A voice for the unheard

Living with a hearing impairment herself, she understands the isolation and layered discrimination that can come with both gender and disability.

Growing up, Ms. Nel learned to find her place in a world that was not built for her. “I know what it feels like to be on the outside, to be overlooked,” she says, her hands moving with the graceful precision of sign language. “That’s why this center isn’t just a building; it’s a promise that no one will be invisible.”

The newly opened Peer Support Office, a collaboration between NADAWO, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), stands as a symbol of this pledge. It provides a refuge for survivors, offering trauma-informed counseling and a chance to rebuild their lives. For Ms. Nel, who has seen the profound vulnerability of persons with disabilities to gender-based violence, this work is deeply personal.

“We are often the most vulnerable,” she explains. “People with disabilities face unique obstacles when trying to report violence or seek help.” She points to barriers often invisible to the wider community: the lack of sign language interpreters or Braille materials, the physical challenges of reaching a police station or clinic, and the reality that many GBV programs simply are not designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities.

Breaking the chains of silence

“These barriers don’t just limit our ability to report; they silence us,” Ms. Nel states with conviction. But at the NADAWO center, the goal is to break that silence. Here, survivors receive more than just emotional support. They are mentored and empowered to speak out, even in a courtroom setting.

“We want to prepare them for what lies ahead, including court cases, so they can speak out without fear,” she says. This guidance is crucial for survivors who may feel intimidated by the legal system or worried that their voices won’t be heard. By offering this support, the center aims not only to help them heal but also to hold perpetrators accountable.

Ms. Nel believes true change happens when survivors are empowered to tell their stories and take control of their own narrative. The center, open to everyone but with a special focus on persons with disabilities, is a critical step in making that a reality. It is a place where empathy and shared experience form the foundation of recovery, and where the center, guided by Ms. Nel, supports persons with disabilities in sharing their experiences.

Support from EU and UNFPA

The Peer Support Office is one of several civil society initiatives funded through the EU–UNFPA Gender Equality and Combatting Gender-Based Violence Project. Running from 2024 to 2027, the project focuses on addressing service gaps, strengthening prevention efforts, and enhancing coordination in key regions such as Zambezi, Ohangwena, Khomas, Kunene, and Omaheke. By working closely with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, line ministries, and civil society organizations, the initiative promotes gender equality, improves access to quality GBV services, and supports data-driven decision-making.