Better communication brings family harmony

November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In Colombia, families are learning communication skills as part of a project to reduce aggression and abuse within the home.

Research into domestic violence, carried out by Plan in 2005 in Chocó, Colombia, showed that, in many families, aggression by men towards their wives, and by both fathers and mothers towards their children, was accepted.

The rights of women and children were often ignored, and women had very little involvement in community activities and leadership.

In response, Plan and local communities launched a programme to prevent family violence, and to promote sexual and reproductive rights, community participation and children’s and women’s rights.

In Quibdó municipality, community volunteers known as Family Trainers have formed a community group called the Foundation for Life and Hope (FUNEVIES).

Its main purpose is to contribute to strengthening family relationships. Homes can become environments which foster gender equity and solidarity, where family members feel valued, their rights are respected and they have the skills to solve problems peacefully. Places where responsibilities are shared equally and where assertive communication is encouraged.

The Foundation’s action plan provides for training children from Quibdó’s primary schools and their parents. The training covers issues such as self-esteem, assertive communication, skills for life, family democracy, preventing family violence, gender equality and children’s and women’s rights.

The foundation holds local and regional events such as family retreats, and Forums for Children and Family Coexistence, in which every institution in Quibdó takes part.

The project currently has 77 family trainers in 6 community organisations. Approximately 1,200 people take part in their community work, including children, parents, caretakers and teachers.

Foundation member Luz Erenia says, “This is a process that has made me grow as a mother, woman and community volunteer, because it has helped me to improve my relationship with my family and to help other women and families in my neighbourhood to raise their self-esteem and treat their children better. Now I don’t harangue so much and I talk to my daughters more.”