GHDF plays a crucial role in social protection by addressing poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination. GHDF provides essential services and advocates for policy changes as a result we work directly with communities, understanding their needs and tailoring solutions.  Some of the vital services that GHDF provides in both refugee settings and host communities include food, shelters, healthcare infrastructure especially construction healthcare posts in rural settings where government services are limited or absent, filing critical gaps in social safety nets.

Advocacy and Policy Influence

GHDF advocates for policies and practices that promote social justice and protect vulnerable groups through;

• Community Mobilization and Empowerment, GHDF works directly with communities to build their capacity and resilience to participate in decision-making processes that affects their daily lives.
• GHDF engage in dialogue with governments and other stakeholders to ensure that social protection programs are effective and equitable.  This collaborative approach is essential for addressing complex social challenges that require a coordinated response.

Communication for Development (C4D)

As part of our social protection framework, GHDF prioritizes positive parenting as a fundamental pillar for community well-being. Our C4D strategy promotes essential practices such as exclusive breastfeeding, child immunization, civil registration, hygiene, and maternal and child health education. Particular focus is placed on adolescent mothers, who constitute a significant portion of the population in refugee settings.

A key innovation in this approach is the use of “Talking Books”—portable audio devices containing pre-approved health messages. Introduced for the first time in refugee camps, these tools were made possible through the generous support of the Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with UNICEF, Literacy Bridge, and the Center for Behavior Change and Communication (CBCC). Distributed to Community Health Workers (CHWs), Talking Books significantly enhance the effectiveness of household visits and community events.

Preventing Sexual Abuse of Adolescents

GHDF is unwavering in its commitment to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse among adolescents, with a strong focus on girls. Through our “I Am Not for Sale” campaign, we empower young people to understand their rights and make informed choices about their bodies and futures.

Adolescents in refugee camps are especially vulnerable to exploitation by individuals who take advantage of their economic hardship. This exploitation often results in early pregnancies and increased risk of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. To combat this, GHDF trains refugee influencers in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education. These influencers engage their peers through creative platforms such as drama, music, and sports—helping to instill a sense of self-worth and agency.

With over 60% of camp populations under the age of 24, GHDF’s adolescent-focused programming plays a critical role in protecting and empowering the next generation.