Press release

Rome, 10 April 2025 - Eighteen months of work and 23,334 people reached: the first phase of the "Masahat Aamina" (Safe Spaces) project, implemented by the Italian NGO Un Ponte Per in Jordan thanks to the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), has ended.

Launched in 2024, the intervention aimed to directly support women, girls and minors at risk or survivors of gender-based violence and exploitation, with a focus on persons with disabilities and their caregivers, both in the refugee and host communities between Amman, Irbid and Zarqa. Through the creation of sheltered spaces for social inclusion and protection, and thanks to the work of local partners "Athar", "Our Step", "Jordan Paralympic Commettee", "SIGI" and "Sayidat Al- Duleil", it was possible to reach 3.919 people with integrated case management services for violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation; the strengthening of existing basic social services - including psycho-social support, mental health, awareness-raising campaigns, free legal aid - including through the creation of safe spaces where women, girls and minors could be welcomed and protected.

The system of protection and support services was strengthened through the creation of a dedicated hotline, the handling of the most serious cases and the organisation of numerous awareness-raising campaigns. Psycho-social support was guaranteed to 464 people, and 'Social Cafés' were organised for women and girls: moments of discussion and dialogue aimed at individual and collective empowerment, attended by over 200 people. Free legal aid was also provided to 50 women and girls, and 241 people with disabilities were reached through home rehabilitation sessions and distribution of assistive devices. Fifty urgent cases were finally supported with financial support.

The work of Un Ponte Per will continue until November 2025 with the second phase of the "Masahat Aamina" intervention, thanks to the invaluable support of AICS and collaboration with local partners, with the aim of further strengthening the intervention, improving access to protection services, and making the work sustainable by strengthening the capacities of local partners.