Within the framework of 2010 “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence” campaign UNFPA “Combating Gender-Based Violence in the South Caucasus” (CGBV) national projects in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia launched three photo exhibitions on the topic of violence against women. The photo exhibitions featured selected photographs from the regional thematic photography contests, which were organized in all three countries by UNFPA CGBV national projects.
In Armenia, overall, 28 photographs were demonstrated from all three countries, including 7 selected photographs from Armenia, 10 from Azerbaijan and 11 from Georgia during the exhibition.
The photo exhibition opened on November 25 and lasted through December 09, 2010.
Link to the Photo exhibition page.
Within the framework of the UNFPA CGBV project, the importance of male engagement in combating gender-based violence (GBV) was addressed during a special regional initiative, jointly implemented by UNFPA CGBV projects from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The South Caucasus Regional Training of Trainers(ToT) on, “Male Involvement in Advancing Gender Equality and Ending Violence against Women” was conducted by the famous male activist, Mr. Michael Kaufman, who established the “White Ribbon” campaign and is also a prominent international expert on male engagement in the anti-GBV movement. The initiative was aimed at engaging men and advancing their role in eliminating violence against women. The ToT brought together 30 male participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, who represented different public sectors including: governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations, media and academia. Representatives of the parliament, government, diplomatic corps, international organizations, local NGOs and media attended the event.
Mr. Kaufman: “Violence against women and gender inequity remains pandemic worldwide. The most widespread problems are emotional abuse against spouses and girlfriends, sexual and physical violence (from hitting right up to murder). This contradicts a common myth that most violence is committed by strangers. The fact is, when a woman faces violence it is usually by a man she knows –her husband, boyfriend, father, or employer. By remaining silent about these things, we allow other men to poison our work, schools and homes. The good news is that more and more men and boys want to make a difference. Caring men are tired of the sexism that hurts the women around them. Caring men are also concerned with the impact of this violence on the lives of men and boys and societies in general.”
The participants of the four-day ToT were selected under strict guidelines in regard to their professionalism, gender sensitivity and ability to further transfer their knowledge and skills to different target groups. The training sessions were designed by Mr. Kaufman in such a way as to ensure a gradual build up of in the knowledge and skills of the participants from the basic up to the advanced level. The first day of training focused on “Men, Masculinity and Gender-Based Violence” and gave the participants an opportunity to analyze their personal perceptions regarding GBV and gender stereotypes. During the second day, Mr. Kaufman provided an overview of the White Ribbon Campaign, its roots, purpose and objectives. The last two days were dedicated to the elaboration of National Action Plans on Male Involvement to Combat GBV. At the end of the training, National Action Plans on Male Involvement for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia were developed, presented and discussed. The participants of the training pledged to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women and girls and were awarded with certificates and white ribbons to continue their work back in their countries.
Workshop materials: Frequently Asked Questions English, Russian; Say Something against Violence -English, Russian; Statement of Principles - English, Russian; What Every Man Can Do - English, Russian ; Cracking the Armour - English; Kaufman AIM Framework - English, Russian; Kaufman 7 Ps of Men's Violence - English, Russian versions.
Regional Newsletter 1/2009, Eng Regional Newsletter 2/2010, Eng Regional Newsletter 3/2010, Eng
