UNICEF Empowers Women and Children in Sorong Villages
New Initiative Fosters Safety and Inclusion
Sorong, Southwest Papua – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has initiated a significant program in Sorong District aimed at creating safer, more inclusive communities for women and children.
Village Initiative Promotes Rights and Well-being
The Women- and Child-Friendly Village initiative, a collaborative effort between UNICEF, local authorities, and community members, seeks to elevate the quality of life for residents. It focuses on protecting vulnerable populations and amplifying the role of women in local development, according to UNICEF child protection officer Dhiana Anggraeni.
“Through this initiative, we want to ensure that women and children in Southwest Papua have safe spaces, free from violence, and equitable access to essential services,” stated Anggraeni during a briefing in Sorong.
Pilot Villages Target Key Areas
Two villages have been selected as pilot sites to test the program’s effectiveness. These locations will prioritize women’s active involvement in decision-making processes and the development of child-friendly facilities. Enhancements to essential services, including education, healthcare, and social protection, are also central to the project.
Grassroots Collaboration Strengthens Protection
A cornerstone of the model villages is the integrated approach involving village leaders, local government representatives, health cadres, women’s organizations (PKK), and village security officers (Babinsa). This broad coalition works in unison to bolster child protection at the community level.
“These villages run awareness campaigns on child and women protection to build a supportive environment and provide referrals to local technical implementation units (UPTD) when issues arise,” Anggraeni explained.
UNICEF emphasizes a proactive stance, prioritizing prevention strategies over reactive case management. This approach necessitates strong synergy and cross-sector collaboration. As Anggraeni noted, UNICEF actively supports and partners with the local government to achieve these goals.
“We offer concrete solutions through the signing of cross-sector cooperation agreements, which form the foundation for joint preventive measures,” she added, underscoring UNICEF’s mandate to aid government efforts in preventing violence and ensuring child safety.
Globally, protecting children from violence remains a critical concern. In 2022, an estimated 1 in 3 children aged 1-14 experienced violent discipline by caregivers, highlighting the urgent need for such initiatives (UNICEF).
The initiative aligns with broader national and international efforts to combat violence and discrimination against women and children.
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