On the 12th February 2024, a one-day onsite coaching and mentoring session to safe house/shelter home staffs was conducted in Biratnagar, Koshi province. This initiative was a part of the Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response (GBVPR) II project, facilitated by Ipas Nepal and supported by UNFPA, the Norwegian Embassy and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
The primary goal of this onsite coaching and mentoring endeavor was to equip the staff members of safe houses and shelter homes with the necessary skills to provide services to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors using a survivor-centric approach. The focus was on creating a physically and emotionally safe environment for survivors within the safe houses and shelter homes.
The coaching and mentoring session in Biratnagar involved four participants, comprising the shelter in-charge, counselor, security guard, and cook of the shelter home. Saroj Bhushal, the Koshi Province Coordinator of Ipas Nepal, served as the facilitator for this onsite coaching.
The training content comprised a reflection and discussion session on experience sharing, exploring what went well and areas for improvement. It delved into critical topics such as the concept of gender and sex, power dynamics, types of GBV, contributing factors, root causes, and consequences. Furthermore, the training covered guiding principles for working with survivors, the role of health service providers, the linkage between Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and GBV, and detailed insights into case management.
The training session and discussions have not only enhanced the knowledge and skills of the participants but have also fostered a collaborative and survivor-centered approach. The identification of gaps and the commitment to further training indicate a dedication to continuous improvement in providing support for survivors of gender-based violence. The emphasis on the link between GBV and SRHR adds a comprehensive perspective to the training, recognizing the broader impact on individuals and communities.
