36-year-old Senait has devoted 14 years of her life to the Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA) in Sifra district, Afar. Her unwavering commitment to the community has been a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

Sifra, a region now synonymous with displacement and hardship, hosts over 70,000 people in its main displacement camp. The camp, a sprawling expanse of makeshift shelters cobbled together from discarded plastic and refuse, has become a stark symbol of the region’s challenges. Here, families huddle together, seeking solace and safety amidst uncertainty.

In the midst of this, Senait’s resolve has been unshakable. Despite personal setbacks and the overwhelming scale of need, she returned to Sifra, driven by a deep-seated desire to help those in dire need. Her leadership has been instrumental in guiding her team to prioritize the most vulnerable, particularly pregnant mothers facing unimaginable stress and trauma.

Senait’s empathy and care were vividly demonstrated when she cared for three women who tragically miscarried upon arrival at the camp, a direct result of the shock and trauma they endured. Her compassion didn’t stop there; another woman, heavily pregnant and on the brink of starvation, found refuge in Senait’s own shelter. Sharing her meager food and offering unwavering support, Senait ensured the woman’s safe journey to APDA’s maternity hospital, accompanying her to provide comfort in an unfamiliar and frightening environment.

The camp, teeming with expectant mothers, presents overwhelming challenges. Senait and her team work tirelessly, providing assistance amidst a dire scarcity of resources. Nearby hospitals, spared from looting, are inundated with war wounded, facing severe shortages of essential medical supplies like medicines, oxygen, and anaesthetics.

Amidst these tragic circumstances, the work of Senait and her team shines as a crucial lifeline. Without the support of donors and the relentless effort of APDA, these critical interventions would not be possible. APDA’s commitment to reaching the forgotten and most isolated segments of society ensures that there is someone to hold the hands of women in their darkest hours.

The plight of these women, although heart-wrenching, is met with resilience and hope, thanks to the support of people like Senait. However, the thought of how many are yet to be reached and supported is a sobering reminder of the work that lies ahead.

Senait’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of dedicated humanitarian efforts. It underscores the essential need for continued support to aid organizations like APDA in their mission to bring aid and hope to the most vulnerable.