March 2018 – The conflict between Boko Haram and Nigerian armed forces has devastated communities in north-eastern Nigeria. It is estimated that 10.2 million people will require humanitarian assistance in order to survive in 2018, of which 85% are women and children. As the conflict evolves, humanitarian access remains a challenge. Assistance for basic survival, basic services and protection is vital for displaced populations, host communities and vulnerable people across the north-east. With GAC’s support, Plan Canada is helping to assist up to 23,000 conflict-affected people in Borno state. Project activities include: (1) providing health education and distribution of dignity kits, which contains items required to help maintain feminine hygiene, dignity and respect in daily lives, to up to 3,500 women and girls of reproductive age; (2) establishing safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and those at risk, benefitting up to 5,000 people; and (3) training and mentoring in income generating activities to up to 900 survivors of sexual and GBV and individuals at risk.
The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased agency of gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and individuals at risk of GBV to exercise self-protection and benefit from quality protection, prevention and response services; and (2) increased access to market-sensitive economic opportunities for GBV survivors and those at risk. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved, suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.
