Chad
Since war broke out in Sudan, over a million people – mostly women and children – have fled to Chad in search of safety. Read more >
Impact on women and girls
Disasters can affect entire communities, but not everyone experiences them in the same way. Women and girls often face increased challenges and risks. They often make difficult decisions like fleeing homes or enduring long journeys to protect their families.
During a crisis, everyday tasks like going to school, collecting water, food, and firewood become harder and more dangerous – especially when communities are scattered. Existing inequalities deepen – whether that’s accessing healthcare and education or being exposed to more violence and poverty. It makes it even harder for women to stay safe, get support, and begin to recover.
Why does including women strengthen recovery?
When women are involved in response planning from the beginning, recovery is more effective, inclusive, and long-lasting. Women bring vital knowledge and understanding of their communities, resilience, and support others through crisis.
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How have we adapted our approach
With our partners, ShelterBox designs responses with women – and their needs in mind. In every needs assessment, we check if women and girls face specific risks. And we support in different ways. From private shelters with lockable doors, to solar lights, safe cooking stoves, and reusable sanitary towels – items women want to maintain dignity and restore safety and hope. And it doesn’t stop there.
We work with women, tailoring training and support so they can lead their own recovery, earn money, and understand their rights.
Take a deeper look
Somalia
In Somalia, 4 million people have been forced from their homes – and nearly 80% are women and children. Decades of conflict and climate disasters have left families with nowhere safe to go.
Read more >
Ethiopia
Conflict, climate change, and economic instability have left over 21 million people in need of humanitarian aid – more than half (16.7 million) are women and girls. Read more >
Mona’s story: finding safety again in Eastern Chad
Mona was forced to flee Sudan after conflict made daily life dangerous, particularly for women and girls. After crossing into Chad with her family, she lived in an emergency shelter where fear, fire risk, and insecurity were a constant part of life.
Today, Mona and her family live in a semi‑durable shelter built with support from ShelterBox and our partner Help‑Tchad. The change has brought safety, stability, and dignity.
When I found the house, I was so happy. Now I am protected from the rain, the wind, fires, and thefts.
Beyond protecting her own family, Mona is committed to supporting other women and girls in the camp, helping to raise awareness and encourage stability during displacement.
Mona’s story shows how safe shelter can help women regain security and strength – creating a foundation not just for survival, but for supporting others and rebuilding life after conflict.