World Vision SI To Present Anti-Gender Violence Project

World Vision Solomon Islands To Present Anti-Gender Violence Project At UN

World Vision’s initiative for tackling violence against women in Solomon Islands will be showcased at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York this Thursday.

The Channels of Hope project engages faith leaders and churches using the bible to change their perceptions and treatment of women for the better.

World Vision Solomon Islands Gender Advisor Koisau Sade says faith leaders are very influential in Solomon Islands and their congregations will often take their lead.

“People trained in this approach are equipped with the knowledge and the tools to mobilise their congregations to combat gender inequality and support the most vulnerable people. In Solomon Islands, where two in three women experiencing physical and or sexual violence from an intimate partner, Channels of Hope is improving gender equality and reducing violence against women and girls.”

Fred Sikini, from the Sun Valley community will attend this week’s UN meeting and share how his life changed after attending a Channels of Hope workshop.

"Before Channels of Hope I did some bad things in my own life and towards my wife. I was not a good man. This project has helped change me as a person. I am now a better man and husband because of this programme. I am sharing what I now know with my church and community and I am going to share these things with the UN too”.

World Vision is also working with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to educate and change the attitudes of officers who respond to domestic violence incidents. It is hoped by offering this training; victims of violence will be more likely to report the crimes that have been committed against them.

Ms Sade said World Vision was keen to share the Channels of Hope approach with the UN in the hope of reducing gender based violence worldwide.

ENDS

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