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The Harsh Reality of Gender-Based Violence in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement

A dark and silent crisis is happening in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, where over 113,000 refugees live. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women and girls is a hidden problem that many people don’t see. This violence leaves countless victims trapped in a cycle of fear, pain, and silence.

The Unseen Scars of GBV

Imagine a young girl, forced to leave her home because of war, now living in a new place. Instead of safety, she faces horrible abuse. Every day, she remembers the violence she has endured. Her eyes, once full of hope, now show her deep pain.

These aren’t just rare cases. GBV in Kyaka II is very common but often goes unreported. The victims, usually young girls and women, suffer physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in silence. The cultural stigma and lack of awareness about GBV keep them from speaking out.

Most Stories Just Break Our Hearts

Amina* is a 17-year-old girl who came to Kyaka II with her family to escape violence in her home country. Instead of finding safety, she was abused by someone in the community. The abuse left her physically and emotionally scarred. Amina never told anyone. She was too afraid of shame and rejection, and there were no services to help her.

Refugee women and girls here face a double battle – one against the threats that made them flee their homes and another against the GBV that haunts them daily

Grace*, a young mother who hoped to find a better life in Kyaka II. Instead, she faced domestic violence. Her partner’s anger left her bruised and broken. Grace’s cries for help were ignored, and she was left to suffer alone.

We need to fight GBV

We must acknowledge and address this serious problem. The silence around GBV in Kyaka II must end. We need to raise awareness, both in the refugee settlement and around the world. We must support these women and girls, amplify their voices, and demand action.

Support services for GBV survivors need to be stronger. This includes creating safe spaces, providing psychological support, and ensuring legal help to bring abusers to justice. We also need awareness campaigns to educate the community about GBV, dismantle harmful stigmas, and encourage victims to come forward.

Investing in women and girls is crucial. By empowering them with education, skills, and economic opportunities, we can help break the cycle of violence. Programs like the refugee entrepreneurship skills initiative give hope, providing women with tools to build a better future.

Join Us

The stories of Amina and Grace, and many others like them, should make us act immediately. We can’t wait any longer. We must end the silent suffering of GBV in Kyaka II. Every moment of inaction allows the cycle of abuse to continue, hurting more women and girls. Let us stand together, raise our voices, and take action to stop GBV once and for all. The women and girls of Kyaka II deserve nothing less.

*Names have been changed to protect the identities of the victims.

Forced Child

MARRIAGES

Gender Based

VIOLENCE

Sexual Abuse &

Exploitation

Little to no access to

EDUCATION

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