“Help us, Help you..!”Highlighting empowerment through knowledge and support

Standing Up for Rights: The “Help Us, Help You” Project Against GBV in Suriname

At SBBSL, we are unwavering in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our community. Our project, “Help Us, Help You,” was a critical initiative focused on meticulously documenting cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Human Rights violations affecting migrant women and transgender individuals in both Paramaribo and Albina, Suriname. By working hand-in-hand with our incredible partner NGOs, our core objective was to gain an accurate and nuanced understanding of the profound challenges faced by these communities and to provide the essential support needed to address these critical issues head-on.

Reaching out directly to those in need was paramount. Through weekly outreach sessions in Paramaribo and Albina, we were able to directly engage with our target population, documenting cases of Human Rights violations that might otherwise go unreported. These sessions also served as a vital channel for referrals from other NGOs, significantly enhancing our ability to comprehensively address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals seeking help.

To amplify our impact and spread crucial information far and wide, we launched a robust social media campaign. We consistently disseminated weekly information on the immense importance of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), GBV, and Human Rights. This proactive digital approach aimed not only to raise awareness but also to foster a supportive and accessible online community where individuals could find information and solidarity.

Recognizing the urgent need for immediate assistance, we established a dedicated crisis hotline easily accessible through various social media platforms. This initiative offered both a direct phone line and a WhatsApp option, ensuring that those in distress could reach out for immediate support and assistance, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to providing timely aid whenever and wherever it was needed.

Creating visually engaging and informative infographics for social media proved to be an incredibly effective strategy. These infographics clearly illustrated crucial steps for staying safe, how to effectively support GBV survivors, and how to navigate pathways to seek legal assistance. By presenting complex information in an easy-to-understand format, we were able to reach a broader audience and encourage the sharing of this vital information among our clients and their wider networks.

Empowering our target population with knowledge and resources was a cornerstone of “Help Us, Help You.” We organized monthly capacity-building sessions on Legal Literacy, Human Rights, and Migration. This proactive approach was designed to foster self-advocacy, equipping individuals with the essential tools needed to understand and navigate complex legal landscapes, ultimately empowering them to stand up for their own rights.

Understanding that the impact of GBV extends beyond physical harm, we offered dedicated counseling services to address the emotional and psychological well-being of affected individuals. Furthermore, a monthly support group provided a safe and confidential space for participants to share their experiences, find common ground, and receive vital psychosocial support, reinforcing our commitment to holistic care that nurtured both mind and body.

The “Help Us, Help You” project was more than just a series of activities; it was a testament to the power of collaboration and community in the face of adversity. By documenting, supporting, and empowering, we are actively contributing to a future where migrant women and transgender individuals in Suriname can live free from violence and enjoy their fundamental human rights.