Halima’s Story: A Journey of Hope and Support
My name is Halima, [not her real name] and I live in the Mahad Alle camp in Galkayo District, where the daily reality of life has been nothing short of a struggle. As an internally displaced person, I have faced countless hardships, both financial and emotional. Like many others in the camp, I have often found myself grappling with how to meet even the most basic needs. The lack of consistent income and access to resources has left me feeling helpless and isolated. One of the greatest challenges I faced was the inability to access hygiene products. Without proper hygiene supplies, I was forced to make do with what little I could find, often compromising my own health and dignity. It was an exhausting and dehumanizing experience, and I often found myself losing hope.
Everything changed the day I stumbled upon a small post in the camp. It was a simple notice, but it caught my attention as it spoke about available support for women like me. The notice included a helpline number {3003} for those in need of assistance, and in a moment of desperation, I decided to reach out. I called the number, hoping for some guidance or even a glimmer of hope. When the call worker answered, she listened patiently to everything I had to say. I poured out my heart, telling her about the financial struggles I was facing and the difficulty of accessing essential hygiene products. I explained how this situation had left me feeling emotionally drained and without options.
To my surprise, the call worker didn’t just offer words of sympathy but also directed me to the Women and Girls Safe Space Centre located in Mahad Alle, a place funded by the SHF and implemented by SWCCA, where I could receive support. She explained that the centre provided various services to help to women in situations like mine. I felt a flicker of hope but was also uncertain about what to expect. Nonetheless, I decided to take a chance and visit the centre. When I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth and compassion. The case workers at the centre took their time to speak with me, making sure I felt comfortable and understood. They provided me with detailed information about the range of services they offered, including emotional support, educational resources, and, most importantly, practical assistance.
What stood out to me the most was when the case workers informed me that I had been selected as a beneficiary of the Dignity Kit program. I had never felt such a sense of relief and gratitude. The Dignity Kit, which is provided regularly, includes essential hygiene products such as 3 dress, 3 shawl, 3 sanitary clothes, 5 panties, 3 bar soap 250 grams, 3 pack of power soap 100 grams, 3 petticoats, 3 head scarves and one packaging plastic, which I couldn’t afford before. For the first time in months, I felt like I could maintain my dignity, take care of myself, and not worry about whether I would have the basics needed to stay healthy.
The regular delivery of the Dignity Kit and the Psychosocial support services has made an incredible difference in my life. It’s not just about the physical items I receive; it’s the sense of security and hope that comes with knowing that someone cares. The support has helped alleviate a tremendous burden on my shoulders, allowing me to focus on rebuilding my life, emotionally and physically. I no longer feel isolated or powerless. The Women and Girls Safe Space Centre has provided me with more than just material aid; they have restored my sense of worth and given me the courage to face each day with renewed strength. I am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received, and I know that without this assistance, my journey would have been much more difficult. The centre has been a lifeline, and I am filled with hope for the future.
We appreciate to SHF.