Salimo Pricilla is a young single mother of two from Samburu North, where women often face harsh climate conditions, limited economic opportunities, and deep-rooted inequalities. Like many women in her community, she survived through casual labour and beadwork, doing whatever work she could find to feed her children.

One afternoon, while at home feeding her children, Salimo was suddenly and violently attacked by a male neighbour using a blunt object. The assault was unprovoked, and to this day, the reason remains unknown. She suffered serious injuries to her head and arm, leaving her in pain, emotionally shaken, and unable to work. With no savings and little support, she could not afford transport to the hospital or medical care. In a single moment, her ability to provide for her family was taken away.

Through its Emergency Fund, Samburu Women Trust (SWT) responded immediately—covering her transport, medical costs, and ensuring she received urgent care. As she began to heal, SWT supported her with seed capital to start a small business, helping her rebuild her livelihood in a safer and more sustainable way. SWT also accompanied her through the reporting process and connected her to trusted community support networks.

Today, Salimo describes this support as a turning point in her life. “It was not just the money,” she says. “It was knowing that someone cared—that I mattered, and that I was not alone.”

Her story shows why emergency response matters. When violence strikes, timely and holistic support can be the difference between despair and recovery, between silence and renewed strength.