Shumi, Manager of a UNICEF-supported Safe Space for Women and Girls
With many women and girls lockdown in confined shelters within the camps, UNICEF staff are concerned there will be an increase in gender-based violence.
Shumi manages a Safe Space for Women and Girls, providing protection services for Rohingya and Bangladeshi women and girls who are vulnerable and/or are survivors of gender-based violence, trafficking, child marriage and other harmful practices.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 the centres have been temporarily closed. However, despite the national lockdown, case management, psychosocial support and referrals for health and safety services remain available to assist those in need of support.
Shumi and her team of volunteers go door-to-door to raise awareness of the available services and how they can be accessed. “We try to share as much information as possible with the community,” Shumi says.
“People are afraid because they fear services and care will stop. But we are still here,” Shumi says. “It helps a lot.”
“People are afraid because they
fear services and care will stop. But
we are still here. It helps a lot.”
- Shumi, Manager of a UNICEF-supported Safe Space for Women and Girls