Reflections on the 5-Day Workshop for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls

Introduction

The fight to eliminate violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a long-standing global issue, one that requires a collective effort across all sectors of society. Violence against women remains a pervasive problem, affecting millions worldwide, with devastating consequences for victims and their communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, a stark reminder of the widespread and systemic nature of this issue. Gender-based violence is not only a violation of human rights but a major public health issue, impacting physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. As such, interventions to prevent and address this violence are crucial for advancing gender equality and building a safer world.

The 5-day online workshop, which took place from November 20–24, 2024, was a significant step in uniting international experts, advocates, and participants in the shared goal of addressing VAWG. This program partnership with Smile Centre, CyberSWAT, and The Forensic Post, this workshop aimed to foster meaningful dialogue and equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to combat violence against women and girls. The event also celebrated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, a date dedicated to raising awareness about the prevalence of gender-based violence and calling for action at the local, national, and global levels.

This workshop highlighted the complexity and urgency of addressing violence against women and girls, an issue that transcends cultural, geographical, and socio-economic boundaries. Research consistently shows that, despite the significant progress made in some regions, there are still substantial barriers that prevent the reporting of abuse and hinder the justice system’s ability to protect victims. These barriers include cultural stigmas, victim-blaming attitudes, and insufficient support systems for survivors. The workshop sessions delved into these challenges and proposed actionable strategies for overcoming them.

Over the course of five days, participants engaged in interactive sessions led by renowned experts in fields ranging from forensic science and psychology to law enforcement and human rights advocacy. These discussions not only shed light on the underlying causes of violence against women and girls but also explored practical solutions for addressing these issues on a global scale. Through these discussions, the workshop reaffirmed the importance of collaborative efforts, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches to tackling gender-based violence and the critical role of global cooperation in creating lasting change.

Key Insights from the Workshop Sessions

Each day of the workshop focused on a different aspect of violence against women and girls, addressing various forms of abuse and the multifaceted strategies required to combat them. The interactive discussions were deeply insightful and underscored the shared challenges faced by communities globally. Here’s a brief summary of each topic discussed:

1. Breaking the Silence: Why VAWG Goes Unreported The first session highlighted the pervasive culture of silence surrounding violence against women. The speakers explored why many cases of abuse go unreported, including fear of retaliation, lack of awareness of legal rights, and societal pressures that discourage victims from coming forward. The session emphasized the importance of creating environments where victims feel safe to speak out and how legal reforms, alongside community support, are crucial in tackling this issue.

2. Behind Closed Doors: Understanding Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) On the second day, the focus shifted to intimate partner violence (IPV), one of the most common and underreported forms of abuse. Experts delved into the psychological, emotional, and physical impacts of IPV, illustrating how it often occurs behind closed doors. The speakers stressed the need for increased awareness of IPV's signs and the role of healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the judicial system in intervening and offering support to survivors.

3. From Street to Screen: Combating Sexual Violence The third session addressed the rise of sexual violence both in physical spaces and online. The conversation explored how digital platforms have become breeding grounds for harassment, exploitation, and abuse. In light of this, participants learned about the role of cybersecurity, digital literacy, and forensic tools in investigating and preventing online sexual violence. The session also emphasized the importance of educating both young people and adults about the dangers of online harassment and exploitation.

4. Unmasking the Hidden Crime: Human Trafficking The fourth day focused on human trafficking, an often invisible yet highly prevalent crime. Speakers provided a comprehensive understanding of the different forms of trafficking—both labor and sex trafficking—and the intersection between trafficking and other forms of violence against women and girls. The session examined the root causes of trafficking, such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of opportunities, and discussed collaborative international efforts needed to tackle this transnational crime.

5. Protecting the Future: Stop Child Marriage and Harmful Traditions and Empowered Change for Women and Girls The final session examined harmful traditional practices, with a special focus on child marriage. Experts shared the devastating impacts that child marriage has on young girls, robbing them of their childhood and future opportunities. The discussion also revolved around the role of education, legal frameworks, and community engagement in stopping such practices. Empowerment and the creation of supportive networks for young women and girls were also discussed as essential for fostering long-term change.

What Participants Gained from the Workshop

The workshop provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the various forms of violence against women and girls, along with actionable strategies for addressing them. Key takeaways included:

1. A deep understanding of the causes and impacts of violence against women and girls.

2. Insights into how forensic science supports justice and advocacy.

3. Real-world tools and strategies for empowering survivors and preventing violence.

4. Global perspectives from passionate experts and advocates, providing valuable context on how different regions are tackling these issues.

By the end of the workshop, participants were not only informed but also equipped to make meaningful contributions toward creating safer environments for women and girls worldwide. The interactive sessions facilitated lively discussions, allowing participants to share their own experiences and perspectives, while experts provided practical insights on how to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios. The collective energy and dedication of everyone involved made it clear that change is possible when we work together.

In conclusion, the 5-day workshop was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the global movement to eliminate violence against women and girls. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we can continue to push for a future free from violence, where women and girls are empowered to live lives of dignity, freedom, and respect.

A Global Call to Action: 5-Day Online Workshop to End Violence Against Women and Girls

Join us for an inspiring 5-day online workshop as we unite to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. Hosted by Dalami Forensik Indoglobal in collaboration with Smile Center, and partnered with CyberSWAT and The Forensic Post, this workshop brings together international experts and changemakers dedicated to creating a safer world for women and girls.

Dates: November 20–24, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (WIB)
Where: Online via Zoom
Certificate of Participation Included!

What Makes This Workshop Special? We’ve brought together incredible speakers from around the globe, each with unique expertise and experiences:

1. Andre Kevin Simanjuntak

   Bachelor of Science from Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia, and his M. Sc from Mines des Nantes, France

   Member of The Smile center, Jakarta, and 

   Currently working as Management Consultant at Mckinsey in Indonesia

2. PrimRose (United Kingdom)

   Educational Background: B. Sc in Industrial Psychology, M.Sc in Forensic Psychology, Diploma in Mental Health.

   Professional Affiliations: Member of the British Psychological Society.

   Current Role: A health care professional in the UK, championing mental health and survivor advocacy.

3. Ruth Floren Armiwita Septapani Berutu (Indonesia)

   Educational Background: B.Sc in Psychology, M.Sc in Forensic Psychology.

   Current Roles: Lecturer at Universitas Teknologi Nusantara - Indonesia and President of Dalami Forensik Indoglobal, bridging education and legal expertise to advocate for victims.

4. Nanette Rigos (Philippines)

   Educational Background: B.S in Education, M.A in Psychology (Counseling).

   Current Role: Teacher and Mental Health Advocate, inspiring action and raising awareness within her community.

Workshop Fee: Rp. 50,000
🎁 EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY: Win E-Wallet OVO Rp. 50,000 in our special lucky draw at the end of the workshop!

What You’ll Gain:
1. A deep understanding of the causes and impacts of violence against women and girls.
2. Insights into how forensic science supports justice and advocacy.
3. Real-world tools and strategies for empowering survivors and preventing violence.
4. Global perspectives from passionate experts and advocates.

🔗 Register Now! Limited Spaces Available: https://forms.gle/QsKgEmvXRL2X7bMo9
📩 Questions? DM us or email : +62 822 8046 8328 | contact@dalamiforensik.com

💜 Let’s unite to break the silence, empower survivors, and create a future free of violence. Together, we can make a difference.

Hosted by Dalami Forensik, in collaboration with Smile Center, and partnered with CyberSWAT and The Forensic Post—combining science, advocacy, and global action for a brighter tomorrow.