Speak Up on Different Forms of Family Violence Against Women and Girls – Media and Awareness-Raising Project in 34 Provinces.

The US Embassy in Kabul funded this project to raise awareness of the various forms of family violence against women and girls in Afghanistan. Violence against women is a significant health and human rights issue. Women of all ages, from infancy through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, endure physical and psychological abuse. Instances of violence are frequently witnessed and experienced by women, often within their own homes. This violence includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, which occurs within the household and the community. In certain cases, women are compelled to seek refuge in safe havens to escape high or extreme levels of family violence.

The HRWMO organized a media awareness program in 34 provinces using 52 local radio stations. The program aimed to address various forms of family violence against women and girls. HRWMO created and aired 144 radio panel discussions, radio dramas, and victim interviews, focusing on issues of family violence and paying special attention to the unique circumstances and factors contributing to family violence in each community. Each radio panel discussion involved community leaders and stakeholders, facilitating in-depth conversations about the manifestation and impact of family violence across Afghanistan.

The HRWMO has designed and developed workshops for local journalists and communication professionals in Herat, Jalalabad, Mazar-e-Sharif, Kabul, and Taloqan provinces. Journalists and civil society communications staff play a crucial role in addressing family violence and other social and policy issues. As part of this initiative, the project has selected local journalism professionals and civil society communications staff to train 75 journalists in covering family violence and human rights issues. This training aims to raise awareness of family violence and human rights in Afghanistan and equip local journalists with the tools and skills to improve their coverage of these issues and enhance their advocacy capabilities.

Related Documents

Success Story

Penal discussions on family violence against women and girls.

Radio dramas on families against women and girls.

Victim radio interviews.

For more information on this initiative, please get in touch with Wali A. Shirzad, Strategic Partnership Manager.