In a joint effort to address the issue of gender violence, the outstanding workshop "Social Norms and Prevention of Gender Violence" was held, which brought together a diverse group of participants committed to equality and the eradication of violence against women. This initiative, organized by FIAES, brought together institutions such as MARN, ISDEMU, FUNDESYRAM, Domenech Foundation and OIKOS, with the aim of generating a space for reflection and learning about this serious situation that affects our society.
Over several days, participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a 30-hour program, addressing crucial issues related to social norms and their influence on the prevention of gender-based violence. The workshop provided a space for the analysis of practical cases, group discussions and the exchange of personal experiences, which significantly enriched the learning dynamics.
The opening ceremony of the workshop was a highlight, with the participation of representatives from FIAES, the PRBC and USAID. These important institutions delivered inspiring speeches, highlighting the importance of addressing gender-based violence from a social perspective and promoting the active participation of all those present.
During the ceremony, Mr. Oviedo, Executive Director of FIAES and President of RedLAC, as well as representatives of IUCN and USAID, gave enriching speeches that underscored the need to address gender-based violence in a comprehensive manner. The importance of promoting gender equity and mutual respect as the foundations for building a society free of violence was highlighted.
Mr. Oviedo stressed the relevance of addressing the issue of gender violence from a comprehensive approach, which considers both entrenched social norms and prevention and response mechanisms. He stressed the importance of promoting gender equity and mutual respect as fundamental pillars for building a violence-free society.
He also highlighted the importance of preventing gender-based violence to ensure greater efficiency, effectiveness and efficiency in environmental projects and, in general, to guarantee development in the communities. He also mentioned that the course will strengthen the capacities of environmental technicians on how to address gender-based violence in the context of environmental programs and projects. The ultimate goal is that all the inhabitants of the communities can fully exercise their rights and assume their environmental responsibilities.
IUCN representatives Carlos Huezo and Dr. Luis Ramos, USAID Agreements Officer for the Regional Coastal Biodiversity Project, emphasized the importance of cooperation and joint work between key institutions and actors to effectively address gender-based violence. They stressed the need to develop comprehensive strategies that include the participation of civil society, the private sector and governments, in order to achieve a lasting and sustainable impact.
The participation of prominent speakers, such as Jackie Siles from IUCN and USAID, who provided a frame of reference on gender and gender-based violence, which has been instrumental in enriching the content of the workshop. Through her virtual presentation, Jackie Siles provided an invaluable perspective on gender and gender-based violence, broadening participants' understanding and offering tools to address this issue more effectively.
Two expert facilitators, Guiselle Rodríguez Villalobos and Francisco Azofeifa Cascante, participated in the workshop dynamics. Their dedication and professionalism were key to the success of the activities, as they shared their experience and knowledge, enriching the discussions and ensuring a quality learning space.
As the workshop "Social Norms and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence" progressed, an environment conducive to learning, reflection and action was generated. Participants demonstrated a remarkable commitment to making the most of this opportunity, strengthening their knowledge and skills in the prevention of gender-based violence.
The closing of the workshop was marked by the presentation of diplomas of participation, where Patricia Ulloa, representative of FIAES, emphasized the importance of replicating the knowledge acquired in the institutions of each participant. This commitment ensures that the impact of the workshop extends beyond its duration and becomes an engine for change in the communities.
Undoubtedly, it is essential to highlight the relevance of replicating the knowledge acquired in the workshop "Social Norms and Prevention of Gender Violence" in the conduct of environmental projects in the territories. Environmental Funds play a crucial role in the protection and conservation of the natural environment, and it is essential that they incorporate a gender perspective in their actions.
Gender-based violence and gender inequality have a direct impact on environmental sustainability. By addressing these issues holistically, EFs can ensure that their projects promote equity and mutual respect, creating an enabling environment for sustainable development.
Incorporating gender approaches into environmental projects involves considering how gender differences and social norms influence people's relationship with the natural environment. It also involves ensuring the equal participation of women and men in decision-making and resource allocation, as well as preventing and addressing gender-based violence in all its forms.
The Environmental Funds have the responsibility to lead this change by promoting the training and sensitization of their staff and by promoting the integration of the gender perspective in all stages of their projects. This will not only ensure environmental protection, but also promote societies that are fairer, more inclusive and free of gender-based violence.
In this sense, the workshop "Social Norms and Prevention of Gender Violence" has provided participants with the necessary tools to drive this transformation in environmental projects. It is now the responsibility of the Environmental Funds to take action and ensure that this knowledge is effectively applied in their activities, generating a positive impact on both the protection of the environment and the promotion of gender equality.
The replication of this workshop in the Environmental Funds will not only contribute to strengthening the capacities of their teams, but will also open new opportunities for inter-institutional cooperation and the generation of synergies in the fight against gender-based violence and the protection of the environment. As we bid farewell to this valuable workshop, it is important to remember that the prevention of gender-based violence is a challenge that requires the active participation of all sectors of society.
RedLAC Communications Coordinator
pablo.portillo@fiaes.org.sv pablo.portillo@fiaes.org.sv
