As part of the global campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” (November 25 – December 10), we cooperated with UNHCR for conducting info sessions on GBV in Vial Camp on Chios Island. We were able to exchange with around 90 people from Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Guinea, Cameroon, Niger in 5 languages (Farsi, Arabic, French, Somali and English).

This year's UNiTE campaign theme was: "UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls", while the complementary theme was: "Pushback on GBV and Gender: Pushing forward and Protecting the Space for Women and Girls“. We took the chance to be in close contact and exchange with the women asylum seekers of Vial by offering information and legal counseling about women’s rights, if they have experienced GBV. We are grateful for cooperating with the present actors UNHCR and Hippocrates  at METAdrasi’s NFE school and contributing our part to the campaign. Being present on the Island shows us how girls and women are exposed to GBV in many stages of their life. This violence does not always have to happen in their country of origin, on their journey or in the family, but might as well happen here in Greece. We focused on informative, interactive awareness, empowerment and prevention on gender-based violence and human trafficking. 

We exchanged with them about how different types of GBV might look like, how are the protection mechanisms in their countries and how do the referral mechanisms for survivors of GBV work in Greece as asylum seekers if the incident happens in the camp, but also wherever they are in Greece after finishing with their asylum procedures. By creating a space of honesty and respect we gave room for both empowerment of their rights as well as for sharing their experiences with us. 

We are thankful for these days of exchange and learning with the women of Vial camp.

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