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IINNOVATIVE INNITIATIVES ON WOMENS HEALTH. MEN AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, A STRENGTH BASED APPROACH TO ELIMINATING VIOLENCE AGAINT WOMEN. INTRODUCTION. MAV Inc. a local (innovative?)initiative – response to Gender Based Violence agenda.
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IINNOVATIVE INNITIATIVES ON WOMENS HEALTH MEN AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, A STRENGTH BASED APPROACH TO ELIMINATING VIOLENCE AGAINT WOMEN
INTRODUCTION • MAV Inc. a local (innovative?)initiative – response to Gender Based Violence agenda. • Link between Violence (physical, mental, sexual abuse, neglect) and Health. • Early 1990s – CEDAW, CRC etc and Samoa’s official response. • MWCSD to lead national implementation plan. • But challenges of: • Target audience –mainly men
INTRODUCTION(Cont) • Cultural values, practices, male dominance as leaders and as perpetrators of violence. • Response? – Engagement of men as advocates for campaign – Men Against Violence Inc. • A strength based approach utilizing: • Local institutions Village (Nuu), Church • Local resources, know-how – male community leaders • Values - Respect for elders, matai, culture, Christianity. • Role modeling for young men.
CHALLENGES AND ISSUES • Entrenched cultural and religious values and practices: • Traditional roles of men and women. • Attracting and training male advocates. • Use of senior retired professionals eg Church ministers, teachers etc. • Donor attitudes: • Volunteerism and funding. • Failure (unwillingness) to appreciate local context. • Women attitudes: • Territorial, career opportunities for many.
MAV Inc APPROACH • Key focus areas: • Education and awareness raising. • Community outreach: village council, church groups, schools. • Education and awareness raising for Village ( Local Gov) leaders a key part to: • Provide protection for women and children against violence, abuse at Local Government level. • Change attitudes in home, community, churches • Advocacy in public domain, ie media, Govt - legislation, (Family Protection Act 2013, Crimes Act 2013) • Personal advocacy in home, community, church etc.
MAV Inc. Approach • Form partnerships eg Ministry of Women, MOH, Police – use traditional strengths with community. • Members become advocates in own communities, homes etc. • Minimal institutionalization – impact on costs, governance. • Ensures sustainability.
IMPACT • No impact assessment yet but: • Gender based violence agenda progressed substantially in Samoa in last ten years. • Evidence of heightened awareness and empowerment of potential victims – prosecutions, etc • Significant legislation on women’s rights and protection (Health impact) • Much ground covered but still long way to go.