Breaking Barriers: Empowering Tibetan Women to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Dharamshala

Women’s Empowerment Desk Organises SGBV Committee Training for Members of the SGBV Team in Dharamshala

To combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) within the Tibetan community, the Women’s Empowerment Desk (WED), an organization affiliated with the Department of Finance (CTA), took a significant step by organizing a comprehensive training program for members of the SGBV committee in the Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement. This vital initiative, conducted on the 16th and 17th of October 2023, aimed to empower committee members in preventing, addressing, and raising awareness about SGBV issues within their community.

Empowering the SGBV Committee: A Pivotal Step

Strengthening the SGBV Committee

The primary objective of this training program was to capacitate the SGBV committee members, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle the intricate issues of sexual and gender-based violence within the Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement. The committee’s formation is mandated under the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) SGBV Guideline, and it operates at the settlement, school, and workplace levels to combat and address SGBV issues in the Tibetan community.

The Role of Tibetan Women Helpline

As part of the training, the Tibetan Women Helpline (TWH) staff played a crucial role in orienting the committee members about their services. These services are essential in ensuring that individuals affected by SGBV have access to the support they need. The collaboration between the SGBV committee and TWH highlights a coordinated effort to address the complexities of SGBV.

Commitment to Change

This initiative was carried out under the Tibetan Sustainable and Resilient Recovery (TSRR) program, which receives support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It underscores the commitment of the Tibetan community and international organizations to create a safer and more inclusive environment.

Conclusion

Empowering the SGBV committee members in the Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement is a significant stride toward ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. Through comprehensive training and collaboration with the Tibetan Women Helpline, this initiative takes a proactive approach to addressing and preventing sexual and gender-based violence. Such efforts are vital in creating a society free from the threat of SGBV, allowing every individual to live a life with dignity and respect.

FAQs

1. What is the SGBV committee, and why is it important?

The SGBV committee is a crucial entity mandated to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence in the Tibetan community. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of community members.

2. How does the Tibetan Women Helpline support SGBV committee members?

The Tibetan Women Helpline provides essential support by orienting SGBV committee members about their services, enabling a coordinated effort to address SGBV issues effectively.

What is the TSRR program, and why is it significant?

The Tibetan Sustainable and Resilient Recovery (TSRR) program, supported by USAID, is a vital initiative to create a safer and more inclusive environment within the Tibetan community.

3. How can individuals get involved in supporting women’s empowerment and SGBV prevention?

Individuals can support women’s empowerment and SGBV prevention by participating in awareness campaigns, volunteering with organizations like the Women’s Empowerment Desk, and educating themselves about the issue.

4. What are the long-term goals of the SGBV committee in Dharamshala?

The long-term goals of the SGBV committee in Dharamshala include:

  • Creating a safe and supportive environment.
  • Raising awareness.
  • Implementing preventive measures to eliminate SGBV within the community.

 

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