Harambee Collective Launches Tigray’s First Toll-Free Gender-Based Violence Helpline
The Crisis: A Weapon of War and Broken Systems
Between 2020 and 2022, a devastating war transformed Tigray into the epicenter of one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Throughout the conflict, sexual violence was systematically deployed as a weapon of war. It was used intentionally to terrorize civilians, fracture families, and dismantle entire communities. Women and girls bore the brunt of this brutality. An estimated 40 to 50 percent experienced conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), leaving deep physical, psychological, and social scars.
Harambee Collective, in collaboration with the Tigray Regional Health Bureau, is proud to announce the launch of the Harambee GBV Helpline (6244), Tigray’s first toll-free helpline dedicated to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
Today, those scars remain unhealed. As fears of renewed conflict intensify, survivors continue to live under the shadow of violence. They grapple with profound trauma, persistent insecurity, and long-term mental health impacts.
The trauma is compounded by the near-total collapse of Tigray’s health infrastructure. The war left 89 percent of health facilities damaged or destroyed. Supply chains remain shattered. Thousands of healthcare workers continue to work without pay. As a result, survivors are locked out of lifesaving medical care and psychosocial support. Beyond the horrors of wartime rape, women also face rising rates of domestic violence, psychological abuse, reproductive coercion, and economic deprivation.
The Solution: Immediate, Lifesaving Support
In direct response to this crisis, Harambee Collective, in collaboration with the Tigray Regional Health Bureau, is launching the Harambee GBV Helpline (6244). This is Tigray’s first toll-free, 24/7 helpline dedicated entirely to survivors of GBV.
Built on a survivor-centered, rights-based framework, the helpline provides a safe, confidential, and compassionate entry point for individuals seeking support, information, and immediate referrals.
How We Help: Available Services
Operating entirely in Tigrinya between 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM daily, the helpline offers:
The Harambee GBV Helpline exists to ensure that no survivor has to navigate their trauma alone. At a time of profound regional uncertainty, this free service serves as a critical lifeline for survivors and a renewed commitment to restoring their rights, safety, and dignity across Tigray.
