In the remote district of Bora in Tigray, Ethiopia, Bezunesh, a mother of eight, reflects on the trauma she endured during the brutal two-year siege of Tigray. She expresses a lingering anger tied to her experiences during the conflict, which claimed the lives of many, including her husband.
The conflict, which lasted from November 2020 to November 2022, was marked by extreme violence, including widespread sexual assault, resulting in over 600,000 civilian deaths and massive displacements. Reports indicate that at least 120,000 women and girls suffered sexual violence, creating a culture of silence and stigma that prevents many from seeking help.
The mental and emotional scars of the war are deeply felt among survivors like Bezunesh, who describes the chaos and trauma that ensued after the massacre of her community by the Ethiopian army.
Many women in the area, struggling with the aftermath of violence and loss, experienced severe psychological distress, which manifested in anxiety, insomnia, and social withdrawal. Bezunesh’s experiences resonate with many others in her community, highlighting the urgent need for support and healing.
Blen, another survivor, shares her harrowing story of violence and loss, emphasizing the destruction brought by Eritrean soldiers. She recounts how the attacks not only led to physical harm but also emotional devastation, leaving women isolated and struggling with shame and trauma.
Elizabeth Kidane, a medical student, emphasizes the profound impact of stigma on survivors, noting that many women internalize shame, preventing them from discussing their experiences with loved ones.
Ethiopian Mothers Lead Healing Initiative in Tigray Amidst Trauma from Two-Year Conflict
Recognizing the overwhelming need for support among survivors, a small group of women initiated a grassroots program inspired by the HAL (helpful active listening) circles used in post-genocide Rwanda.
This initiative aimed to create a safe space for women to share their experiences and receive emotional support from peers. The group reached out to Rwandan survivors to adapt the HAL model to the cultural context of Tigray, focusing on community-driven support rather than professional therapy.
The HAL program provides training for women in the community to facilitate support circles, emphasizing shared experiences and understanding rather than direct discussions of trauma. These circles foster an environment of empathy and validation, helping survivors reclaim their sense of self and humanity.
Facilitators were trained to use culturally relevant metaphors and analogies to explain the effects of trauma, making the material accessible to participants.
To launch the HAL initiative in Tigray, the core group sought support from foreign embassies, securing funding that allowed them to pilot the program in Mekelle and expand it to Bora.
The sessions are designed to be inclusive, welcoming not just survivors of sexual violence but also those traumatized by the broader impacts of the war. This approach helps participants find solidarity without the stigma often associated with sexual violence.
The HAL circles have made a significant impact on participants, fostering connections and building resilience. Women report improved emotional well-being, better relationships with family, and a renewed sense of hope and purpose. The sessions, likened to traditional coffee gatherings, provide a culturally familiar setting for women to connect, share, and support one another, creating a community of healing.
Despite the successes of the HAL project, the need for support remains critical as many women continue to face challenges, including food insecurity and mental health issues.
The Daughters of Charity, the organization behind the initiative, is working to provide additional resources and connect survivors with business support initiatives. However, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region poses significant obstacles to meeting these needs.
An independent assessment praised the HAL program for fostering solidarity and reducing stigma surrounding sexual violence, but it highlighted that the demand for support exceeds the available resources. Community leaders and health workers stress the importance of continued outreach and support for women, advocating for broader systemic changes to address the long-term impacts of trauma and violence.
Ultimately, the struggle for recovery in Bora underscores the need for comprehensive support systems that address both individual and community needs. Elizabeth Kidane emphasizes the importance of engaging the entire community in healing efforts, including educating service providers and religious leaders.
Changing societal attitudes towards women and trauma will require sustained effort and time, but the resilience of the survivors and the community’s commitment to healing offer a glimmer of hope for the future.
