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New Tool to Quell Violence in Ethiopian Refugee Camps: Podcasts

Machrine Birungi

   BOKOLOMAYO, ETHIOPIA - A team of researchers and humanitarian
   professionals have developed a unique approach to combat domestic
   violence in the refugee camps of Dollo Ado in Ethiopia.

   The approach involves the co-creation of a podcast series called Unite
   for a Better Life, together with Somali refugees living in the camp to
   target the underlying factors that contribute to intimate partner
   violence in this setting.

   Theodros WoldeGiorgis, research manager and intervention specialist in
   humanitarian crisis, told VOA displacement and the breakdown of social
   structures is driving intimate partner violence in the refugee camps.

   "People are always on the move, they are suffering from displacement,
   they are traumatized and their troubles have been aggravated by
   poverty," he said.

   WoldeGiorgis explained that "when displaced people have [a] shortage of
   basic needs, they will get into conflict and particularly the women and
   children are mostly affected."

   Over the past month, eight young Somali refugees have been trained and
   mentored to produce these podcasts in the local language. Together with
   researchers on the team, they have been developing content they believe
   will be effective in changing the way domestic violence is viewed in
   their community.

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