The Kaizen Company’s Post

Since 2015 the Violence Prevention Forum has been bringing together policy makers, NGOs, researchers, development partners, donors, INGOs and other stakeholders in dialogue. Our objective is to ensure that we use our best knowledge and evidence to prevent violence at scale in South Africa. Here are some of the things we have learned: https://lnkd.in/dBgd3RFK  

Addressing terror is more than boots on the ground and bullets. #communities, #humanrights, #genderbasedviolence “The regional task force has emerged as a beacon for best practices of non-military approaches in the region … the establishment of the joint task force’s Civil-Military Cooperation Cell in December 2020 has been pivotal in fostering crucial collaboration between security forces, civilian and humanitarian agencies, and local communities. This initiative has facilitated the deployment of community dialogues and the implementation of several training initiatives for the MNJTF, with a specific focus on protecting civilians, addressing gender-based violence, and complying with International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law. These training programs have enhanced the attitudes and skills of MNJTF troops, particularly in their ability to employ strategies for civilian protection, thus winning the hearts and minds of local communities. Notably, ACLED data indicates only two instances of violence targeting civilians by the MNJTF since 2020, compared to the 53 instances perpetrated by state security forces of troop-contributing countries, underscoring the task force’s commitment to effectively combating abuses by troops in affected areas. Additionally, community dialogue processes since 2021 have fostered improved community relations, offering valuable insights to the regional force regarding its role in safeguarding affected communities.”

The Violence Prevention Forum extends a warm welcome to all our colleagues, partners, & friends into the new year! 🎉 The VPF wishes everyone a year filled with growth, success, and positive impact. In the face of looming uncertainty, let's hold steady together.   We look forward to a year we can approach with a commitment to collaborative effort as we had managed in the previous year. Our spirit of collaboration in the Western Cape VPF achieved great influence in the funding of violence prevention through the Western Cape Government. We remain committed to bring together policy makers, researchers and development partners across generations to deepen our understanding of violence and its prevention in the new year. We also look forward to foster an ethic of mutual care through the strengthening and growth of the Local Dialogue Forum. The values of collaboration, courage and commitment continue to underpin the efforts of the VPF - in partnership with Cornerstone Economic Research and the Department of Social Development we will be providing researchers and NGOs resources that aim to aid the understanding of the Sector Funding Policy. This in an effort to strengthen resourcing for violence prevention in South Africa. In 2024 the VPF will work with GIZ South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini and the Centre For Analytics & Behavioural Change to better understand how South Africans talk about violence through a social media baseline analysis. We will be sharing new research, news about events related to violence prevention and updates related to the VPF. We look forward to engaging as we try to take the next elegant, minimal step towards preventing violence - together.  #Collaboration #Commitment #Empathy #ViolencePrevention

Safeguarding Lives: FPA's Efforts Against SGBV in Emergencies On this World Humanitarian Day, we highlight the vital work FPA Sri Lanka is doing to protect communities from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) during emergencies. Through our recent programmes at the Wathupitiwala, Nuwara Eliya, and Batticaloa Service Delivery Points, participants openly discussed the challenges they face in disaster-prone rural areas, bringing to light the prevalence of SGBV. By gathering evidence and sharing case stories, we empowered communities to take an active role in preventing and mitigating SGBV during emergencies. Moving forward, we will continue to prioritize these programs in regions most vulnerable to disasters, ensuring that those at risk receive the support they need to build resilience and safeguard lives. #WorldHumanitarianDay #SGBVPrevention #CommunityResilience #EmergencyResponse #Empowerment #FPAInitiatives #SriLanka #ProtectOurCommunities #sprint IPPF South Asia Region

