Six areas of work, one aim: that the women, children and families we work with are safer and better supported than before they met us.
Our approach
Four steps, every time.
Whether someone comes for counselling, a referral or just to talk, the way we work with them is the same.
01
Reach
We go into communities and meet women’s groups, young people and leaders, so people know we are here and where to find us.
02
Listen
Anyone who comes to us is heard in private, at their own pace. Nothing is shared without their permission.
03
Support
We give what we can directly: a safe space, someone to talk to, counselling and practical advice.
04
Refer & follow up
When someone needs health care, legal help or shelter, we connect them to the right service and check back on them.
Areas of work
What we do.
01
Safe spaces for women & girls
A place women and girls can come to, sit down, talk and feel safe. When someone needs more than we can give, we connect them to health, legal or other services and follow up.
What this looks like
Regular women’s and girls’ circles
A private room to talk to a trained staff member
Sessions on rights, services and where to get help
Referrals to health, legal and shelter services, with follow-up
02
Gender-based violence
We talk with communities about violence against women and girls before it happens, and we stand with survivors after. Their choices are respected and what they share stays private.
What this looks like
Community conversations with women, men, youth and leaders
Support for survivors that puts their wishes first
Safe referral to clinical care, legal aid and shelter
Clear information on where and how to report
03
Child protection
We look out for children who are separated from their families, out of school or at risk of harm, and work with parents, teachers and leaders to keep them safe.
What this looks like
Finding and following up children at risk
Supporting parents and caregivers
Helping children back into school and services
Play and group activities where children can just be children
04
Mental health & psychosocial support
Counselling, group sessions and plain talk about mental health, so people can speak about what they have been through without shame.
What this looks like
One-to-one counselling
Peer support groups for women, men and young people
Awareness that reduces stigma in the community
Referral to specialised care when it is needed
05
Peace & community dialogue
Many communities are living side by side again after years apart. We bring people together to talk, to settle differences and to rebuild trust.
What this looks like
Dialogue between returnees and host communities
Civic education on rights and responsibilities
Working with traditional and religious leaders
Support for local efforts at reconciliation
06
Women, youth & livelihoods
Being able to earn a living and having someone to look up to both make people safer. We support women and young people with skills, mentors and a place to belong.
What this looks like
Skills training and livelihood support
Mentorship for girls and young women
Creative and sports activities for young people
Support to stay in school or work
Also
Culture, reading & belonging
Reading clubs, storytelling and our Kanuri culture give young people something to hold on to and a reason to come together. We bring them into our safe spaces and community activities wherever they help people feel at home.
Where we work
Maiduguri and beyond.
We are based in Maiduguri and work with communities in and around the city, including camps and new settlements.