Shamsaha Launches Updated App in Partnership with UNFPA GCC
Shamsaha, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for women’s empowerment and protection throughout the Middle East, has recently launched an updated version of its mobile application. This launch is part of Shamsaha’s partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) sub-regional office for the GCC, working together towards initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls in the region.
The Shamsaha app now features a more streamlined and user-friendly interface for both users and volunteers. It includes additional educational resources, and guidance on how to deal with ongoing crisis as well as advocates in multiple languages.
The app offers several key features:
Anonymous Connections: Users can connect with certified advocates anonymously, receiving emotional support without compromising their safety or privacy.
Resource Hub: The updated resource list provides users with access to a wealth of information and educational crisis resources to aid in their journey toward healing and recovery.
24/7 Support: Volunteers provide 24/7 support to empower users to make their own decisions, rebuilding confidence and reclaiming personal strength.
Emotional Support: The app offers a private and secure space for users going through abuse to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment, during a crisis.
Seamless Accessibility: Users can easily contact Shamsaha from anywhere in the world via live chat, internet voice or video call. They can also choose which language they need support in, with English and Arabic guaranteed, and the app will automatically search for a volunteer who can meet that need.
Since its launch, Shamsaha has supported over 70,000 direct beneficiaries, with 32% of users being Bahraini women and 65% between the ages of 26-45. The organization has provided services through sponsorships and public grants, with 90% of services comprising legal and therapy referrals, and 10% of users requiring emergency arrangements for food and shelter services.
UNFPA's partnership with Shamsaha’s app will help achieve UNFPA's mandate of promoting gender equality, reproductive health, and population dynamics in the region. The app's features align with UNFPA's goals of empowering women and girls, providing access to information and resources, and supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
Shamsaha's plans for 2024 include expanding support into three additional countries - Palestine, Sudan, and Qatar. The organization aims to reshape the narrative of survival, turning the journey toward healing into a collective experience by fostering a sense of unity and offering a unique space for survivors to find support and strength.
By working together, Shamsaha and UNFPA GCC are making a significant impact in the lives of women
and girls in the region, helping to create a safer and more supportive environment for all.
