The escalating airstrikes and shelling by the Junta intensifies the psychological insecurity of women and children seeking shelter in internally displaced people (IDP) camps in Karenni State, according to a representative of the Karenni (Kayan) Women's Organization (KyWO).
"Many war-displaced women are faced with mental and physical insecurity, stressed by the knowledge that wherever they flee to, they may fall into the danger zone of airstrikes and shelling at any time, leaving them worried about themselves and their children constantly”, KyWO's representative said.
Some children who have directly experienced aerial bombardments are so traumatized that they mistake the sound of a car for that of an airplane, leading to sleep disturbances.
"Even if she hears a distant car sound in the middle of the night, my daughter wakes up in distress, convinced that the planes are approaching. She often suffers from nightmares”, a mother said.
In response to the considerable stress experienced by war-displaced women and children, KyWO is organizing psychological healing courses in IDP camps to provide comfort and support. KyWO is offering emotional support to women and children across approximately 100 IDP camps, spanning locations such as Pekon, western Demoso, Pinlaung, and Hpruso townships.
The absence of proper bathrooms and toilets for young women in IDP camps exacerbates their sense of insecurity, prompting KyWO to offer support through forums and courses aimed at preventing sexual violence and ensuring their safety.
"We organize motivational and educational forums and trainings aimed at safeguarding them from sexual violence”, the KyWO representative added.
KyWO team members regularly visit IDP camps to provide support to war-displaced individuals through warm conversations, sharing experiences, offering advice, providing comfort, engaging in games and activities together, and fostering happiness among the community.A KyWO member clarified that the organization's assistance varies across camps, tailored to meet the diverse needs of each community.
