Healing from Trauma: Tigray's Women Find Strength in Community Support
In the remote Bora region of Ethiopia's Tigray, women who survived the brutal Tigray war are learning to cope with their trauma through a community-based initiative inspired by Rwanda's recovery from genocide. The HAL (Helpful Listening Circles) program, which has been adapted to the local context, provides a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and support one another. The initiative has reached 1,320 women since its inception and aims to empower them through collective healing and resilience.
The Impact of War on Women in Tigray
The Tigray war, which lasted from November 2020 to November 2022, resulted in the deaths of over 600,000 civilians and the displacement of millions. Sexual violence was used systematically as a weapon of war, with reports indicating that at least 120,000 women and girls were raped. Survivors like Bizunesh and Blaine recount the horrors they endured, including the loss of loved ones and the pervasive stigma surrounding sexual violence. The HAL program was developed by a group of local women who sought to bring healing to their community, drawing lessons from the Rwandan experience.
Challenges and Future Prospects for Tigray's Women
Despite the success of the HAL program, challenges remain. Many women continue to face stigma and isolation, and the need for resources far exceeds the available support. The program has evolved into self-help cooperatives, allowing women to save money and support each other in rebuilding their lives. However, as Elizabeth Kidane, a medical student involved in the initiative, notes, the community requires ongoing assistance to address pressing needs such as food insecurity and mental health awareness. The HAL project exemplifies the resilience of Tigray's women and highlights the importance of community-driven healing in the aftermath of conflict.
