23/02/2026
After more than a decade working in gender equality, GBV prevention, PSEA, and community-based programming, I’ve observed something that continues to concern me:
We are getting better at policy frameworks.
We are improving reporting mechanisms.
We are strengthening referral pathways.
But survivors often still lack sustained, structured, trauma-informed spaces for restoration.
Not awareness campaigns.
Not one-off workshops.
Not only case management.
But facilitated, safe, culturally grounded spaces that centre dignity, voice, and healing.
That observation led me to develop Healing Circles — a structured, survivor-centred model designed to complement existing GBV and MHPSS programming.
Healing Circles are:
• Trauma-informed
• Guided by gender-transformative principles
• Adaptable across humanitarian and development contexts
• Designed for integration within institutional programming
• Focused on restoration, reflection, and rebuilding agency
This is not a parallel system.
It is a complementary layer.
The model draws from my professional experience across UN programming, gender-based violence prevention, harmful practices work, and community engagement — as well as field observations across African contexts.
As institutions strengthen prevention and response systems, there is space to also deepen restorative approaches that prioritise survivor dignity and long-term psychosocial resilience.
I am currently exploring strategic partnerships with:
• UN agencies
• International NGOs
• Women-led organisations
• Community-based organisations
• MHPSS actors
Partnerships may include pilot implementation, technical advisory integration, capacity strengthening, or contextual adaptation.
If your organisation is working in GBV, gender justice, women’s leadership, or survivor-centred programming, I would welcome a conversation.
Because policy matters.
Protection matters.
But so does restoration.
And survivors deserve more than survival
