Youth empowerment and gender-based violence prevention in Wayana Suriname

This project aims to enhance entrepreneur skills among youth provide mental health support and establish safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence. It also seeks to raise awareness about gender-based violence and strengthen the capacity of local service providers to offer support. Project activities include: (1) providing vocational training for youth in agriculture handicrafts and eco-tourism; (2) establishing safe spaces for youth to engage in recreational and educational activities including mental health support services and peer support groups; (3) providing training for healthcare and social workers in gender-based violence responses and support and how to build trust between police and vulnerable communities; (4) launching a public education campaign to raise awareness about gender-based violence and promote gender equality; and (5) establishing safe spaces and support centers for survivors of gender-based violence and providing aid and psychological support services. This project benefits youth in the remote Wayana Indigenous territory of Suriname specifically the villages of Kawemhakan Apetina and Palumeu and is implemented by Stichting Mulokot.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased understanding of the needs of the youth in the Wayana Community; (2) supported sustainable economic development within the Wayana community through high entrepreneurial activities job readiness and employability training and support; (3) improved long-term mental health and well-being of youth; (4) provided sustainable high-quality support services for survivors of gender-based violence in the Wayana community; (5) established best practices for gender-based violence response by healthcare and social workers; (6) supported greater awareness and proactive stances on gender-based violence and gender equality; and (7) increased public engagement and support for gender-based violence prevention initiatives and gender equality efforts.