In early September, VPA signed an agreement for funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Oxfam Canada to implement a component of the WE-Talk project. This project aims to contribute to reducing gender-based violence (GBV) affecting women, girls, boys, and other marginalised groups in Jamaica.
With local partners WMW Jamaica focusing on women and girls, VPA will focus on men and boys, following the initial research component conducted by CariMAN (regional). The initiative focuses on two pillars: increasing community and individual awareness of harmful norms and practices and strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) to combat GBV.
According to Dr Deanna Ashley, Executive Director of VPA, “Addressing GBV involves both men and women, boys and girls and must acknowledge root causes such as the socio-cultural and legal factors, economic and institutional factors, as well as local policies and practices.”
She expressed gratitude for the support from Global Affairs Canada and Oxfam Canada to work towards the We-Talk goals with men and boys and was especially happy to partner with the WMW in Jamaica on We-Talk with plans to engage other awareness raising groups.
“Through previous projects and experiences, we recognise that working with boys, as well as men of various ages and backgrounds, requires different recruitment and engagement approaches,” she stated. Dr Ashley further noted that due to the sensitive nature of the content surrounding GBV, psychosocial care and support for project beneficiaries will also be critical.”
Representatives from Oxfam Canada will visit Jamaica to meet with both WMW and VPA. The VPA will be engaged with We-Talk for 30 months as of September 2024.
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