Monash University Researchers Secure SVRI Research Grant, Making Strides in Ending Violence Against Women
Monash University, Indonesia is proud to share that in April 2023 its researchers were announced as winners of the SVRI (Sexual Violence Research Initiative) Knowledge for Action to End Violence Against Women and Violence Against Children Research Grant 2023. Led by Monash University Indonesia researcher Dr Claudia Stoicescu in partnership with the Community Legal Aid Institute, Indonesia Transgender Network, Sanggar Swara, and Kebaya Foundation, the winning project will focus on identifying and addressing gender-based violence and increasing access to justice for transgender women in Indonesia. The SVRI Research Grant is a highly competitive international funding opportunity aimed at supporting innovative projects dedicated to addressing violence against women and children (VAWG).
8 June 2023 - The grant research team hold their kickoff meeting at UNAIDS Indonesia offices.
In Indonesia, as in other countries in Southeast Asia and all over the world, violence against women remains an urgent social and public health challenge and human rights violation. Experiencing gender-based violence increases lifetime risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, may lead to problematic substance use, and heightens risk of negative physical and mental health consequences. Compared to cisgender women, transgender women face a higher prevalence of gender-based violence, including from intimate partners and the police, yet are often denied equal access to health and other services for survivors of violence, routinely excluded from domestic violence emergency shelters, and lack legal protection to prevent and report violence.
To address this gap, the project will culturally adapt and test the effectiveness of “Women Initiating New Goals for Safety” or WINGS for transgender women in Indonesia. WINGS is an evidence-based screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment service tool designed to identify and address gender based violence against women at risk. The intervention empowers women to develop safety planning strategies and strengthen their social support. Initially developed in 2011 by Columbia University’s Social Intervention Group, WINGS has since been translated into 8 languages and is being implemented in six countries. This research initiative aligns with Monash University's commitment to driving positive change and advancing knowledge to create a safer and more inclusive society. By addressing the unique challenges faced by transgender women in Indonesia, the research team will contribute to the development of effective interventions, policies, and support systems that empower transgender women and promote their rights.
The one-hour webinar ‘Awards Ceremony 2023 SVRI Research Grant: Meet the Winners’, held to commemorate the winners and officially launch the 2023 grantees, showcased an agenda brimming with esteemed experts and thought leaders in the field.
The event kicked off with a keynote presentation from Diana Arango, a distinguished representative from the World Bank, who shed light on the importance of funding VAWG research. Following this, Elizabeth Dartnall, SVRI's Executive Director, provided insights into the organisation's research funding history, highlighting their priorities in proposal evaluation.
One of the highlights of the webinar was a panel discussion featuring three past grantees from Kenya, India, and Brazil. The discussion, expertly chaired by Professor Emeritus Kumudu Wijewardena, a distinguished member of SVRI's Leadership Council, provided a platform to exchange experiences, share best practices, and foster collaboration among researchers working towards ending violence against women and children.
During the webinar, SVRI officially congratulated and launched the 2023 grantees, including the researchers from Monash University in Indonesia. A video produced by SVRI showcased the tremendous impact of their research and highlighted their contributions to the field.
The significance of this achievement goes beyond recognition; it highlights the importance of research in driving policy changes, creating safer environments, and empowering survivors. Monash University is at the forefront of this critical research, harnessing the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle the multifaceted issues surrounding violence against women and children.
As a leading academic institution, Monash University is dedicated to addressing societal issues and nurturing research that drives meaningful impact. This exceptional achievement by its researchers further reinforces the university's position as a global leader in social sciences, reaffirming its commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable communities.
Through the SVRI Research Grant, Monash University's research team will not only contribute to filling the existing knowledge gaps but also foster sustainable partnerships and advocate for policy changes that protect and promote the rights of transgender women in Indonesia. