Strengthening GBV Prevention and Response for Afghan refugees in KP Province – IMC

Ms. Rana Afghanay, 24 years old, lives with her family in one of the refugee communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. “I was born here, and I feel like this is my home”, said Rana.

Her parents migrated from Afghanistan in 1979. “My parents still tell me tragic stories and the ordeal that they went through during the migrations”. Said Rana.

Rana has 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Being an eldest sibling, she always wanted to do something for her family and most importantly for herself. “I was only able to complete my high school, and then I kept on looking for opportunities to earn money respectfully and with dignity. It was my dream”, she said.

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS’ ASSISTANCE AND HOW IT HELPED

Rana did few jobs as a teacher and a helping assistance in the healthcare center of the community, but she was not making enough money. She added, “There was no other opportunity to earn more. I had some ideas to start some ventures but there was no one with whom I can discuss my aspiration and get motivation to do something more than this. Also, I was afraid…. might be I shouldn’t be thinking about it.”

In 2017, she got to know about International Medical Corps work around gender and other activities. “I attended the first session and I felt so good that at least there is a place where women can talk and discuss whatever comes to their mind”, she said. She realized the lack of opportunities especially for women to interact, discuss and laugh in the community.

She decided to open a general store within the premises of her house. And when she told this idea to her family, she faced a severe criticism. “They did not welcome the idea because it was an insult for them to live on women’s earning. But I was determined too, and I invested my total savings of 7$ in buying basic household goods”, she said.

Initially people from her community also did not like to go to her shop and made fun of her. Some people were looking at her as if she had failed. But gradually people started to come over especially women.

“By seeing the positive response from women, I especially then added more accessories for them and received a great response” She added.

Her business is going well, and she is very grateful for the support provided by International Medical Corps to make her realize her potential. As a GSG volunteer, she thinks that she must speak to other women, sensitize them and show them the support that they can do wonders if they get a chance. She said, “If women are sitting behind closed doors, how will things change? Women need to be supported and empowered to speak about negative experiences for a positive change”