Introduction
What is a Safe Space for Women and Girls (SSWG)?
A safe space for women and girls is a place where women and girls can go to at any time to feel safer and empowered and have access to information, education, recreational activities, support and services.
These spaces support women and girls to recover from violence, form networks and access support, safety and opportunities. These are often integrated spaces offering a range of services including resources, information, social networks, to essential and discreet clinical care and sexual reproductive health services. SSWG are safe spaces for women and girls in the community, culturally-appropriate and tailored to the context.
SSWG can be used for various activities such as: GBV case management, individual or group counseling, psychosocial support, safety planning and risk reduction, skills-building, NFI distribution, recreational activities. Information on critical issues can be shared in these spaces such as where/how to access humanitarian services and information on sexual and reproductive health, legal rights, childcare, and GBV prevention and response. SSWG are safe spaces that promote women’s protection and empowerment and help mitigate risk of GBV.
Why do women and girls need special support in emergencies?
Evidence suggests that the establishment of women- and/or girl-only spaces helps to reduce risks and prevent further harm during acute emergency responses. These spaces provide women and girls with a safe entry point for life-saving services and a place to access information. Safe gathering points also offer them an opportunity to engage with each other, build important connections, solidarity and support with other women and girls, exchange information, and rebuild community networks and support. Safe spaces can be a key way of building women and girls’ social assets.
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