Yesterday was #WorldRefugeeDay .
As of May 2024, the number of forcibly displaced people in the world has reached a staggering 120 million, marking another historic increase and the twelfth consecutive annual rise in the global figures for forced displacement.
When we think of forced displacement, we think of huge conflicts, like those that are taking place right now in Gaza, in Sudan, in Congo, in Myanmar, in Ukraine. Or we we might be thinking of people displaced by hugh climate-related crises, like the hurricaanes in Philipinnes or floods in Pakistan.
But people are also displaced due to deforestation, due to economic or educaational opportunity, and even due to infrastructure failures that don’t provide shelter when disaster hits, such as the wildfires in California or the extreme flooding in Germany.
Pretty Deadly Self Defense has been supporting the refugee community all around the world since we launched here in Berlin almost 10 years ago. We've had the honour of working with women from Syria, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Ethiopia and Ukraine.
One of the reasons we chose Berlin as our launchpad back in 2016 was after reading an account of a father in the temporary refugee shelter at Berlin's Tempelhofer Aeroport stabbing another man for molesting his daughter. This account brought to mind the reports of demands for sex in exchange for essential items, as well as rampant sexual abuse and assault at the Superdome in New Orleans, where people sought refuge in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Gender based violence increases by 300% in displacement camps, whether it's the Superdome in New Orleans or the former Moria camp in Greece. Which means that people who are already traumatized from the environment they are escaping, experience compounded trauma when they experience violence where they seek shelter.
And this does not include the sexual violence experienced on migrant routes, which are the most treacherous of all.
Women and girls fleeing conflict or disaster in their home countries know they risk sexual violence and commonly get contraceptive injections as a precautionary measure before they embark on their journeys.
No one chooses to be a refugee, and often people who are classed as "refugees" are the lucky ones -- the ones who can afford the high fees and tolls demanded to escape their environment. And women and girls more often than not pay those fees with their bodies, too.
To provide basic tools that helps to re-establish confidence and a healthy connection with their bodies is at the core of our work with refugee communities. We're proud of the work we have done and the work we continue to do, but mostly we are grateful that we can contribute something tangible that makes make the transition to a new life feel even a little bit more secure.
If you’re interested in working with us, or joining our work for women and girls’ safety in displacement camps, get in touch and let’s talk.
NIGHTWALK: ITINERARY
If you’re planning on joining us and our partners 22nd Century Womxn for the Nightwalk on Saturday 22 June, here’s an itinerary for the event:
Event Overview:
Event Name: Night walk: Man or Bear? We don't care! Reclaiming the Forest at Night.
Date: Saturday, [22nd June 2024]
Time: 23:00 PM - 02:00 AM approximately and weather permitting
Location: Tiergarten, Berlin
Meeting Point: Brandenburg Gate
Itinerary:
23:00 PM - 23.15pm: Welcome and Briefing
Location: Brandenburg Gate
Details: 22nd Century Womxn will introduce the event, distributing glow sticks for visibility, and provide an overview of the walk. Safety instructions and emergency contact information will be shared.
Pretty Deadly will guide us through what our biological self defense systems are actually doing when walking through a forest at night — signs we often mistake for symptoms of fear. We’ll also talk about allyship and community defense, and how we can all play a part.
23:15 AM - 12:00 AM: Start of the Walk
Route: Brandenburg Gate to Siegessäule (Victory Column)
12:15AM - 12:30 AM: Short Break at Siegessäule
Details: Brief rest and photo opportunity at the Victory Column. Light refreshments (water, energy bars) will be provided.
12:30 AM - 1:00 AM: Nature Walk to Café am Neuen See
Details: Experience the serene nighttime ambiance of the park, with occasional stops to appreciate the natural surroundings.
Set intention as full moon was 21st June 2024
1:15 AM - 1:30 AM: Break at Café am Neuen See
Details: Another short rest stop by the picturesque lake. More refreshments available and a chance to socialize.
1:30 AM - 2:00 AM: Return Walk to Brandenburg Gate
Route: Take a different path back to the starting point, ensuring a comprehensive experience of Tiergarten’s beauty.
Details: Enjoy the final stretch of the walk, reflecting on the peaceful night and newfound connections.
2:00 AM: Event Conclusion
Location: Brandenburg Gate
Details: Group photo, thank participants, and ensure everyone has safe transportation home.
Additional Information:
Safety: The event will be guided by experienced leaders. Emergency contacts and first aid will be available throughout the walk.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a small flashlight, and a reusable water bottle.
Weather Contingency: In case of bad weather, participants will be notified of any changes or rescheduling via email and text.
We look forward to a magical and safe midnight adventure through Tiergarten!
If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time!