Join us in advancing the Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention Programme (VCP) to enhance safety across South Africa! VCP seeks to foster a safer environment by addressing the root causes of violence and crime through integrated, holistic, and developmental approaches. The project supports multi-stakeholder interventions and a whole-of-society approach to violence prevention to strengthen capacities for the implementation of prevention policies at the local level. Project efforts span four key areas: 1️⃣ Empowering children and youth to become advocates for safety and resilience. 2️⃣ Strengthening the capacities of vital local actors, including municipalities, NGOs, and faith leaders. 3️⃣ Supporting evidence-informed implementation and funding strategies for national safety policies. 4️⃣ Generating and disseminating knowledge and evidence to drive effective violence prevention strategies. Together, let's create a safer South Africa. Join the movement for #violenceandcrimeprevention, #safersouthafrica, and #youthempowerment. 🔍 Project description Title: Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention III - Commissioned by: Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Co-funded by: Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada (GAC) Country: South Africa Lead executing agency: Department of Cooperative Governance as chair of a national Steering Committee Overall term: 2012 to 2024 Contact person: Thomas Hellmann thomas.hellmann@giz.de

Global Insights: Violence Against Local Officials in 2023 Join us at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) on 23 May 2024 at 10 am EST/4 pm CET for an insightful webinar on our 2023 Annual Report on Violence Targeting Local Officials. Clionadh Raleigh and Andrea Carboni will present the findings and discuss the implications of this growing threat. 🔍At a glance: >> The most dangerous countries for local officials in 2023 were India, Myanmar, Mexico, Colombia, and Nigeria, making up over 40% of incidents. >> France saw a 12-fold increase in violence targeting local officials. >> 40% of the events involved direct attacks, while abductions were particularly prevalent in Nigeria, Mali, Mexico, India, and Cameroon. >>There were 88 reported cases of violence against female officials, with more than half occurring in Mexico, the Philippines, India, and Colombia. 📅 Register now to gain more valuable insights and engage with experts on this important topic: https://lnkd.in/gf2JUaFw 

On #WorldDayAgainstTraffickinginPersons, we reaffirm the importance of strengthening collaborative efforts to combat #HumanTrafficking in all its forms & protect the most vulnerable, especially #children. #LeaveNoChildBehind is this year's focus in the fight against #HumanTrafficking. Over the past two decades, the number of identified child victims has increased significantly, with children now making up nearly one-third of all identified victims. The fight against trafficking in persons is a thematic priority for #Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship, underscoring our conviction that our collective action can make a real difference to #EndHumanTrafficking. #StrengtheningResilience #EnhancingSecurity Ian Borg Natasha Meli Daudey Kari Johnstone OSCE Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (CTHB)

Since October 7, more than 3,257 children have been reported killed, including at least 3,195 in #Gaza, 33 in the #WestBank, and 29 in #Israel, according to the Ministries of Health in Gaza and Israel respectively. The number of children reported killed in just three weeks in Gaza is more than the number killed in armed conflict globally—across more than 20 countries—over the course of a whole year, for the last three years. #ceasefirenow https://lnkd.in/eJDUhUKv.

During #NationalWomensMonth, we are challenged to confront GBV and expose the systemic flaws in our country's response, as shown in the Public Protector's recent critical report. Key government departments are failing to help victims of gender-based violence. The report's key results underscore the absence of necessary steps by SAPS to respond to GBV events, since many police stations lack victim-friendly rooms. As a medical association dedicated to the health and well-being of all South Africans, we understand the profound impact that GBV has on physical and mental health. We stand in solidarity with all victims of gender-based violence and call on the government to prioritse the safety and support of GBV victims. We commit to continuing our advocacy for a safer and more supportive environment for everyone in South Africa. Read the statement here: https://lnkd.in/dBf9qyKN #OneSAMA

💔😢 Violent clashes between armed forces and rebels in Ituri province, DRC, have already caused the death of 14 people, including women and children taken hostage. The inhabitants of Mambau and Kawame live in terror. 🛡️ Local authorities and the DRC Armed Forces are mobilized to track down the rebels and put an end to this unacceptable violence. But the security situation is fragile and local populations need protection. 🙏 Let us pray that peace returns to this ravaged region and that civilians are finally safe. #DRC #Peace #Security 💪 Together, let's mobilize to support actions aimed at putting an end to this violence and protecting civilian populations in the DRC. #StopViolence #ProtectionDesCivils ✉️ Share this call to action to raise awareness and mobilize around this humanitarian crisis which requires an urgent response. Let us unite our voices for peace in the DRC. 🌍❤️ #DemocraticRepublicOfCongo #Crisis #ActionForPeace #SupportForCivilPopulations