UNFPA Somalia Wellbeing of Women and Girls

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

After four consecutive failed rainy seasons in Somalia, the drought has had a terrible impact. More than 7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. More than 805,000 people have become internally displaced persons (IDPs), the majority of whom are women and children who need professional and safe sexual health care and gender-based violence services, the availability of which is poor in refugee camps. Living in IDP camps also increases the risk of women and girls being exposed to gender-based violence and sexual abuse, unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. This crisis affects in particular the lives women and girls in the most vulnerable situation. In order to meet the growing needs and implement its country program, UNFPA has requested Finland for additional funding. The project focuses on gender-based violence (GBV) interventions integrated with reproductive health services (SRH). The beneficiaries of the project are mainly IDP women and children. The long-term outcome goal of the UNFPA Somalia country program (2021-2025) is to improve the health, rights and quality of life of the Somali population, especially women, young people and the most vulnerable. The main goal of the program is to reduce maternal and child mortality and violence against women and girls in Somalia. The country program has four result areas: 1) sexual and reproductive health, 2) young people, 3) promotion of gender equality and women's empowerment, and 4) development of demographic and statistical information. Finland has supported the implementation of UNFPA's Somalia country program covering the years 2017–2020 with EUR 12 million. Finland's support for UNFPA's Somalia country program is 25 million euros for the years 2021-2025.The amount of this additional grant is 1.5 million euros and the duration of the project is one year.