Our primary goal is to address key challenges faced by this demographic;
The prevention of diseases like Malaria and HIV/AIDS
Tackling mental health issues
Combating Female Genital Mutilation
And ensuring access to quality education.
Living as an internally displaced person (IDP), comes with numerous challenges and hardships. One of the main challenges is the loss of a sense of stability and security, as IDPs are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, natural disasters, or persecution; in the Nigerian case, due to conflict. They often face overcrowded and unsafe living conditions in temporary shelters or camps, lacking access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare.
IDPs also face difficulties in accessing education and livelihood opportunities, as displacement Trust the
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Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma are common among IDPs, as they cope with the loss of their homes, possessions, and social support networks. They may struggle to rebuild their lives and find a sense of belonging and identity in their new circumstances.
According to data from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Nigeria has one of the largest populations of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the world, with a significant portion of them being women and girls.
As of 2021, there are an estimated 2.9 million IDPs in Nigeria, with women and children accounting for a large percentage of this population. Women and children continue to be the most affected in an societal dysfunction. Being very vulnerable and fragile in nature, they come off being the most victimized.
This statistics has necessitated the focus of our compass as a Foundation, towards women and children; not neglecting men, boys and other demographics. Women and girls who have been internally displaced in Nigeria are at a heightened risk of gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. They also face challenges in accessing basic services such as healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities.
Efforts are being made by the Nigerian government, humanitarian organizations, and international partners to provide assistance and protection to internally displaced women and girls in Nigeria. This includes providing access to safe and secure shelters, psychosocial support, reproductive health services, and education programs to empower women and girls affected by displacement.
Despite these efforts, more needs to be done to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of internally displaced women and girls in Nigeria and ensure that they are able to rebuild their lives and have access to opportunities for a brighter future.
Addressing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as part of the prevalent issues faced by young female IDP’s, which is unfortunately still perpetuated because the elderly women who are obviously unlighted insist on sticking to certain of their traditions, as a way of adaptation and rousing in themselves the comfort and memories of home.
These women continue this harmful traditional practice that remains prevalent in Nigeria, despite efforts to eliminate it. According to data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has one of the highest rates of FGM in the world.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is a violation of human rights and can have devastating physical, emotional, and psychological effects on women and girls. FGM is often performed without consent of the victim and can result in serious health complications, including infections, chronic pain, and difficulties during childbirth.
According to data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has one of the highest rates of FGM in the world. A recent survey conducted by UNICEF in collaboration with the Nigerian government found that approximately 20 million women and girls in Nigeria have undergone FGM, with the practice being most common in the southern regions of the country. The survey also revealed that the prevalence of FGM varies across different ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria.
In terms of the prevalence of FGM among different age groups, the data shows that the practice is most common among older women, with approximately 27% of women aged 15-49 having undergone FGM, compared to 19% of girls aged 0-14. This suggests that there has been some progress in reducing the prevalence of FGM among younger generations in Nigeria.
Efforts to end FGM in Nigeria have been ongoing, with advocacy campaigns, community mobilization, and legal reforms aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of the practice and changing social norms. However, more needs to be done to accelerate progress towards the elimination of FGM in Nigeria and protect the rights and well-being of women and girls.
For us at Drum for Positive Change Foundation it is important that we continue to raise awareness about the harmful effects of FGM in IDP camps and work towards ending this harmful practice through education, advocacy, and support for affected individuals. We admit that there is a whole lot to be done, but we also celebrate our milestones, considering them our motivation to do more.
Since our inception, we have been able to provide essential healthcare services to over 5,000 individuals in IDP camps, including distributing mosquito nets to prevent Malaria and conducting HIV/AIDS testing and counseling sessions. Additionally, we have successfully raised awareness and provided support for mental health issues among IDPs, reaching over 1,000 individuals.
Furthermore, our advocacy and educational programs have helped to eliminate the practice of Female Genital Mutilation in over 20 communities, benefiting over 2,500 girls. Additionally, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that girls in IDP camps have access to quality education, with over 500 girls receiving scholarships and educational support. By combining these statistics with our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable populations, the Drum for Positive Change Foundation aims to continue our mission of empowering and uplifting the females in IDP camps in Nigeria.
Through our comprehensive healthcare programs, we aim to provide essential services and resources to over 5,000 individuals in IDP camps, including the distribution of mosquito nets, HIV/AIDS testing, and counseling. Our educational initiatives have already benefitted over 500 girls, providing scholarships and support to help them realize their full potential.
By raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for change, we strive to empower vulnerable populations and create lasting impact in their lives. With a relentless commitment to positive change, the Drum for Positive Change Foundation is dedicated to uplifting and empowering females in IDP camps in Nigeria.
We agree with the words of Michelle Bachelet that Internal displacement disrupts lives, shatters dreams, and erodes hope. We must ensure that those affected receive the necessary protection, assistance, and support; this is the fulcrum of our every intervention, the fuel that powers our vision.