Row says Oxfam is doing essential work to provide water to the six camps in Gambella and nearby communities that are hosting more than 375,000 South Sudanese refugees. “Oxfam plays a vital role in providing water and sanitation to us. We have latrines, and we have water supply through pipelines.”

The firewood she sells helps pay for all her other needs, including clothing, shoes and school fees for her children. “It brings me 150 Birr per day,” ($2.75) she says. “And within 10 days I get good money, like 1,000 Birr ($19).” She’s also covering the costs of her education: she now has a bachelor’s degree, earned when she came to Ethiopia six years ago. After she pays for all the education costs, she says, “I am left with a few Birr for other basic needs like shoes for my children.”

In past years, Oxfam was able to provide Dignity Kits to women refugees. These include soap and other hygiene items, as well as underwear and menstrual pads. Row notes that refugees are missing this support, discontinued due to budget cuts. “We have no money to buy this in the market,” Row says. “And, as we are women, we need Dignity Kits."

 

Risks For Women

Working in the bush cutting and gathering firewood has its risks, especially for women. When alone in the forest, women are vulnerable to sexual assault. Row began to help women who have survived the assault, finding them the medical and psychological services they need. Her work as a volunteer and interest in helping women led her to training sessions with Oxfam and other organizations active in the Nguenyyiel camp, primarily in promoting good hygiene.