Twenty-four participants from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Ministry of Health, Blossom Inc, Help & Shelter and the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association were engaged in a four day training on the establishment of Women and Girls Safe Spaces, fromJune 5-9, 2023.

The initiative is part of UNFPA’s Enhancing Quality, Access and Logistics of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (EQUAL SRHR) Programme, which is being funded by the generous support of the Canadian Government. It aims to improve the protection of women and girls in Guyana, particularly migrants and refugees from Venezuela and members of the host communities who are particularly vulnerable, by increasing access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services [inclusive of key actions aimed at the prevention and response to Gender Based Violence]. 

The project aligns with efforts made by the Government of Guyana, with support from UNFPA, to roll out the Essential Services Package for Women and Girls Subject to Violence and adhering to the Interagency Minimum Standards for Gender Based Violence in Emergencies Programming. Women and Girls Safe Spaces are structured places where women and girls’ physical and emotional safety is respected and where they are supported through the process of empowerment to seek, share, and obtain information, access services, express themselves, enhance psychosocial wellbeing and fully realize their rights.

During four days, participants were engaged in a highly participative training session, to support them in the establishment of Women and Girls Safe Spaces in Administrative Region 1 (Barima-Waini) and Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Training materials were contextualized by UNFPA, following international minimum standards and guidelines, adapting them to the needs and challenges in the country. 

In light of recent tragic events in the country, following a devastating fire in a boarding school in Administrative Region 8 where 20 girls lost their lives, UNFPA made a decision during the workshop to explore the possible expansion of support to include the planning and preparation for the establishment of a third Women and Girls Safe Space (Mobile) in this region, prioritizing additional support to indigenous women and girls who are affected by the incident. 

The training session supported participants in fully understanding the aim of Women and Girls Safe Spaces, strengthening their skills to identify the best possible location, most relevant services and activities to be offered in the spaces, enhancing coordination with key stakeholders and actively engaging affected communities in the development and implementation of the project. 

Training sessions were structured with the provision of technical guidance and information, included a simulation activity and highly participatory methods of engagement with participants, who by the end of the training had developed a plan for the establishment of the Women and Girls Safe Space in each one of their regions.

UNFPA will continue to provide technical guidance and support to its Implementing Partners, including the Government of Guyana, to ensure the highest level of quality service provision for women and girls affected by, at risk of, and/or survivors of Gender Based Violence.