“The discussions completely changed how I viewed my situation,” she says. “I realised that violence is never normal, even if society treats it as something women should accept. I learned that I deserve to live with dignity, safety, and respect.”
As her confidence grew, Amina made a decision she had never imagined possible. After several PSS sessions, she sought confidential support from the GBV nurse stationed at the Safe Space. During their private counselling session, she shared her experiences for the first time in an environment free from judgment, fear, or stigma.
“The nurse listened with compassion and respected my privacy. For many years I carried this burden alone, believing no one would understand. Speaking openly lifted a heavy weight from my heart and gave me hope that my life could be different.”
The presence of a trained GBV service provider within her own community removed one of the biggest barriers survivors often face—access to trusted and confidential services. Instead of travelling long distances or fearing exposure, Amina was able to receive timely, survivor-centered support close to home.
“This is the first time I have seen such a service available in our community,” she explains. “Knowing there was a safe place where I would be treated with dignity gave me the courage to ask for help.”
Today, Amina continues to participate in CPD’s psychosocial support sessions, where she continues to strengthen her emotional well-being and rebuild her confidence. The Women’s and Girls’ Safe Space has become a source of healing, empowerment, and hope, helping her move beyond fear and isolation toward a more positive future.
Inspired by her own journey, Amina now encourages other women experiencing violence or emotional distress to seek support instead of suffering in silence.
“I tell other women that they are not alone. There is a safe place where they can speak freely, receive confidential counselling, and be treated with dignity and respect. Seeking help changed my life, and it can change theirs too.”
Amina’s story demonstrates the life-changing impact of CPD’s community-based GBV interventions under the REBUILD Project. By bringing accessible psychosocial support, confidential case management, and survivor-centered services directly into vulnerable communities, CPD is helping women overcome fear, challenge harmful social norms, restore their confidence, and rebuild their lives with dignity, resilience, and hope.