Photo © RET Germany

Article by RET Global Communications

MARADI, NIGER – In the complex humanitarian landscape of Maradi, women and children remain the most exposed to protection risks, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV), child labor, and family separation. RET’s 2025 annual report highlights a dedicated effort to not only respond to these incidents but to fundamentally change the social dynamics that allow them to occur.

Restoring Dignity to Survivors

The 2025 program took a firm stand against GBV by implementing an approach centered on the survivor. This year, 95% of the survivors assisted were women and girls, confirming the project’s effective targeting of those most at risk. Beyond providing 95 individual follow-ups, RET focused on material assistance to reduce immediate vulnerabilities.

Crucially, the program recognized that response is only half the battle. To prevent future violence, RET engaged 2,200 participants in community-based activities designed to transform social norms. Topics such as positive masculinity were key to fostering a culture of protection and respect within the refugee and host communities.

Photo © RET Germany

A Safer Environment for Every Child

Child protection efforts in 2025 were designed to create a “protective shield” around children exposed to neglect and exploitation. A cornerstone of this effort was the operation of Child-Friendly Spaces (EAE), which served nearly 1,000 children this year. These spaces are more than just play areas; they are vital hubs for psychosocial well-being and the early detection of protection risks.

RET’s intervention also included 59 Best Interest Assessments, ensuring that decisions regarding high-risk children were made with their long-term safety as the priority. By training 25 local actors, RET has ensured that the community itself is now better equipped to manage child protection issues independently.

Accountability as a Core Value

A vital component of RET’s success is its commitment to Reddition de comptes (Accountability). Through the management of 279 complaints and the use of safe feedback mechanisms, RET has fostered an environment of zero tolerance for abuse. This transparency ensures that the community remains an active partner in its own protection, paving the way for a more secure and empowered future for all residents of Maradi.

This project about “Combating gender-based violence, child protection, and community-based protection” is implemented by RET in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR-Niger).

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