8 December 2022
Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful city but presents great security challenges, particularly for women colleagues who work inside poor neighborhoods, called favelas. These women face daily challenges to perform their jobs while staying safe. Their main concern encompasses being victim of violent crime, such as robbery, and armed conflict that occurs frequently, as well as increased risk of sexual assault and gender-based violence. According to the Public Security Institute (ISP), 57 women were killed in the State of Rio from January to June 2022. This represents an increase of 18.75% compared to the same period last year. In addition, a survey by the Brazilian Public Security Forum found that the number of cases of rape of girls and women grew by 12.5% in 2022. To enhance knowledge of the security policy framework and to guide and advise security concerns specific to women, UN Security in Brazil organized a Women¡¯s Security Awareness Training (WSAT) training in Rio de Janeiro from 6 to 7 December.
The WSAT course offers tools to identify potentially risky situations, using the method of anticipating violent behavior and suspect conduct. ¡°Prevention is the key factor!¡± said Ms. Bruna Dias, Field Security Associate, and one of the facilitators of the course. But the provision of knowledge of applicable tools and responses to react to an assault is as important. The security of staff during official missions was another important topic considered. Field Security Associate Ms. Monica Azzariti completed her WSAT trainer certification joining Ms. Bruna Dias leading efforts in this type of course in Rio.
¡°I was very pleased to participate in the WSAT course. The methodology was great for promoting integration among the participants and making the classes dynamic,¡± said one of the participants. A total of 22 participants from UN-Habitat, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNODC, UNIC, IFAD attended to the course along with colleagues from Rio de Janeiro¡¯s military police and Brazilian Intelligence Agency.
WSAT in Brazil is carried out an average of four times a year, normally in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Boa Vista and in another city as required. The next WSAT is planned for March 2023.