At Basmeh & Zeitooneh, the Protection Program aims to create safe, empowering spaces for women and girls. These spaces provide psychosocial and emotional support while increasing awareness of health, rights, and dignity.
This program is a cornerstone of our broader community empowerment work, reaching mothers, grandmothers, girls married at a young age (15–21 years old), girls out of school (10–15 years old), and even brothers (10–16 years old). Sessions are held weekly and include psychosocial support, reproductive health education, communication skills training, and violence prevention.
Health Education Led by Experts
In a recent session, Dr. Marwa Saad, a pharmacist specializing in gynecological diseases and child health, led an interactive discussion on women’s health conditions. She covered symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment. Dr. Saad observed that many participants already had a strong foundation of knowledge, thanks to previous sessions held at Basmeh & Zeitooneh Shatila Center. This growing awareness helped foster open dialogue, encouraging women to share personal experiences and questions.
“These sessions don’t just deliver information”, Dr. Saad explained. “They build confidence. They make it easier for women to speak openly about sensitive topics, and they help spread knowledge to others in the community, amplifying the impact”.
Real Voices from Participants
The impact of the sessions is best captured through the words of the women themselves. “The sessions have helped us so much. They reminded us of things we had forgotten and taught us new, useful information. Even my kids learned something; they started asking questions and becoming more aware”. One participant shared this reflection, adding with a smile: “Now we look forward to these sessions every week. They’ve become part of our routine”.
For others, the impact extended beyond knowledge. One woman described how the sessions influenced her relationships and confidence: “I didn’t know much about health before, but now I feel informed. I’ve also made friends through the sessions. Even my relationship with my husband has changed; I’ve learned how to express myself calmly, without arguing”.
A third participant reflected: “I didn’t know how to solve my problems. Today, I feel more equipped. I know how to communicate and what to do when challenges come up”.
For newcomers, the change can be just as powerful. One woman shared her first impression: “At first, I thought the session would be like any other. But from the first meeting, I felt safe and comfortable. I used to be tense and shy. Now I can manage my emotions and connect better with my children. I feel like I’ve changed”.
Toward a Safe and Supportive Environment
The Protection Program goes beyond group awareness sessions. It also offers confidential case management for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), with each case handled individually to ensure privacy, dignity, and emotional safety.
Additionally, the program includes engaging, age-appropriate activities for out-of-school girls, helping them build self-confidence and life skills. By involving mothers, siblings, and other family members, the program fosters a more supportive home environment.
A Lasting Impact
What makes these activities so powerful is their consistency and relevance. They respond to real needs and are designed to reflect the lived experiences of women and girls in the community. The strong engagement and positive transformation shared by participants show that these sessions are not a luxury; they are a necessity.
Supporting women in this way doesn’t just change individual lives; it strengthens entire families and communities.
Written by: Ibrahim Al Housseiny
