Thailand 2021| Co-Hosting the MoU on Cooperation to Strengthening Driving Mechanisms to Prevent and Eliminate Violence Against Women and Children
Two days ahead of the UN International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, the representatives of 14 government and social agencies, with the support of
the Catholic Social Media has gathered together in order to make a commitment to strengthening measures of tackling gender-based violence, with a focus on the protection of women and children.
The event took place on 23 November 2021 at the Pattaya City Hall and was initiated by the Director of the Fountain of Life Women Center the Good Shepherd Thailand Sister and Qualified Member of the Protection and Occupational Committee - Sister Piyachat Boonmul RGS.
Sister Apinya, the Director of the Fountain of Life Children Center, and Ms. Anna Kazanskaia, Ph.D. Candidate and Global Charity Expert were the hosts of the event.
Our special regards to the team of volunteers and staff who have helped us throughout the preparation of the event and during the gathering meeting guests and taking an active part in the organization.
Sister Piyachat with an introduction speech on the MoU signing
"The Memorandum of Understanding of Cooperation to Strengthening Driving Mechanisms Preventing violence against women and children was developed in agreement with government agencies and in cooperation with the private sector, civil society, and media.
Nowadays, the problem of violence in society becomes more complex and intense, and trying to solve the problem by one agency alone, can not be truly successful, since the help and protection of vulnerable groups require the integration of cooperation, coordination, and connection between the agencies working on both government policy level and the operational level."
The problem of victims' silence is one of the key obstacles to reaching out to the gender-based violence survivors, and this causes further cases of abuse and mental health issues for women and children experiencing the abuse. One of the abuse survivors, woman who has attended the Fountain of Life Women Center, has shared her heartfelt story about the pain she has suffered and the healing she has achieved through the help and support of the FOL Women Center's team.
"I ran away from my husband to work in Pattaya because my husband hit and choked. My husband abused me physically and mentally. I suffered for over 25 years. He hurt me when he wanted. He tore my clothes in front of the workers. You may question why did I wait for so long because I always cared for my daughter and needed to save my family. After my daughter finished her education, I thought I was too old to get a new job to earn money for my daughter's school. I wish for my daughter to have a good school for a better life, so I have been patient for this reason
Now I am 50 years old, and I am currently divorced from my ex-husband. I came to the Fountain of Life Centre, I needed friends and someone who really understand my situation. I applied for a hairdressing course at the Fountain of Life Women’s Center and got certified
I would like to give myself to those who needed help and who’s the same situation. I am now able to live alone without my husband I’m strong and motivated to have a new way of living. I wish all women to be survivors of domestic violence and can protect themselves and family. You are not alone. We are here for you"
For security reasons we are keeping the name of the survivor private, however, we want to acknowledge her desire to share her story of healing and reintegrating back into society with many more women. She wanted all women who, like her in the past, are suffering violence and abuse to know that they can change their lives and there is a place where they can feel safe and protected to heal and return back to a life of dignity.
Ms. Anna Kazanskaia has delivered the report on the importance of the International Partnership in tackling gender-based violence issues.
"With the help of the Catholic Social Media, the event was broadcasted to 72 nations, Sisters of the Good Shepherd Congregation, and Christian Communities worldwide to raise awareness about the importance of the global collective effort to stop gender-based violence.
The gender-based violence increases during every type of emergency, and as the UN agency reports, since the beginning of the Covid-19, the statistics gained from the organizations worldwide have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence has intensified. In many countries, resources and efforts have been diverted from violence against women's response to immediate Covid-19 response and recovery efforts.
The UN Global Goal 17 is about the revitalization of global partnership for sustainable development and nowadays, it is extremely important to develop channels of communication, partnership, and knowledge exchange to prevent and eliminate any form of violence against women and children."
We want to express our sincere gratitude to all agencies taking part in signing the MoU on Cooperation to Strengthening Driving Mechanisms to Prevent and Eliminate Violence Against Women and Children | 23 November
Please, enjoy the video donated to Good Shepherd Sisters by Neya Global below