TASS, in partnership with UNICEF, in collaboration with MOWDAFA and Galdogob district authority has launched the Community Care Program in Galdogob, focusing on the “Transforming Lives and Preventing Violence” initiative. This community-led model aims to prevent and respond to sexual violence against girls and women.
In the selected village of Sayidka, community leaders received comprehensive information about the Community Care Program, including their roles, the significance of their participation, and the program’s objectives. This fostered community acceptance and ownership of the initiative, facilitating the use of local resources, particularly the community’s knowledge and expertise regarding beliefs, behaviors, and social norms.
The program emphasizes community inclusion through active participation, aiming to promote positive changes in social norms that contribute to gender equality and reduce gender-based violence (GBV). The program unfolds in several stages:
Stage 1: Engagement with Local Authorities
- The Mayor of Galdogob shared detailed information about the program, including the roles of local authorities, project design, and key objectives.
Stage 2: Selection of Community Discussion Leaders (CDLs)
- The community selected eight Community Discussion Leaders (CDLs) based on established criteria, prioritizing skills in facilitating discussions and trustworthiness among community members. Each CDL formed a team of 12 individuals to facilitate 26 sessions over 13 weeks.
Stage 3: Baseline Survey
- A baseline survey targeted 96 community discussion cohorts, including groups from the education sector, elder and religious leaders, youth, men and women leaders, female leaders, the police, traditional birth attendants, and service providers, along with 120 general community members. This survey aimed to gauge their beliefs before the sessions.
Stage 4: Training for Community Discussion Leaders
- The eight CDLs (four female and four male) participated in a 15-day training session, attended by the district mayor and the Mowdafa regional coordinator. This training enhanced their knowledge and skills to effectively combat negative community attitudes in Galdogob, specifically in Sayidka village.
Stage 5: Community Dialogues
- Following the training of the Community Discussion Leaders, community dialogues will take place, involving eight groups from the community. These discussions, led by the trained CDLs over 13 weeks of time, will focus on the prevention of and responses to violence against girls and women. The goal is to ensure that communities understand the rights of women and girls and to organize community-led public declarations to abandon negative norms and practices.
We extend our sincere gratitude to UNICEF for their generous funding, MOWDAFA for their lead coordination efforts and Galdogob authorities.
