From Displacement to Empowerment:Aisha Mohammed's Journey as a Hygiene Promoter in Northeast Nigeria
Although twice displaced, a young woman in northeast Nigeria is championing hygiene and wellbeing for children
Aisha Mohammed, a displaced mother of five living at the GGSSS IDP Camp in Bama, northeast Nigeria, embodies many roles. Among these, she finds particular pride in her role as a hygiene promoter—a position she has held for about two years, thanks to an engagement with an NGO supported by UNICEF. Aisha's mission is to elevate hygiene awareness and underscore its critical importance for children's health. When I met her, she had just completed her rounds for the day, and we sat in the shade of a large tree in the spacious porch of her two-room shelter, discussing her work.
"My job involves encouraging the women in the camp to maintain cleanliness for themselves, their children, and their surroundings. It’s not just about the environment; personal hygiene is equally crucial. That's the message I try to impart,"
The GGSSS IDP Camp, established over a decade ago, shelters over 100,000 individuals displaced due to armed conflict in the region. Aisha highlighted overcrowding and shared facilities as significant challenges, emphasizing the need for consistent hygiene practices.
Aisha's efforts align with broader initiatives by UNICEF, funded by the European Civil Protection Aid Operations (ECHO), to foster behavioral change for the survival of vulnerable groups. Her work under the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) programme is crucial for delivering timely, lifesaving assistance to those affected by crises.
Well known among the camp's residents, Aisha is often referred to as a teacher, a testament to her effective communication and educational efforts. "What warms my heart is their willingness to listen and strive for cleanliness despite the camp's challenges," she shared.
Having experienced displacement twice, Aisha's resilience is remarkable. Her journey from a schoolgirl in Bama, through the hardships faced after her father's death and the onset of insurgency, to her current role, tells the story of a life of significant transitions. Despite the struggle for sustenance at the IDP Camp and the challenge of making ends meet through knitting caps, Aisha has found a sense of purpose and financial stability as a hygiene promoter.
Her story is one of perseverance and the power of a meaningful job. Aisha not only supports her family but also impacts her community positively, ensuring children grow up in cleaner, healthier environments. This commitment to hygiene and health in the face of adversity is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration.
