1. Safety Comes First – Physically and Emotionally
A safe space is more than just a shelter; it’s a sanctuary. Women who have survived GBV need not only physical security but also emotional reassurance. This means strict confidentiality, a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, and trained staff who provide psychological support. In our safe spaces, we offer group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and recreational activities like art and games playing to help women process their experiences. A space is only truly safe if women feel they can speak and heal without fear.
2. Understanding GBV—Many Women and Communities Don’t Even Know What It Is
One of the first barriers we face is awareness. Many women don’t recognize that what they’ve experienced is GBV, and communities often view violence as a private matter rather than a violation of rights. GBV includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, as well as harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation. In our work, education is a fundamental step—before healing can begin, survivors need to understand that what happened to them was not their fault, and communities must recognize their role in prevention.
3. Build Trust—It Takes Time and Consistency
Trust isn’t given; it’s earned. Many women have endured betrayal, stigma, and neglect. To counter this, protection officers must show up consistently, listen without judgment, and follow through on promises. In our safe spaces in Nigeria, we prioritize one-on-one case management, ensuring that every woman knows she is heard and supported. Some women start hesitant, unsure if they can trust us, but over time, as they see real change, their confidence grows.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our case management approach. Women need to know that their personal stories and struggles will not be shared without consent. Ensuring privacy allows survivors to open up, seek help, and begin their journey to recovery without fear of retribution or stigma. Women need to know that their personal stories and struggles will not be shared without consent. Ensuring privacy allows survivors to open up, seek help, and begin their journey to recovery without fear of retribution or stigma.
4. Empowerment is Key—But It Must Be Led by Women Themselves
Safe spaces should not just be about protection but also about empowerment. Women should have access to skills training, economic opportunities, and decision-making roles within these spaces. Many of the women we support learn basic literacy, which has a profound impact on their independence. Being able to read and write allows them to and manage open bank accounts, sign legal documents, and participate more fully in economic activities.
“Seeing women transform their skills into income-generating businesses is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work.”
To support women’s financial independence, we provide trainings and starter kits with materials for tailoring, soap-making, and small-scale farming, allowing them to begin earning their own income. These activities help build self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on abusive situations. Seeing women transform their skills into income-generating businesses is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. A safe space should be a stepping stone to self-reliance, where women are not just survivors but architects of their own futures.
5. The Campaign of Small Steps—Integrate Men into the Conversation
Addressing GBV isn’t just about supporting women—it’s also about changing male perceptions. We have seen firsthand that involving men in small steps, such as community dialogues and training sessions, creates shifts in behavior. Some men become allies, helping to challenge harmful norms. Engaging them means showing that protection isn’t a women’s issue alone, but a collective responsibility.
A key turning point came when we helped men recognize that GBV doesn’t just affect women—it impacts entire families and communities. They began to see how a woman suffering from violence struggles to care for her children, how boys who witness violence are more likely to replicate it, and how the stigma around GBV weakens social cohesion. Once men saw that GBV is not just a women’s issue but a community-wide concern, they started to take ownership of the problem and work toward solutions.
Additionally, we observed that women who generate additional income through our economic programs gain more respect from men, as they contribute to the household finances and share the burden of providing for their families. This realization has helped shift traditional perceptions, fostering greater gender equity in many of the communities we support. We run educational programs that help men understand GBV and encourage them to become part of the solution rather than the problem.
6. Collaboration with the Community is Essential
GBV is a societal issue, not just a women’s issue. To create lasting change, we need community buy-in. Engaging local leaders, men, and families in discussions about protection and gender equality strengthens the impact of safe spaces. Our experience has shown that when communities take ownership, safe spaces are better respected and more effective.
7. Funding is a Constant Struggle—But Every Contribution Counts
Securing sustainable funding is one of the biggest challenges we face. Safe spaces require trained staff, medical and legal support, and long-term case management. Often, donors focus on immediate crisis response, but GBV work requires continuous support. We’ve learned to leverage small grants, local partnerships, and community contributions to keep these spaces running. Every contribution—no matter how small—can make a difference. Without sustainable funding, essential services like legal aid, vocational training, and psychosocial support become difficult to maintain.
8. One Size Does Not Fit All—Tailor Support to Women’s Needs
Every woman’s experience is unique, and so is the support she needs. Some require medical care, others legal aid, and many need livelihood opportunities. Flexibility in case management ensures that each woman receives individualized, meaningful support rather than a standardized approach that may not fit her reality.
A Call to Action: Supporting Safe Spaces for a Stronger Future
Creating safe spaces isn’t just about setting up shelters—it’s about fostering dignity, trust, and opportunity. When women feel safe, they can heal, grow, and reclaim their lives. It’s a commitment that requires ongoing effort, but the impact is life-changing.
To donors and proposal writers: investing in GBV protection is investing in resilience. These spaces are not just temporary solutions; they are long-term commitments to change. We need sustainable funding, dedicated partners, and a shared commitment to making protection, awareness, and empowerment a reality. I’ve seen women walk into our spaces in despair and walk out with renewed hope. That is what makes this work so essential.
