Open World Program: Domestic Violence Prevention and Anti-Human Trafficking
Russian Delegation
From December 5 to December 13, 2009, Vital Voices Global Partnership administered the Open World Program, sponsored by the Open World Leadership Center, for twelve highly motivated women leaders from Russia. The delegates were selected on a competitive basis to participate in the program in order to enhance their knowledge, skills, and networks in their fields. The delegates selected included NGO leaders and governmental officials who work in social services, combating organized crime and human trafficking, prevention of child exploitation, conducting criminal investigation in human trafficking cases, assisting and providing training for victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking. Many expressed an interest in finding practical solutions and preventative measures to these social issues, as well as to forge relationships with American counterparts to their organizations. Vital Voices hopes that these emerging leaders will be able to adapt their learning experiences and put them into practice in the context of the recent political and social transformations undergone by their country.
Vital Voices arranged interactive discussions; shared learning opportunities, briefings, and best practices on issues of violence against women; the connection between domestic violence and trafficking in persons; U.S. responses to these main themes (federal, Congressional and civil society); and social, legal and legislative challenges facing women in Russia. Participants visited NGOs and government offices in the greater Washington, D.C. area, where they learned how to provide direct services and advocate for legislative and policy change. Further learning events included watching and discussing films on domestic violence and human trafficking.
A critical aspect of this program is giving Americans the chance to learn from their Russian counterparts in a true exchange of models and approaches. We welcome your ideas and involvement with this group whose visit is made possible through generous funding from the Open World Leadership Center.
For more information about this program please contact:
Tanya Woynarowsky
Program Director, Eurasia
Vital Voices Global Partnership
(202) 861-2625; ext. 116
