The workshop was facilitated by the Department of Gender Affairs. Secretary Dr Faith B. Yisrael explained that in the case of an emergency, shelters will be available and are safe for all individuals which includes…”Ensuring that we take into consideration gender-based violence issues.”
Dr B. Yisrael stated that there were representatives from two United Nations agencies who were facilitators. These agencies were the United Nations Fund for Population Activities and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. These representatives are assisting them in identifying areas of concern and ensuring that they put things in place to deal with these areas.
She noted that if they are ever in position to mount shelters, they will be safe and the safest for those who are most vulnerable, which includes women, children and other individuals from marginalized communities. Dr B. Yisrael expressed the desire to do more than just providing an emergency shelter that only provides people with a place to sleep and eat.
Dr B. Yisreal said she thinks of this initiative as a way to protect the vulnerable. However, it is specifically a way to ensure that more trauma is not added in a setting that is already traumatizing.
