Guide on violence against women is to be released soon Workshop on combating violence held [Archives:2003/53/Culture]

BY ABDUH M. ASSABRI
YEMEN TIMES STAFF
The problem of violence against women manifests itself in a terrifying array of forms throughout the world. The experience of violent intrusion – or the threat of such intrusion – is a common thread in the fabric of women’s everyday life in societies around the world.
In this respect, an Arab training guide workshop focusing on violence against women was held by Oxfam GB-Yemen during December 20-24 at Hadda Hotel.
“I’m entrusted to train a number of civil society non-governmental organizations in Yemen to examine an Arab training guide in order to be implemented in the Arab region focusing on violence against women and domestic violence,” Amal Mahmoud, a development expert and a trainer at the workshop told Yemen Times.
“I’d like to point out that violence against women is one of the issues that has been ignored by our communities for far too long…Violence generates violence. We in this case have to depend on civilized methods to tackle problems and their inevitable consequences.”
Consequently, a great emphasis has been paid to take active and strong measures to limit the phenomenon of violence in general and violence against women in particular because the latter has raised concern by local and international observers who are amazed at the stunning silence of the communities towards this important issue.
“When we talk about violence, we don’t refer to the physical violence only. We also focus on the factors behind preventing people from practicing their human rights that should be given to them regardless of their gender,” Amal added.
This is the second workshop to set an experimental test procedure, which is to be released within the coming few days.
The first training workshop on the same issue was held two months ago. The guide has been prepared by Oxfam along with other civil organizations. Notes have been taken on this issue in accordance with test results of the first experiments carried out during the first workshop.
“The workshop aims at preparing local trainers that belong to participating organizations to be active in raising awareness on violence issues,” she said.
The workshope curriculum was divided into two categories; the first related to the completion of the experimental guide test including the international charters dealing with human and women’s rights. The second category concentrated on efficient training.
The Universal Human Right Declaration has given priority in the experimental guide test. It also dealt with woman’s rights charters including putting an end to all forms of discrimination against women. “This also includes getting acquainted with international conferences dealing with women’s issues with special emphasis on the latest women conference in Beijing,” Amal concluded.

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