For more than two decades, the lives of people in Somaliland have been marked by forced displacements, armed conflicts with neighbouring Somalia, and recurring droughts and other natural disasters. Despite the ongoing crisis in which Somaliland finds itself, the interest of the media and the international community has declined. It is women and girls in particular who have to bear an incomparably heavier burden in Somaliland, because socio-cultural norms severely circumscribe their role and status.  In addition, a majority of the women and girls are exposed to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) such as female genital cutting, child marriage or domestic violence. 

The majority of the SGBV survivors find themselves socially marginalised and weakened by physical suffering, as for example chronic pain, depression and severe and acute injuries. Many rape victims, for example, are prevented from returning to their families for fear of social exclusion. They have to look for alternative ways of earning a living, and because of the stigmatisation, have no prospect of marriage and of creating a family of their own later on. Most offences and abuses remain unpunished because the women and girls feel ashamed and are often held responsible for their own suffering. 

To help women and girls who have been exposed to sexual and gender-based violence to cope with these challenges, the project wants to offer both preventive and curative measures. These are intended to improve their situation in the long term and enable them to live in dignity. Caritas Switzerland cooperates in this project with the local implementation partner WAAPO (Women's Action Advocacy Progress Organisation). WAAPO is the only local non-governmental organisation that offers comprehensive protective measures for SGBV survivors.