On 18 May 2016, UNAMID’s Police component and Civil Affairs Section concluded a one-month training programme for 150 internally displaced women on the manufacturing of fuel-efficient stoves at Abuzer Camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in El Geneina, West Darfur. The project, which is part of the Mission’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) programme, is a joint effort with the Sudan Red Crescent Society (SRCS) and is aimed at protecting the environment as well as minimizing possible security risks which displaced women are exposed to while collecting firewood. The closing ceremony was attended by UNAMID staff, Government Officials, SRCS representatives as well as the Sheikh of Sheikhs (Community Leader) and the community from Abuzer IDP Camp.

Addressing guests gathered at the closing ceremony, UNAMID Sector West Officer-in-Charge, Mr. Oumar Kane, stated that the project will help women avoid harassment and assault when they go to the field to collect firewood.  “The Mission is committed to providing support to IDPs, within the available resources, especially women, as part of its mandate of protection of civilians. For the next Quick Impact Project (QIP) cycle, we pledge to consider setting aside resources to enable us to spread this training throughout the IDPs camps, to ease the suffering of women IDPs in West Darfur,” added Mr. Kane.  

UNAMID Sector West Police Commander, Col. Mohamed Obeidat explained that the project was designed to reduce the suffering of women having to travel long distances to collect firewood from the bush and the security risks involved in that activity. “I hope this project will serve to minimize the time and the risk of women IDPs having to go and collect firewood. As UNAMID Police, we are working hard ensure security is provided for the women in firewood collection activities and we look forward to achieving peace and security in El-Geneina city and West Darfur, in general “Mr. Obeidat stated.

In her remarks, Ms. Souad Mohamed, a trainee from Abuzer IDP Camp noted that during the training, they managed to produce two types of stoves: the first type is made of bricks, meaning it does not consume much firewood, and the second type which is reinforced with iron for charcoal use.” We were also trained on how to use both types of stoves. The project will definitely benefit women IDPs across Darfur, and firewood, which we previously used in one week, will now last for at least one full month, through the use of these fuel-efficient stoves,” said Ms. Mohamed.

Another lady from Abuzer IDP Camp, Ms. Gisma Abdulkarim, explained that women from their Camp feel that the training will greatly contribute to the reduction of purchases of charcoal and firewood from the market. She explained that the benefits of the training goes beyond alleviating the financial burdens and included the reduction in the possibility of burning down of huts in their villages and IDP Camps which is normally caused by open fire.