WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND PROTECTION WORKSHOPS
Ensure that every member of the community invariably respects the rights of women and girls and actively protects and empowers its members.
Until women are safe in their communities, all possibilities for reparation and rehabilitation are grossly inhibited. This is Afghanistan Libre’s principle understanding operating in provinces where :
only 15 percent of men believe women should be allowed to work outside of the home
75 percent of men believe women have too many rights
of women have experienced domestic violence
Afghanistan Libre believes that men and boys can be positive agents of change for Women’s rights and Protection and community safety, facilitating important reparations to survivors and breaking systemic cycles of violence and abuse.
To address the structural inequalities and norms that perpetuate violence against women, Afghanistan Libre put in place its first series of Women’s Rights and Protection Workshops for men and boys in 2019. Since, hundreds of men and boys have participated in monthly Workshops with a psychosocial counsellor with an expertise in violence reduction and masculinity. Through these workshops, men and boys learn about the different forms of violence and the spaces in which it can exist, non-violent communication techniques, the importance and value of women’s and girls rights, and how to protect and uphold them. They are also taught what to do should they expect somebody in their community to be experiencing violence.
Following each session, men and boys have the opportunity to meet privately with the counsellor and receive targeted, appropriate, mental health care.
400
men and boys participated in monthly workshops with a psychosocial counsellor in 2020.
36
men used focused mental health services in 2020.
I used to lose my patience in class, raise my voice and intimidate my students when they did not do their homework or participate in class.
Now, thanks to Afghanistan Libre, I understand the psychological effects this can have on my young students and I have also learned the skills to manage my anger.
When I feel these feelings coming on in class, I use the techniques the counselor showed me to calm down and refocus. I feel happier and see that my students are more relaxed and ready to learn.
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