Kathmandu, July 31

A six-month psychosocial counselling training for members of women’s cooperatives and social mobilisers from 14 districts worst affected by the devastating earthquake concluded in Kathmandu today.

The training that began from February 1 was organised in three phases — theoretical, practical and on-the job — by the Department of Women and Children and Centre for Victims of Torture Nepal with technical and financial support from the United Nations Population Fund.

Addressing a conclusion ceremony of the training at the department, DWC Director Bijaya Prasai said since all the trainees worked at the community level and were associated with women’s cooperatives they would help the government provide psychosocial support and referral services to survivors of gender-based violence.

DWC Director General Ram Prasad Bhattarai said the trainees were now very good at fostering harmony in their communities and hoped that they would utilise their skills to bring smiles on people’s faces.

He also expressed the government’s commitment to root out the scourge of gender-based violence by working together with all like-minded partners like UNFPA.

Similarly, Giulia Vallese, UNFPA Country Representative for Nepal, said that especially after the earthquake more and more people realised the importance and the need to strengthen the multi-sectoral response to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

“The role that counselors play is crucial in preventing gender-based violence and this comprehensive training was crucial in that regard,” she said.

“Addressing GBV remains a priority for UNFPA in Nepal. We will continue working under the leadership of the Nepal government and together with non-governmental actors as well as development partners to make the country a better place for women and girls,” said Vallese.