Salon-owner Dela, 41, fled the DRC after her father was killed and she was the victim of sexual violence because of the war. She has been receiving support including a business starter kit worth over R7 000 ($371,37) cash, and business training. With the money she received from UNHCR, she was able to buy equipment and products for her salon business, which is now thriving, serving both the local South African and refugee community. She has also received psychosocial assistance to help her come to terms with the trauma she had experienced. Dela has plans to hire staff to expand her salon. “The father of my children used to abuse me and threaten to kill me. With the little money I brought home, he wanted it to buy alcohol. I am grateful to UNHCR and RSS for their support programmes. With their help I can sustain my business,” says Dela.
Refugees and asylum-seekers are more likely to enter into transactional relationships to survive.
With the money she received from UNHCR, she was able to buy equipment and products for her salon business
SALON-OWNER DELA, 41, FLED THE DRC AFTER HER FATHER WAS KILLED AND SHE WAS THE VICTIM OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE BECAUSE OF THE WAR.
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November 2023 | Collective Action Magazine
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