Last week, the NGO SMARTA, together with the Coalition “1325 Donetsk. Women. Peace. Security”, held a monitoring meeting within the framework of the project “Women. Peace. Security: Acting Together”, which is implemented with the support of the UK Government.
The event became a platform for discussing the experience of pilot communities participating in the project and an opportunity to assess how recommendations from security audits are being implemented on the ground.
Particular attention was paid to the work of the Druzhkivska community, which, despite regular shelling and evacuation of the population, demonstrates resilience, efficiency and flexibility in implementing initiatives. A major role in this is played by the team of the NGO “Motivational Circle”, which is implementing the project “Point of Support: A Safe Space for Life and Recovery”.
As part of their work, activists conducted a security audit of the territory, identified dangerous areas, and have already purchased and partially installed 20 anti-vandal hatches. In addition, an information campaign was launched in the community: parents were given materials on mine safety and combating gender-based violence adapted for children. The nearest plans include conducting online lessons and trainings for schoolchildren during the school year.
Important partners in the implementation of the project were the Druzhkivsk City Military Administration, the KP “Company “Donbas Water” and the police, with whom the working group established close cooperation.
The project is ongoing, and the “Motivational Circle” team continues to work on creating safe public spaces, especially for children and women. After all, it is women, by joining monitoring and planning, who help communities take into account the needs of all residents.