Women’ Wealth and Influence Project women’s groups advocates establishing families free of domestic violence

On October 18, 2016 women’s groups (WG) from 15 target districts of Tajikistan participated in a Women Day event dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence in Baljuvon District. More than 50 women came together to discuss the nature of domestic violence, ways of preventing this negative phenomenon, and to share their personal experience to contribute in reuniting young families in their communities. The event has been organized by Save the Children’s Women’s Wealth and Influence (WW&I) Project funded by DFID in the cultural center of Baljuvon district. The Head of Baljuvon District Marifat Zoirzoda contributed significantly to arrange and conduct the event and personally welcomed all participants.

It became a tradition to arrange sightseeing tours as cultural part of the WW&I project events, and the first part included Baljuvon tour to the district museum, a library and a Baljuvon Emir’s fortress. The cultural part also included the demonstration of handicraft wool products produced in Baljuvon.

The official part began with mobile theater performance by the cultural center staff on prevention of domestic violence. The performance demonstrated the relationship of family members and the role of WW&I project women’s groups in prevention of family’ breakdowns.

After the theater performance, the project Legal and Social Protection Specialist- Ergashev Faizali led a discussion regarding domestic violence and its causes, and actions women could undertake to prevent it. Majority of women highlighted that the main reasons of domestic violence are misunderstanding between family members, especially mother in-laws, lack of life skills and education. At the same time WGs made valuable recommendations on domestic violence prevention.

“Life does not last one day and we have to value our life and make it happy. Mainly the family environment depends on us – women, daughter and mother in-laws relationship. When daughter in-law joins our family she is young, and as a mother in-law we have to accept her as our own daughter and help to become a part of the family” stated Uzoqova Alfiya, from Panj District.

“I would like to ask Save the Children to arrange similar events with community men as well. Only women themselves can’t prevent domestic violence, they need men’s understanding and support” suggested Jobirova Maria from Baljuvon District.