LocationsEmpowering Youth to Stand Against Gender-Based Violence
August 29, 2024
Group photo of the Gender-Based Violence workshop in Pohnpei.
The Micronesian Legal Services Corporation (MLSC), in partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), recently hosted a workshop focused on gender-based violence (GBV) with students from the College of Micronesia Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) and members of the Pohnpei Police Department.
This workshop is part of a regional initiative between MLSC and UNDP’s Gender Justice Initiative aimed at raising gender-sensitive awareness and informing the community about available legal services, particularly concerning gender-based and domestic violence. The first two sessions under this partnership were held in July in Koror, Palau, and the community of Fefen in the State of Chuuk, FSM.
In his opening remarks, UNDP North Pacific Deputy Resident Representative Kevin Petrini emphasized the importance of engaging all sectors of society, particularly the youth, in creating a safe, inclusive, and just world for all.
UNDP North Pacific Deputy Resident Representative Kevin Petrini.
“Violence against women and domestic violence remain critical challenges in our society. In the Pacific, two out of three women have faced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime,” said Mr. Petrini. “UNDP Pacific is committed to strengthening support for gender justice and improving response and prevention efforts against this pervasive issue.”
The full-day workshop provided an in-depth discussion on key concepts of gender inequality and the drivers of violence, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of GBV.
MLSC Staff Attorney Benedict Robert led a session on Pohnpei State Laws, familiarizing participants with the legal frameworks governing domestic violence. The event also served as a platform for MLSC to share resources and information on the support and legal services available to victims and survivors.
Resource speakers and facilitators included MLSC Consultant Sonali Owen; Emeliana Musrasrik-Carl, President of the Pohnpei Women’s Council and Director of Court Administration; Jackson Joseph, FSM Division of Social Affairs under the Department of Health and Social Affairs; Aileen Mauricio, Department of Health and Social Services, Pohnpei State, Division of Behavioral Health and Wellness; and Serpihna Jimmy Lebehn, Division of Social Services, Pohnpei State under the Department of Health and Social Services.
Gender-Based Violence workshop in Pohnpei.
The speakers highlighted the ongoing challenges in accessing services and emphasized the importance of collaboration across all sectors to advance prevention efforts.
MLSC Directing Attorney Danally Daniel encouraged the youth participants to strive in educating themselves on harmful gender stereotypes and recognize forms of gender-based violence, empowering them to speak out against it.
“You are helping yourself, and you are helping your community. As future leaders and decision-makers, you are in a unique position to challenge norms today and create meaningful change so you may live your own truth, not someone else’s version of it.” Ms. Daniel remarked. “Efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate all forms of GBV will not only benefit victims but is key to the prosperity of all the communities in the FSM.”
The next workshop in the region is set to be conducted in Majuro, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, during the last week of August.
For more information:
Maria Plata | Gender Advisor, Effective Governance | (E) maria.plata@undp.org
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