Public Declaration Event against harmful social norms

Protection

Somali Childrens Welfare and Rights Watch (SCWRW) in partnership with UNICEF Somalia held a Public Declaration Event against harmful social norms and sexual violence at Baidoa Park in the South-West State of Somalia.

200 participants from the local community and local authorities, minority groups, representatives from SOSWENSA, Ministry of women, Family affairs and Human Rights, SWSS, religious leaders, IDPs, representatives of GBV and child protection groups, SCWRW staff, and community dialogue leaders declared that they are against all harmful social norms in the community and committed to protect women and girls who are abused.

“The Communities Care project was really felt in the town, we will continue the program until all women and girls are protected, we hope that we will end all harmful social norms in our community,” said Mr. Adan Ali, SCWRW general director.

“The purpose of this public declaration event is to share key messages with community members who didn’t attend the discussion sessions. The process of this program proves that this Community Care program is owned by the community. It started with 8 CDLs and each of them selected 12 people from the community to attend the discussions. 96 participants had discussions. After more discussions, each one of us changed his/their beliefs on harmful social norms. After this event, our plan is to reach the community and share the key messages we learned from our discussions. We would request you today to pledge zero tolerance to all types of violence against women and girls,” one of the Community discussion leaders said.

During the event, the community discussion participants used drama to share messages on FGM, child/forced marriage, rape, and social factors contributing to harmful social norms in the community. 

All the participants simultaneously agreed at the event that it was through concerted efforts by all stakeholders that they can create safer communities for women and girls, promote social norms that uphold their dignity, equality, and safety while discarding harmful social norms that contribute to sexual violence.

#CommunityCareSomalia #PreventingSexualViolence

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