The notion that violence against women is cultural for some communities and therefore does not warrant a serious response continues to put women at greater risk. Using the SASA Together methodology, The Peace Centre held 3 days of training from 28th to 31st May 2021, for 30 Community Activists from the host and refugee communities in Adjumani District. This training focused on the 3rd “Support” phase of the SASA Together methodology.
The SASA Together methodology aims to transform imbalances of power by sparking community-wide critical discussion and positive action. This work is led by women and men who live and work in the community. The SASA Together Support Phase builds momentum from the Start and Awareness phases as more and more community members learn skills around balancing power and join their power with others to support women experiencing violence, couples trying to change, and community activists speaking out and holding men who use violence accountable.
During the training, it was emphasized that SASA Together is about inspiring positive change in our communities and the need for individuals and communities to feel supported in making that change. Key discussions during the sessions focused on What it means to join our power with others, Who can we provide support to and Why is it so important to join power with others? Participants discussed stigma, violence and HIV/AIDS, shame, barriers to disclosure, supporting crisis and change. A key takeaway from the training was;
Support is essential when trying to make positive change. We all need support and we can all give support. It’s important to join our power with others to prevent violence against women. Joining power together reduces shame and stigma and provides opportunities for support.