AN international disaster relief charity based in Truro has launched an urgent appeal to raise £50,000 to support its response work across the world.

ShelterBox is raising the funds following the 117-million people that are displaced globally by disaster, conflict, and extreme weather, with women and girls disproportionately affected.

Kezhe Temir, a programme officer at ShelterBox, said: “Disasters can affect entire communities, but not everyone experiences them in the same way.

“Women and girls often face increased challenges and risks. They often make difficult decisions like fleeing homes or enduring long journeys to protect their families.”

“During a crisis, everyday tasks like going to school, collecting water, food and firewood become harder and more dangerous - especially when communities are scattered.

“Existing inequalities deepen – whether that's accessing healthcare and education or being exposed to more violence and poverty. It makes it even harder for women to stay safe, get support, and begin to recover.

“When women are involved in response planning from the beginning, recovery is more effective, inclusive, and long-lasting. Women bring vital knowledge and understanding of their communities, resilience, and support others through crisis.

“With our partners, ShelterBox designs responses with women - and their needs in mind. In every need assessment we check if women and girls face specific risks. And we support in different ways. From private shelters with lockable doors, to solar lights, safe cooking stoves, and reusable sanitary towels – items women want to maintain dignity and restore safety and hope.

“And it doesn’t stop there. We work with women, tailoring training and support so they can lead their own recovery, earn money, and understand their rights.”

Hawa was forced to flee Sudan after conflict made daily life dangerous, particularly for women and girls. After crossing into Chad with her family, she lived in makeshift shelters where fear, fire risk, and insecurity were a constant part of life.

Today, Hawa and her family live in a semi‑durable shelter built with support from ShelterBox and its partner Help‑Tchad.

Hawa says: “Before, during the night, I would wake up three or four times to check on those around me, but now that the house has been built, I wake up late when the children go to school, they are the ones waking me up.”

The organisations are working together to transform temporary shelters into semi-permanent shelters, better able to withstand the rainy season, and securing tenancy agreements.

Hawa adds: “Now I'm safe when I go out, I can lock the house, I have water and electricity, which is already essential for me. Before, when I went out, I tried to get home quickly, but now I'm safe, so I go home whenever I want.”

Access to sanitary products and underwear is often difficult for women and girls who have been displaced and this can make daily activities more challenging. During dedicated workshops and feedback sessions with women, ShelterBox and PAD were able to find out what was needed and adapt to make improvements.