Protect Disabled Women from Gender-Based Violence

During our recent humanitarian assessment in Daudu Community, Guma LGA, Benue State, GoGreen met with 64 persons with disabilities who were forced to flee violent conflict. Among them, the unique challenges and risks faced by women and girls quickly became evident. Surviving immediate dangers does not mean the threat to their safety, health, and dignity is over.

For displaced women and girls living with disabilities, vulnerability often intensifies after escape. Their struggles go well beyond finding food and shelter. They face an increased risk of exploitation, abuse, discrimination, and gender-based violence—circumstances that emergency response too frequently overlooks.

Imagine a woman who has lost her home and livelihood, now cut off from the family, friends, and neighbors who once formed her network of support. In displacement, she must navigate unfamiliar surroundings simply to access food, safe shelter, clean hygiene facilities, and protection services. For women with disabilities, these basic needs come with even greater hurdles. Physical barriers may prevent access to buildings or services. Communication challenges or a lack of accessible information inhibit help-seeking. Limited financial resources and social stigma further isolate them, making day-to-day survival even more difficult.

No woman should have to choose between meeting her basic needs and protecting her own well-being. Every displaced woman and girl—especially those with disabilities—has the right to safety, dignity, and support.

At GoGreen, we are committed to addressing these intersecting needs through our complementary initiatives: Protect Disabled Women from Gender-Based Violence and Feed Displaced Families in Benue, Nigeria. Our approach is multi-faceted. We are working to provide life-saving food assistance, raise community awareness, promote safeguarding, strengthen access to essential protection and support services, and ensure that women with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their lives and recovery.

We recognize, however, that responding effectively to these complex needs requires sustained resources and collective action. Your support is critical to expanding our reach and impact.

Your donation helps ensure that displaced women and girls with disabilities do not face further harm after escaping conflict. Through practical assistance and efforts to build safer, more inclusive environments, you can help protect their rights and restore hope for their future.

Please stand with us. Their survival should not come at the cost of their safety or dignity.