We have created safe spaces and a mobile team to support children in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
VILNA
The initiative is implemented within the humanitarian response of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, with the support of the US government (USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance).
1. What is a safe space for women and girls?
A safe space for women and girls ( WGSS ) is a modern and comfortable space where women and girls:
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will feel calm and protected, will receive positive emotions;
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engage in activities aimed at resource recovery and interesting leisure time in an exclusively female team;
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will receive informational support regarding services related to combating gender-based violence (GBV).
At WGSS, victims of violence will be able to talk about their experiences and receive comprehensive referrals to specialist and psychosocial support services.
"Vilna" safe spaces are quite often a gathering place for internally displaced women and girls who, in the early stages of relocation, can receive services from MZPSP, and can also be directed to career hubs for employment opportunities.
Key 3 objectives of WGSS:
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Mitigate and balance the risks of unstable psycho-emotional conditions in women and girls by providing MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT services (MZPSP);
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Improve equal access of women and girls to specialized services to combat gender-based violence through referral;
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To build a self-sufficient network of empowerment of women and girls, which will increase the level of protection and prevention of sexual violence and gender-based violence for women and girls in Ukraine through prevention measures.
From May 15, 2024, the spaces work in an updated format , in addition to regular events, weekly psychosocial support groups are held for representatives of veterans' families, which:
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suffered a loss
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adapt after returning
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you are not alone
Such groups are created for support, in which mothers, wives, sisters, daughters of veterans can participate.
At these group meetings, you can get not only mutual support, but also the help of a professional psychologist who will be able to provide you with useful self-help tools for difficult life situations
Donors of the project
How will WGSS benefit women and girls?
Within the WGSS, women and girls can use the following services:
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group and individual sessions with a psychologist;
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support groups for representatives of veterans' families;
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thematic gatherings over tea or coffee;
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dissemination of contacts of specialized services and services of psychosocial support for women and girls;
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master classes in cooking, painting, needlework, theatrical art, self-care, etc.; - sports classes (yoga, pilates, dance, etc.);
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career sessions (success stories of prominent community guests, career guidance, financial literacy);
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Ukrainian/English lessons.
How will the WGSS contribute to reducing violence?
As part of the program to combat and prevent gender-based violence (GBV) in Ukraine, the WGSS will bring the following results:
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improving the equal access of women and girls to specialized services for combating GBV in certain municipalities and territorial communities thanks to the dissemination of information about them in an environment that is emotionally safe for potential beneficiaries;
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mitigation of risks and manifestations of unstable psycho-emotional conditions in women and girls;
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increasing the awareness of women and girls about their rights and opportunities in the case of sexual harassment at the level