Selected
Lead Partner: Allileggie SolidarityNow
Co-Partner: Dråpen i Havet / Drop in the Ocean
Project Geographical Location: Nea Kavala/ Polycastro, Greece
Maximum project grant amount: € 14.852,94
Duration: October 2024 – June 2024
This initiative aimed to strengthen the partnership between Greek NGO SolidarityNow (SN) and Norwegian NGO Dråpen i Havet / Drop in the Ocean (DiH) and enhance support for displaced women and children. Its primary focus was sustaining the Female Friendly Space (FFS) in Nea Kavala/Polykastro camp, a safe environment where refugee women access essential information on their rights and benefit from available services. To ensure a dedicated space for FFS, SN and DiH reinforced their collaboration through weekly planning meetings, monthly strategic sessions with other service providers, and regular engagement with site management.
FFS offered diverse activities designed to foster resilience, bridge cultural and linguistic divides, and prevent community conflicts:
- Recreational activities: 174 participants engaged in cultural and community-building events.
- Skills-building sessions: 167 women developed practical skills to enhance self-sufficiency.
- Informational sessions: 84 participants received critical updates on legal rights, healthcare, and available support.
In total, 272 women from diverse backgrounds, including Afghanistan (60), Iraq (136), and Syria (23), actively participated. Women aged 26-44 were the most engaged (139 participants).
Key achievements:
- Active participation: The project saw high participation rates in culturally inclusive activities, highlighting its relevance, need and significant impact on building community cohesion.
- Community engagement: The project successfully engaged a diverse group of women through activities that enhance their sense of community and empowerment, foster a supportive network that transcends cultural barriers.
Challenges:
- Outreach sustainability: The departure of DiH posed challenges to the continuity of the outreach program, highlighting the need for sustainable engagement strategies that were implemented.
- Coordination difficulties: The project faced difficulties in coordinating with other services due to understaffing and program closures.
Lessons learned and recommendations:
- Sustainable engagement practices: Future initiatives should focus on developing robust, independent engagement strategies to ensure continuity and effectiveness despite changes in partnership dynamics.
- Inclusivity in language and staffing: Ensuring the presence of interpreters and culturally aware staff at all times is essential to prevent exclusion and enhance the integration of all community members. This inclusivity is crucial for the success of such initiatives.
- Community self-sufficiency: Promoting community-driven management of activities can greatly enhance the sustainability and local relevance of similar projects, making them more adaptable and effective in various contexts.
