SOS opens safe houses in Aqaba Children’s Village

Amman: SOS Children's Villages Jordan inaugurated on Sunday the safe houses in Aqaba Children's Village to provide a safe shelter for women survivors of gender-based violence and their children, which is implemented by the Spanish Agency in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said the National Director of SOS Children's Villages, Rana Al-Zoubi. Al-Zoubi explained the importance of this initiative, funded by the European Union Investment Fund, in providing a safe and supportive environment for women and children affected by gender-based violence. Zoubi said: "At Children's Villages, we put the best interest of the child at the center of everything we do, and safe houses are evidence of our commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for women and their children that promotes recovery and reintegration into society," explaining that five safe houses have been opened in Amman Children's Village, one in Irbid Children's Village, and now two new ones have been opened in Aqaba Children's Village. For his part, UNFPA Representative in Jordan, Humayar Abdel Moghni, emphasized the importance of comprehensive services for survivors of gender-based violence, explaining that the importance of safe houses is highlighted by the inspiring stories of survivors who have benefited from their services and that their stories reflect the essential role of these houses, which are a safe haven to restore balance to their lives and promote the concept of the right of all individuals to a decent and safe life free from violence and fear. Mohammed Al-Tawra, Director of the Social Development Directorate in Aqaba, noted the Ministry's support for these essential services, emphasizing the extended partnership with Children's Villages since its establishment to provide shelter and care services for children. "Over the past years, we have witnessed tangible progress and diversification of the Children's Villages in the Kingdom, and the expansion of services and protection programs," he said, addi ng that the safe houses project, which aims to provide support to women survivors of violence with their children, is an additional achievement to the care services provided by the Children's Villages with clear excellence and a thoughtful vision. For his part, Aqaba Governor Khaled Al Hajjaj affirmed the local government's commitment to supporting initiatives that provide protection, expressing his pride in being part of an effort that makes a significant difference in the lives of women and children, and that the partnership between organizations is pivotal in meeting the needs of survivors of gender-based violence and ensuring their safety and well-being. He pointed out that the local government also seeks to provide a safe and supportive environment to enable women to rebuild their lives and face the challenges of the future, and a long-term investment in a bright and sustainable future for families in our region. The Spanish Ambassador to Jordan, Miguel de Lucas, expressed his confidence in this proje ct to combat gender-based violence, noting that gender inequality is the root cause of violence, and that promoting gender equality is a priority for the Spanish government. Lucas emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts through the "comprehensive" safe shelter service model and providing a better protection opportunity for victims and survivors in South Jordan. Source: Jordan News Agency