Benoit Huruli's story is one of resilience and transformation, echoing the experiences of many young refugee girls in Uganda. Forced to flee her home in Congo, Huruli found herself navigating the complexities of adolescence in a new and challenging environment.

Through the Sibling Support programme, a vital intervention implemented by UNFPA in refugee settlements, Huruli discovered a newfound sense of empowerment. The programme, supported by generous contributions from the people of Japan through the DELISiE project, equipped her with the skills and confidence to assert her boundaries, stay in school and resist the pressures that often lead to teenage pregnancy.

"They taught us how to communicate effectively, to take charge of our bodies and to support our siblings," Huruli shares, her voice filled with determination. "Now, I am able to say NO!"

This simple yet powerful statement reflects the impact of the Sibling Support programme. Huruli intimates to us that many of the boys in the settlement do not take girls seriously when they refuse sexual advances. They take it that girls are playing “hard to get”. The programme taught her that even the faintest “no” is a no, and, importantly, included boys in the sessions, fostering respect for girls’ decisions. She feels safer knowing they understand this.

Huruli points out that the programme also equipped her with communication skills to assert herself respectfully with her parents and family members, a crucial element given the reliance many girls have on their nuclear families and guardians. By fostering a supportive environment and challenging harmful social norms, the programme helps girls like Huruli to navigate the challenges of adolescence in a humanitarian setting and build a brighter future.

The Sibling Support programme is being directly implemented by ACORD across five refugee settlements. So far 25 groups have been trained, reaching 267,131 girls and boys, their siblings, and caregivers. This generous support of the Japanese government is invaluable in ensuring girls and women like Huruli in humanitarian settings live a dignified life free of sexual and gender based violence. 

Written by kalenzi Uwera Prisca