1 July 2014 - To sensitize women living in protection sites at UNMISS bases on how to deal with physical and gender-based violence, UN Police (UNPOL) today started a week-long training workshop.

Conducted by female UNPOL officers, the training will also focus on issues such as early marriage.

“What increases violence is consumption of alcohol,” said Mary Nyakan Makuei, a participant. “Another challenge is early marriage. Some young men meet girls, marry them and their families then start to fight.”

UNPOL Advisor Minda Aucone said the training was also important as it could enable the women to co-exist peacefully and encourage them to become more self-sufficient.