Jembia: Stronger Together
A safe space for women and girls in Kassala
Breaking the silence
For decades, violence and abuse were part of daily life in homes across the Banat neighbourhood of Kassala. Women and children endured beatings, emotional abuse and, in some cases, sexual violence. Speaking out was taboo. Survivors suffered in silence.
Maimuna, a mother of three, remembers how violence was normalised in her community.
“We didn’t even know it was violence,” she says.
When conflict broke out, the danger grew. Survivors of sexual violence arrived from as far as the Kordofans, but few knew how to help.
This began to change when UNICEF and partners opened the first women and girls’ centre in Kassala State.
The first of its kind, the centre was named Jembia – meaning ‘strong women’ in Hausa – and designed with inputs from the community especially women and girls, a key component of the Thabat project, to ensure it meets their needs.
More than 60 women and 40 girls come here every day. They learn about violence and abuse, where to report it and how to protect themselves and their children.
“Violence is very common in homes and communities, but almost all of our attendees didn’t know it was violence,” explains Atifa Elmal, the Project Manager.
Maimuna now attends sessions regularly.
“I have learnt how to protect myself and my children. I also know that if I hear of a rape case, I should take the survivor to hospital and report to the police immediately,” she says.
A day at Jembia
The centre opens at 8 a.m. While women attend sessions, their children play and learn in a child-friendly space under the care of trained facilitators.
In the main hall, women weave mats and baskets, crochet, make jewellery and share stories. These activities provide income-earning skills and a chance to heal together.
Maimuna is making a set of table mats.
“This centre brings us together and I feel safe here. We are learning skills that will help us earn in future,” she says.
Women and girls also receive dignity kits, while survivors of sexual violence get start-up kits, cash assistance and counselling – restoring safety and dignity hand in hand.
Skills, support and solidarity
During school holidays, more girls come to Jembia to attend sessions on keeping safe. UNICEF’s Child Protection Officer, Nagla Mohamed, regularly briefs women on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse and highlights reporting channels, including a suggestion box and a toll-free line.
Asha, a midwife trained by UNICEF on the clinical management of rape survivors, is also on hand. With her new skills and the centre’s proximity to a health facility, survivors can now receive timely, life-saving care.
Building resilience in uncertain times
The consultative approach has built strong ownership. Women and girls see Jembia as their own and are determined to keep it open.
“The centre has quickly become a place of learning, training and empowerment,” says Atifa. “I receive mothers who just want to spend time with others – and that is enough.”
As the conflict continues to disproportionately affect women and girls in Sudan, UNICEF and partners are scaling up safe spaces like Jembia with support from the Sudan Transition and Recovery Support (STARS) Trust Fund under the THABAT project – helping women and girls heal, stay safe and lead change in their communities.
