U.S. Mission in India: Indo-Pak Exchange Program on Gender Based Violence

The fight against GBV remains a top priority for Mission India. As a region, both India and Pakistan have come to the world’s attention for recent gender-based crimes. The U.S. Mission in India believes that a sub-regional program with India and Pakistan will help share best-practices and view the issue from different cultural angles. Four GBV leaders each from India and Pakistan, representing youth activists from the civil society, media, the legal sector, educational institutions and political parties, will participate in a three-week exchange program to the U.S. to review American initiatives on Gender Based Violence. Nominees will hold key positions in their respective organizations and have little to no previous exposure to the U.S. A Track II program with a focus on these young influencers should have a high multiplier effect.

The project would enable the participants to learn how to address GBV challenges and equip them to advocate with policy makers and decision makers in their respective countries for the enactment of better laws and law enforcement. It will provide exposure to American law enforcement agencies, women’s shelters and NGOs that work together to prevent violence against women and children and to exchange ideas on how best to handle minors involved in GBV crimes. Visitors will observe strategies used by police departments to assist short- and long-term relief to victims, promote deterrence and prevent violence against women. Participants will also explore women’s political leadership in the U.S. and the constitutional safeguards that recognize and protect women’s rights. In addition to focusing on international cooperation designed to support women and strengthen rule of law around the world, this project will highlight strategies within the civil society and at different levels of government to promote women’s access to justice. The visit should expose participants to best practices in developing effective lobbying and advocacy strategies aimed at combating GBV. In addition, it will also introduce participants to strategies that include men in gender violence intervention and prevention programs.