Program for Sudanese Women in Cairo. Application Deadline: September 1st

The program will help women heal the wounds of trauma and develop resilience for the future. By not addressing the mental health and psychosocial well-being of the Sudanese refugees, we run the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) that can manifest as nightmares, insomnia, severe anxiety, depression and hypervigilance. When untreated these symptoms can make it impossible to go to work, socialize, leave the house or care for ourselves or others.

The Sudanese who managed to flee to neighboring countries underwent intense traumatic experiences while escaping their home land. Many endured long and dangerous journeys, witnessing deaths, discrimination and fear for their lives and their loved ones. The displaced Sudanese are currently in survival mode, adapting to a new culture and way of life while trying to meet their basic needs of safety, shelter and livelihood. In addition the laws surrounding visa and residency permits change on a regular basis, often making it more difficult for the refugees to feel safe and grounded. The refugees are reporting underlying conditions affecting their mental health that if not treated now can lead to post traumatic stress disorders.

The main mental health and psychosocial well-being concerns that the Sudanese refugees are facing include:

1- High levels of anxiety with some clients experiencing anxiety attacks and sleep disturbances

2- Depression, numbness and withdrawal

3- Feeling unsafe, on high alert, scanning for potential danger. Clients are unable to relax out of fear that something dangerous or bad will happen again

4- Feeling uprooted and alienated in their new surroundings. They lack a community and do not know how to connect with others who have undergone similar traumatic experiences. Rules around visas and residency permits continue to shift and change, leaving them feeling uncertain of the future

5- Bereavement and separation from loved ones and from their country

Thisevent aims to provide a safe resting ground for the refugees to be able to resource themselves. Within the field of support, your body, mind and spirits can feel safe and breathe again. Through the tools that will be shared and the community that will be created, you will refuel and approach your situation in a new light. While many refugees are in a holding pattern, unsure when they will return home, this program will help the women to accept the transitional space you are currently in and perhaps even use it as a platform for personal growth.