Building Safe Families: Preventing Gender-Based Violence for Child Wellbeing — Two-Day Residential Workshop by YMCA Pamunugama

On October 17 and 18, the YMCA of Pamunugama held a two-day residential workshop for 30 parents, local youth, and staff members at Sanctuary House in Kapungoda. The workshop was organized under our project “Building Safe Families: Preventing Gender-Based Violence for Child Wellbeing.”

The project is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Foundation for Innovative Social Development (FISD), in partnership with the National Council of YMCAs of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Aruna Shantha Nonis served as the main resource person and led the sessions. His interactive approach helped participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and reflecting on difficult issues.

The sessions drew on UNFPA’s manual, Community Action for Behavior Change to Prevent Gender-Based Violence. The activities covered personal identity, self-worth, sexuality, and the power dynamics that shape everyday life. Participants also examined the social expectations, stereotypes, and unspoken norms that can cause distress within families and communities.

The program focused on empowering women and everyone affected by rigid gender roles. By discussing common myths and questioning long-held assumptions, participants were encouraged to speak out against violence and to promote healthy, respectful relationships. The hands-on exercises kept participants engaged and helped make the concepts easier to relate to.

The residential setting gave participants time to connect and speak openly. In the closing reflections, participants said the workshop had given them new perspectives, and that challenging harmful habits and treating one another with respect can help create safer homes where families can thrive.