‘Water is life’: how survivors of sexual violence are reuniting villages in Nigeria

In December, a series of joyful ceremonies marked the arrival of water boreholes in six different sites across northeastern Nigeria. Communities celebrated this milestone together – one that would have been impossible without survivors of conflict-related sexual violence living amongst them. 

“We have never experienced such a day as this,” Hapsat, a survivor, told the GSF team at a ceremony in the village of Girei in Adamawa state. Before this, she and other villagers would have to go to the stream to be able to bathe or wash their clothes. Now, their daily lives will become easier, and their happiness with the project is clear. 

 “The community respects us now and looks at us like we are people of dignity,” she added. 

The boreholes were chosen as a form of collective reparative measure, which follows on from individual support provided to survivors in our projects. Collective measures are decided by survivors and look different in each place where GSF works with our partners. In Timor-Leste, survivors decided to create a memory book featuring their testimonies from the conflict, ensuring there is a record of what happened for future generations, while in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, survivors chose to build and manage community centres.  

In the village of Fufore, Theresa said the process to decide on their collective measure was not easy. Initially, everyone wanted different things, but the more they spoke, the more they reflected on what would benefit everyone. This can be a difficult and emotional process in places where survivors and their children are often completely cast out by their communities, through no fault of their own, and are seen as “tainted” or even associated with the enemy because of the violence they endured. 

As GSF spoke with villagers present at the ceremony, it became clear how important water is to them. “Water is life” was a common phrase repeated throughout the day. What was also clear, however, was their gratitude to survivors for initiating this project. 

“The relationship between the community and survivors is good,” Theresa added. “I hope it gives survivors a community a responsibility to take care of the borehole together, and I hope it becomes a symbol of unity.” 

As the ceremonies proceeded, dances began and community members mingled, while our partners reflected on the changes they have witnessed in survivors they have worked alongside. 

The process began with discussions and outreach with caseworkers and psychosocial counsellors from our partner, the Youth Initiative Against Terrorism (YIAT). Hannah, a caseworker in Yobe state, said this extended to the local community – with some villagers joining the selection committee alongside survivors.  

“When I reflect on where we started and compare it to where we are now, the difference is striking. These are people who, when we first sat together, would immediately break down in tears. Today no one is crying. If they did, it was tears of joy,” she said.  

Magdalene, a survivor, said she has already noticed a change in the way they are treated by other villagers. For as long as she lived in the area, water was never easily available. In some places, women had to go and fetch water in the middle of the night. The borehole will bring “acceptance and recognition” to all survivors there, she told us, and said she felt proud to be part of the decision-making process. 

“When people drink water from his borehole, they will remember that survivors are the reason they have water in this community, she said.  

Pastor Philip Ezekiel also reflected on the emotions he witnessed at the inauguration ceremony in Girei the day before. A member of the project Steering Committee, he said survivors had “touched his heart” and was moved by the experience, especially knowing how they are often cast out by others.  

“Because of this project, they are now recognised, and have the feeling and understanding of being part of the community,” he told GSF from YIAT’s head office. The joy and satisfaction he saw made him glad he had joined the committee to help manage the project.  

“If I had the opportunity, I would like to talk to other communities who have survivors…to identify them and encourage them not to hid and feel ashamed,” he added. “Cultural and religious leaders especially have to speak up.” 

‘The community has embraced us’ 

In Mubi, one survivor said the new borehole will promote “peace and unity” in a town torn apart by Boko Haram rule and a spate of terror attacks, as well as bringing “ease” to their daily lives. 

The community has “embraced us and want to be our friends now,” she added. 

This is echoed by community members who joined the project committees. In Damaturu, Abdulwahab said the initiative would have been impossible without survivors, who he has seen grow into “leaders”.  

“They share ideas that have become very important and people now have hope in survivors because they see the life-changing impact they experience through this project,” he said, adding that in community gatherings, survivors’ voices “carry more weight than before.”  

“I want the community to see survivors as part of them and not treat them differently, instead support and bring them closer. How you treat people matters and will come back to you.” 

Abullahi, a community member also on the committee, agreed. 

“When you sit with them and truly listen, you realise they have gone through significant trauma, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Being with them and engaging with them gives them hope and helps them overcome this phase of their lives.” 

“They are people just like you, and no one is immune from finding themselves in a similar situation. We stand together or fall together.”