Gender Empowerment thru Education and Health Activity (ASPIRE) - Gender Violence

The initiative begins with an introduction, where participants are asked to form a circle and read aloud a statement about violence in relationships and the importance of having a healthy relationship. The concept of gender is defined as a social and cultural difference between being male or female, and violence is described as treating someone harshly or aggressively. To facilitate a discussion, two locations are designated, labeled "AGREE" and "DISAGREE," approximately ten meters apart. Participants are instructed to run to one location if they agree with a statement and the other if they disagree. The facilitator then asks individuals from each side to explain their reasoning, encouraging debate and discussion among the group. The program presents four statements related to violence in relationships, and participants are asked to respond accordingly. The statements include instances of physical and emotional abuse, such as beating, yelling, and forcing someone into a love relationship. The facilitator then leads a discussion, asking participants to consider the impact of violence on relationships and the importance of seeking help from trusted adults or support services. The discussion covers topics such as the difficulty of thinking about violent statements, the possibility of healthy and happy relationships involving violence, and the importance of identifying trusted adults who can provide support. Participants are also encouraged to think about where someone in an unhealthy relationship can go for help, including child protection workers, victim support units, one-stop centers, and youth-friendly health service providers. The program concludes with a commitment from participants to identify a trusted adult they can talk to if they or a friend experiences violence in a relationship. This commitment serves as a final step in the initiative, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and support in addressing gender-based violence.