Dharamshala: As part of the 16-days activism against gender-based violence, the Department of Finance’s internal committee held a half-day event on 9 December 2024. The event aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) in the Tibetan community and educate staff on the redressal mechanisms to prevent GBV and to foster unity against such violence. 

The event began with an introduction of the internal committee members and their role, especially for the new staff. Pema Dechen, the presiding officer, provided a brief history of the 16 days of activism. The department’s secretary elaborated on violence against women, stressing the importance of educating the community about gender-based violence. 

To increase awareness of SGBV in the Tibetan community, the first session featured a video screening of testimonies from Tibetan women and girls affected by violence. Further, to understand the redressal mechanism in place, the second session followed with a presentation from the Tibetan Women Helpline Centre, showcasing case histories they’ve encountered. Sonam Dolma from the Tibetan Women’s Helpline provided an overview of the Centre’s work, while Tenzin Choedon, a counsellor at the helpline, shared success stories, highlighting cases involving domestic violence, intimate partner violence, Prevention of children against sexual offence (POCSO), and cybercrime. Through these case studies, they offered valuable insights into the steps taken during each case and further emphasised that the resolution methods and final decisions are determined by the complainant’s testimony and the laws of the host country.  

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session. Staff clarified doubts and concerns surrounding gender-based violence while appreciating the Helpline’s challenging work.  

This event served as a vital reminder of the community’s responsibility to address gender-based violence. The staff gained awareness on the SGBV, fostering a commitment to support and implement redressal mechanisms and a unified stance against gender-based violence. 

-Report filed by Department of Finance’s Internal Committee Against Sexual Harassment at Workplace