The Sanad safe spaces is a project that aims to empower women and girls from refugee communities by addressing the challenges they face, such as trauma, increased gender-based violence risks, and social isolation. The project offers psychosocial and educational support in a safe and friendly environment. The project started in 2017 till the end of 2025, which is a timeline that reflects its sustained impact and also its relevance and necessity over the years. Through this long-term commitment, Sanad has become a cornerstone of refugee communities’ support and an empowering tool
Key Programs and Interventions
The 3 main programs implemented are:
- Psychosocial Support Services (PSS): Supporting the GBV survivors through counseling and group therapy
- Awareness Raising: Educating the beneficiaries through conducting sessions about reproductive health and GBV
- Vocational Training: Enhancing the beneficiaries’ economic development through skill-building sessions
These programs are supporting refugees with information, skills, and training to cope with trauma and build resilience.
Psychosocial Support and Case Management
At the safe spaces, beneficiaries receive tailored psychological support and case assessments through counseling, psychodrama, group therapy, and other activities. These interventions help in understanding their emotions and mental health needs. The project also established a wide, connected referral mechanism so that survivors of GBV can access specialized care and protection services.
COVID-19 Response: Dignity and Hygiene Kits
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Etijah focused on vulnerable refugee women and girls. Through the UNFPA funding, the project successfully distributed 2,581 hygiene kits containing soap, toilet paper, sanitary pads, and cloth masks (sewn by Syrian women). These kits ensured the project’s sustainability even during lockdowns and pandemics
Safe Spaces and Activities
The Sanad safe spaces work as empowerment hubs. The diversity of the activities is helping the beneficiaries to rebuild their confidence and reduce the risk of violence:
- Self-defense
- Vocational training
- Recreational activities
- Theater workshops
- Group therapy
The project’s essence is about helping the refugees identifyy survivors of GBV early and providing skills and mental support. By Sep 2025, through this successful mechanism, the project had successfully helped over 212,000 beneficiaries
Etijah implements the Safe Spaces – Sanad program is supported by UNFPA and implemented within support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.