Gender-Based Violence in Somalia - Advocacy Brief April 2020

Severe climatic conditions and clan and communal conflicts in Somalia continue to expose women, girls, men, and boys to gender-based violence (GBV). An estimated 2.6 million people remain internally displaced, either in rural areas or in informal settlements surrounding urban areas. Women and girls, who are already the most vulnerable in times of crisis, experience heightened risks and compromised capacity to protect themselves from GBV. Weak camp infrastructure, poor WASH facilities, limited access to markets, water points, and health facilities often equates to inadequate protection mechanisms. This is exacerbated by limited livelihood opportunities especially for female-headed households who often have to engage in casual labor or petty trading to secure basic living needs.