Maidimu, Ethiopia – As the sun rises over the Maidimu internally displaced persons (IDP) site, women and girls trickle into a safe space shelter created just for them. Their voices echo across the camp as they gather, recounting their week, sharing stories, ideas, and moments of connection. Among them is Tsige Mebrthatom, a mother of six who has endured immense hardship but found strength in these gatherings, which she eagerly anticipates each week as a reminder of her growing resilience.
Tsige’s ordeal began years ago when she was forced to flee her home in Kefta Humera, located in Western Tigray, over 250 kilometers away from the Maidimu camp, after losing her husband to a conflict that erupted in Northern Ethiopia.
For the women of Maidimu, these safe spaces also serve as venues for celebration and creativity.
For the women of Maidimu, these safe spaces also serve as venues for celebration and creativity. Photo: IOM/Rahel Negussie
“I had no choice but to flee with my children. We traveled on foot, and after five days, we finally reached the Endabaguna camp, which was hosting other displaced persons,” Tsige recall.
This unexpected turn of events marked a drastic change in Tsige’s life. Once a thriving merchant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, she ran a successful supermarket and was very optimistic about her family’s future. However, unforeseen challenges in 2016 prompted her to move to Kefta Humera in search of new opportunities. The outbreak of conflict in the Tigray region shattered her hopes of starting anew.
Now in Maidimu, where she was relocated from Endabaguna with her children two years ago, Tsige is one of over 5,000 displaced individuals living in the camp, including 1,300 women and girls. Like many displaced women, Tsige faced several challenges rebuilding her life. The remote location of the camp limited access to basic services including water, health care, and mental health support, especially for women and girls, and those with disabilities.
Despite these challenges, Tsige found ways to thrive. She began participating in community-led initiatives where women gathered to share experiences, support one another, and develop skills to generate income. These gatherings became a lifeline, fostering a sense of belonging and offering opportunities for personal growth and a feeling of security.
Materials produced by women and girls are displayed at the shop inside the IDP site for sale.
Materials produced by women and girls are displayed at the shop inside the IDP site for sale. Photo: IOM/Rahel Negussie
Tsige and her peers began learning traditional crafts like Sefede, Dantel, and Fetel (handicrafts). This group activity offered them a place to talk to other women, develop creativity and empower themselves.
For Tsige, this activity helped her reclaim her identity after all she had been through during her displacement. It also allowed her to be a figure of strength and inspiration for her children.
For the women of Maidimu, these safe spaces also serve as venues for celebration and creativity.
For the women of Maidimu, these safe spaces also serve as venues for celebration and creativity. Photo: IOM/Rahel Negussie
The Women and Girls Safe Spaces at the Maidimu camp established by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are hubs for the protection, psychosocial support, and empowerment of women and girls living in the camp. It offers them a safe environment to gather, learn, unlock their potential, and rebuild their lives.
"This space is invaluable, especially for women and those with disabilities," Tsige explains. "Being far from town, accessing any services is nearly impossible. Here, we find support, engaging activities, and a sense of community."
Through interactive workshops, cultural events like coffee ceremonies, and recreational activities, the space also fosters open dialogue on ending violence against women, mental health, nutrition, hygiene, and safety. These gatherings, which attract over 200 women and girls weekly, break down barriers, empowering women to voice their concerns and find strength in shared experiences.
"During awareness-raising sessions, we learn how to support other women, with discretion. We connect them to help, provide information, and guide them to referrals or psychosocial support," says Tsige.
At the spaces, women discuss social issues while crafting colorful cultural items.
At the spaces, women discuss social issues while crafting colorful cultural items. Photo: IOM/Rahel Negussie
“The establishment of women’s and girls’ safe spaces not only provides immediate protection but also fosters resilience and empowers those affected or at risk. It’s a vital and impactful initiative that helps improve the displaced women’s daily lives,” says Khalil Omarshah, IOM’s Programme Officer for Protection in Emergencies. “However, more funding is required to enhance these spaces and support more women and girls,” he added.
Through the safe spaces and their integrated services, IOM, with support from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and other partners, continues to support women and girls at Maidimu, as they continue to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience.
In total, 11 Women and Girls Safe Spaces were established in the Tigray region and offer a haven for women and girls displaced by conflict in the region.
This story was written by Rahel Negussie, Sr. Media and Communications Associate.