(Name changed for protection)
Weizero Almaz is a survivor of gender-based violence (GBV) from the Eastern Zone of Tigray whose life reflects extraordinary resilience and recovery.
Before the conflict, Weizero Almaz lived in Adigrat town, where she owned and managed a small boutique. She was a mother of six children. As the conflict intensified, she was forced to close her business because she could no longer adequately care for her children. With no information about the whereabouts of her husband, she returned to her village in the Eastern Zone, effectively becoming a single mother responsible for her family.
In November 2013 E.C., when Eritrean troops entered her village, widespread violence was inflicted on women and girls. Villagers attempted to flee in fear, and her children escaped alongside others, running without direction or safety. Weizero Almaz, however, was unable to escape. Armed troops entered her home and subjected her to gang rape by five perpetrators, carried out with extreme brutality and deliberate dehumanization.
Following the assault, Weizero Almaz lost consciousness for six to seven months. During this period, she was unable to eat, dress, or care for herself. Her mental health severely deteriorated, and she required constant support. Relatives and community members, together with her children, took responsibility for caring for her household and her younger children. She had never received medical or psychological treatment until she was later referred to the Adigrat Safehouse Project, implemented by the Women’s Association of Tigray (WAT) in collaboration with UNFPA.
At the safehouse, Weizero Almaz received medical treatment for the first time, alongside intensive psychosocial support. She stayed at the safehouse for three months, where case managers, caregivers, and coordinators provided continuous emotional care and encouragement. They reminded her that survival itself is a form of strength and that her life still held value and purpose.
Through regular medication, counseling, and group psychosocial sessions, her condition gradually improved. She began to share her experiences with fellow survivors, which helped restore her confidence and sense of belonging. At the safehouse, she received nutritious food, personal hygiene care, clean clothing, and timely medical follow-up. Survivors were also supported through physical exercises, recreational activities, and psychosocial entertainment sessions. Religious holidays were celebrated together to help them feel safe, dignified, and at home.
During her stay, Weizero Almaz participated in skills training and later expressed interest in restarting a small boutique business if she could access initial capital. Upon graduating from the safehouse program, she successfully re-established herself in a boutique business, with the initial capital she assisted, drawing on her previous experience in Adigrat.
Today, Weizero Almaz has rebuilt her life. One of her children has joined university, while the others are attending high school and primary school, progressing well in their education. She has also accessed credit services from a local microfinance institution, further strengthening her economic independence.
Now mentally and physically strong, Weizero Almaz manages her household with confidence as a single mother. She expresses deep gratitude to the Women’s Association of Tigray and UNFPA for their life-saving support to her and to thousands of GBV survivors across Tigray. She also calls upon governmental and non-governmental organizations to stand with WAT and UNFPA to expand and sustain support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Her journey stands as a powerful testament to the impact of comprehensive GBV response services—where survival is transformed into recovery, dignity, and hope.