Aqaba, Jordan - July 28, 2024 – SOS Children's Villages Jordan inaugurated the Safe Homes in Aqaba Children’s Village in the presence of H.E. Mr. Miguel de Lucas, the Ambassador of Spain in Jordan, Mr. Khaled el Hajjaj, Governor of Aqaba, and Mr. Himyar Abdulmoghni, UNFPA Representative in Jordan, alongside Mrs. Rana AlZoubi, National Director of SOS Children's Villages Jordan, Mr. Mohammad AlTawarah, Director of the Directorate of Social Development in Aqaba, as well as several national and international institution directors and partners. This groundbreaking initiative builds on the existing Safe Homes in SOS Children's Villages Amman and Irbid, which were inaugurated in early 2023, and aims to provide safe shelter for women survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and their children.
Mrs. Rana AlZoubi, National Director of SOS Children's Villages Jordan, opened the event with a welcoming speech, highlighting the significance of this initiative in providing a safe and supportive environment for women and children affected by GBV. She emphasized, " We place the best interest of the child at the heart of everything we do, The Safe Homes project is a testament to our commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters recovery and reintegration within the community. To date, there are five homes in Amman Children’s Village, one in Irbid’s Village, and two new homes are now opening in Aqaba Children’s Village.”
Following that, Mr. Himyar Abdulmoghni from UNFPA Jordan gave a speech emphasizing the importance of comprehensive GBV services. He stated, " "The importance of safe homes is undeniable, as seen through the inspiring stories of survivors who have benefited from their services. These stories highlight the essential role of these homes in not only providing protection but also serving as a haven where individuals can regain their strength and restore balance to their lives. They reinforce the concept that everyone has the right to a dignified and safe life, free from violence and fear."
Mr. Mohammad AlTawarah, Director of the Directorate of Social Development in Aqaba, spoke next, highlighting the ministry's support for these essential services. He stated: "The Ministry of Social Development has had a partnership with SOS Children's Villages since its inception to provide shelter and care services for children. Over the past years, we have witnessed significant progress and diversity in the expansion of services and outstanding protection programs provided by SOS Children's Villages in the Kingdom. Today, we gather to celebrate the inauguration of the Safe Homes project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) Jordan, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Jordan, aimed at providing support to women survivors of violence and their children. This is another notable achievement that adds to the care services provided by SOS Children's Villages, showcasing a clear distinction and well-studied vision in delivering the best services.
Mr. Khaled Al-Hajjaj, Governor of Aqaba, expressed the local government's commitment to supporting initiatives that provide protection. He said, "Community support is essential for the success of projects like Safe Homes. We are proud to be part of an effort that makes a significant difference in the lives of women and children. The partnership between our organizations is crucial in meeting the needs of survivors of gender-based violence and ensuring their safety and well-being. Through this cooperation, we aim to provide a safe and supportive environment to empower these women to rebuild their lives and face future challenges with confidence and strength. This initiative is not just a step towards providing immediate support but a long-term investment in a bright and sustainable future for families in our region.
H.E. Mr. Miguel de Lucas, the Spanish Ambassador to Jordan, thanked in his speech the European Union for its confidence in Spain with this project and for its important contribution to the fight against gender-based-violence. He highlighted that gender inequality is in the root cause of the violence and therefore the promotion of Gender Equality is a priority for the Spanish Government. He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts through the One-Stop-Shop model and how the Safe Homes in Aqaba will give a better chance to victims and survivors of being protected in southern Jordan.
After the speeches, attendees visited the site, marking the official inauguration of the Safe Homes.
The Safe Homes project is launched under the "Improving Access to Comprehensive GBV Services in Jordan" project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) Jordan, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Jordan. Key partners in the project include the National Council for Family Affairs, , the Justice Center for Legal Aid, , and the Institute for Family Health, and EuroMed Feminist Initiative. Each of these partners provides crucial support in different areas, enhancing the comprehensive nature of the services provided by the project.
This project offers a "one-stop-shop" safe shelter service for women survivors of GBV and their children, adhering to international guidelines for deinstitutionalization. It promotes a community-based integrated model that fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment focused on recovery and reintegration within the community. The project provides a comprehensive package of services including education, health, psychological and legal support, and economic empowerment, enabling mothers and children to achieve their goals and build self-esteem.
The project’s services are free of charge and available to all women and their children regardless of nationality or religion. Cases are referred to SOS Children's Villages by the Family Protection Department, Ministry of Social Development or through project partners. The shelter period extends for 90 days. After their leave from the shelter, women and their children receive after care and are followed up on for a period of time to minimize the risk of returning into the system.
The team managing the Safe Homes is committed to delivering the key message to women and children: empowerment is achieved through skill development, goal setting, and self-love and respect.
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For more details, please contact Mira Samman, Communication Specialist at SOS Children's Villages Jordan, at email: Mira.Samman@sos-jordan.org