When women flee their homes, they leave everything behind. They arrive at the camp protection offices exhausted, afraid, and empty handed. The one thing the protection counselors most wanted to provide was the basics – blankets, pillows, extra clothing – the day to day things women need to stay warm and care for their children.
It may be surprising to learn that it can get chilly in the refugee settlement, but temperatures can often dip to chilling temperatures overnight and during the rainy season. Having warm clothes and blankets at hand is a must.
The colors of the quilt, sheets, and pillows were chosen for calm and tranquility – soothing teal and gray. Two plump pillows were placed on each bed, inviting guests to rest their heads. And the clothing represents a wide range of needs, sizes, and weather conditions – preparing families for every scenario.
Having the comforts of home in the Safe Houses will make the women who stay there feel more welcomed, more at home, and feeling truly safer and cared for.
As soon as you walk in, the space feels warm and inviting. “Before, these were not Safe Houses at all,” says Deus, ARC Uganda’s Gender-Based Violence Technical Lead, “there will be so many people who will be excited about this.” It’s all coming together now!
