‘‘When a woman or girl seeks help, she often hesitates to share what happened. She may fear being judged by others or worry about dealing with all the stigma that comes with incidents of GBV. At times, some even refuse basic care and support, such as medical checkups or medication, because of the stigma associated with their experiences,’’ –said Sundus* 23, a case worker in Hiran region of Somalia.
Sundus*, a 23-year-old public health graduate, is a caseworker at the Somali Women Development Center (SWDC) living in Hiran region of Somalia. Her journey into this role was inspired by the pressing challenges faced by women and children in her community, where issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), exploitation, and abuse are alarmingly prevalent. Recognizing the need for change, Sundus* chose a path where she could actively contribute to addressing these injustices and make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.
In her daily work, Sundus* encounters a wide range of cases, from survivors of domestic violence to those enduring other forms of GBV. Beyond addressing immediate needs, she follows up on previously supported cases to ensure survivors continue to receive the help they require.
Working closely with survivors, she often faces significant challenges, particularly the hesitancy many women and girls feel in sharing their experiences. Fearing judgment or stigma, some initially refuse even basic care, such as medical checkups or medication. Sundus* approaches these situations with patience and empathy, reassuring survivors that what happened to them is not their fault and that seeking help is a step toward healing.
One of the foundational principles of Sundus*’s work is maintaining strict confidentiality. She explains to survivors that their information will not be shared beyond what is necessary to provide support, a reassurance that helps build trust. Over time, this trust encourages survivors to seek the assistance they need. Sundus* and her team provide a range of support services, including psychosocial support, food, clothing, and cash assistance. When medical attention is required, they ensure timely referrals to hospitals and collaborate with other organizations to connect survivors with specialized resources.
Collaboration is central to Sundus*’s approach. She works closely with community structures and partner organizations, referring cases that require medical attention to health centers and those needing legal support to specialized legal organizations. At the same time, she receives referrals for cases that fall within the scope of services her organization provides. With training provided by GAASHAAN project, Sundus* has gained expertise in case management, learning to assess cases based on severity and develop comprehensive support plans tailored to individual needs.
Over the course of her work, Sundus* has observed the widespread prevalence of domestic violence, particularly in camps for internally displaced people (IDP). These observations deeply impact her and drive her to prioritize such cases. She hopes to see the program expand to reach more communities, particularly those living with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential support.
For Sundus*, the most rewarding aspect of her work is witnessing survivors reclaim their lives, rebuild their confidence, and reintegrate into their communities. These moments of recovery and resilience inspire her to continue her efforts and remain committed to supporting others facing similar challenges. Sundus*’s work as a caseworker plays an important role in addressing the diverse needs of the community and advocating for a future where women and children can live free from fear and harm.
Sundus*'s Story
''My name is Sundus*, and I am 23 years old. I studied public health and currently work as a caseworker with the Somali Women Development Center under GAASHAAN project.
What inspired me to become a caseworker are the challenges faced by our community, especially women and children.
Issues like exploitation, abuse, and other forms of GBV are alarmingly common. I wanted to make a difference and bring about change, which is why I chose this field.
On a daily basis, I encounter numerous cases, including different types of GBV against women and girls. I also conduct follow-ups to ensure those we’ve supported previously continue to receive the help they need.
Working with the community comes with its own set of challenges. For example, when a woman or girl seeks help, she often hesitates to share what happened. She may fear being judged by others or worry about dealing with all the stigma that comes with incidents of GBV.
At times, some even refuse basic care and support, such as medical checkups or medication, because of the stigma associated with their experiences.
However, by speaking to them patiently and with understanding, and explaining that what happened to them is not their fault, they often begin to open up.
We reassure them that seeking help and support is okay. Still, we never expect women and girls to share everything on the first day.
Before discussing any details, we ensure they understand that their information will remain confidential and will not be shared outside of our team. Even within the team, their details are only used to provide the necessary support.
This reassurance helps ease their minds and builds trust, encouraging them to share their experiences. With the consent of the survivor, we assess the situation and develop a plan through a case management process.
The support we provide includes basic psychosocial support, food, clothing, and cash assistance.
If medical attention is needed, we refer them to health facilities. We also connect them with other organizations that can offer additional support.
We have strong collaborations with other organizations and community structures. If there are cases we cannot resolve or provide for, we refer them to our partners, and they refer cases to us as well.
GAASHAAN has provided us with extensive training in case management, teaching us how to prioritize and manage cases based on their severity.
As caseworkers, we have a significant impact on the community. We address the diverse needs of the community, particularly women and girls, and work toward finding solutions to their challenges.
During my work, I’ve observed that domestic violence is especially prevalent in camps for internally displaced people, which has a deep emotional impact on me. Because of this, I often prioritize these cases.
What makes me happy is seeing the women and girls I’ve supported recover, rebuild their lives, and reintegrate into the community after enduring so much harm.
It encourages and motivates me to do my best for others facing similar challenges.
I hope this project can expand to reach other communities in need, particularly people with disabilities, who also deserve access to such vital support programs."
Background / Project information:
The GAASHAN Programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is aimed at providing sustainable humanitarian aid and prevention against protection and GBV risks
in South Central Somalia, will directly benefit 43,756 individuals, including men, women, boys, and girls, with 5% being people with disabilities, across 18 districts in 9 regions. Additionally, around 117,200 indirect beneficiaries will be reached through advocacy and awareness efforts. The project is implemented by a consortium of organizations: Save the Children as Consortium Lead and organizations like International Rescue Committee, CARE International, Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC), Somali Women and Development Centre (SWDC), Somali Women’s Studies Centre (SWSC), and GREDO.
