Schools and Churches in Ambon Work with Yayasan GASIRA to Campaign against Violence against Women

On 12 December 2019, at the pinnacle of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, Yayasan GASIRA Maluku inaugurated the Maluku Protestant Church (GPM) Klasis Lease Community Empowerment and Service Center in the Lease Archipelago, North Maluku. The inauguration of the community empowerment center was planned to mark International Human Rights Day, which falls on 10 December. The establishment of this center was the result of advocacy that has been carried out since 2017— with support from the MAMPU Program. The center aims to reduce violence against women in the area.

The Klasis Lease Community Empowerment and Service Center offers a number of integrated services, including the “Ina Marta” service center for victims of violence against women and children, an environmental innovation class, and a youth empowerment class.

GASIRA also worked with a number of middle-high schools in Ambon City to hold a poster making competition on 5 December 2019. The competition was themed ‘Stop Sexual Violence against Children’ and took place at the Aula Pertemuan State Junior-High School (SMP) 6. Five schools — State SMP 2, State SMP 6, State SMP 19, SMP Muhammadiyah, and SMP Xaverius in Ambon City — joined in the activity. Through this event, the students learned from their teachers and GASIRA representatives about the need to increase awareness and vigilance with regard to sexual violence, especially sexual violence against children.