In the heart of Ladan camp, a story of resilience, hope, and community transformation unfolds. Two women, Deka Osman Nur and Faduma Adan Ali, represent the determination of this displaced community in Doolow, Somalia.

"I originally came from Ethiopia, specifically the Oromia region. I was displaced due to conflict," Deka shared, reflecting on the circumstances that forced her to flee her home. Her journey eventually led her and her family to the Ladan camp in January 2023, where they sought safety. "After fleeing Ethiopia, we traveled for a long time and ended up here. The reason we came here was to find peace—for me, my parents, and my siblings."

A few months after arriving, Deka was selected to join the International Organization for Migration’s newly formed Protection Committee.

"In August 2023, IOM came to the camp and established a Protection Committee. I was fortunate to become a member," Deka recalled. "Even though I came from a country where other languages are spoken, and it was my first time in Somalia, I was lucky enough to be a part of the committee."

Deka was displaced from Ethiopia and came to Ladan Camp in 2023; she joined one of the site's protection committees shortly after arriving. Photo: Diirad Films/2024

Deka immersed herself in her new role, learning invaluable lessons that shaped her understanding of community protection.

"Once I became a committee member, I learned many things," she said. "We received a lot of training, and I gained knowledge from the awareness sessions and training that was provided to me. I met many people, and we shared what we were learning with the wider community." 

The committee’s work has had a profound impact on the lives of women in the camp, especially those with health and safety concerns. Several mothers who were unable to afford medication or mental health support were referred to IOM and now they receive their medication monthly, free of charge. 

As a member of the protection committee, Deka’s role also involves raising awareness across the camp's ten neighborhoods. These committees help prioritize the protection of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) by fostering a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and education. By challenging harmful cultural norms and promoting safe space, the committees empower individuals to seek help and share their experiences. An educated and informed community not only supports survivors but also works collectively to end GBV so that everyone can thrive in a safe environment. 

The committees help prioritize the protection of survivors of gender-based violence by fostering a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and education. Photo: Diirad Films/2024

Women like Faduma Adan Ali, 45, are supported by the committee. For Faduma, the journey to Ladan camp was one of desperation. "I came here from a place near Baardheere," she recalled. "There were many problems in that area, such as drought and insecurity. I left without anything and came here." 

When she first arrived, Faduma’s living conditions were dire. The Protection Committee was a lifeline for Faduma and her family. 

"The committee came to us, raised awareness, and provided us with useful information. We took people who were suffering in their homes and connected them with the IOM team, who took them to the hospital. Many people who received treatment in this way are now healthy and taking care of their families," Faduma explained. 

One of the most significant changes, Faduma notes, is how the committee has transformed access to medical care in the camp. "Before, if a survivor of GBV was in need of medical attention, they didn’t know where to report it. Now, since the committee was formed, they collect information, and are always present in the community, day and night, identifying survivors in need of medical care and reporting them to the camp’s protection committee. These individuals are then taken to the hospital." 

By encouraging participation in protection initiatives, the protection committees foster a sense of ownership within the Ladan site. Photo: Diirad Films/2024

Through her involvement with the committee, Faduma has seen firsthand how the community has come together to support one another. "Many changes have taken place. The committee informs the community that there is a hotline, where the committee members live, and how to contact them. If they can’t reach the committee, they can call the number. They built me a house with an iron roof, while before I lived in a plastic-covered shelter. Many things in my life have changed."

The stories of Deka and Faduma reflect the larger picture of resilience in Ladan camp. Both women are part of a greater movement led by the IOM’s Protection Unit, which established 15 Community-Based Protection Committees to address rising protection concerns in the camp, with support from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). With the population of internally displaced persons growing due to climate shocks and conflict, the committees play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, particularly women and girls who face risks such as GBV, forced marriage, and domestic abuse.

By facilitating community engagement and encouraging participation in protection initiatives, these committees foster a sense of ownership within the camp. The protection committee’s presence has been instrumental in breaking the silence surrounding issues like GBV and ensuring that survivors receive timely medical care and psychological support.

The journeys of both Deka and Faduma illustrate that, even in the most challenging of circumstances, collective action and community-driven efforts can bring about substantial change. Their work within the IOM-supported Protection Committee has not only empowered them but has also uplifted many others in the camp. With ongoing support from organizations like IOM and the dedication of individuals like Deka and Faduma, the populations in Ladan camp are on a path toward greater resilience, safety and hope for the future. 

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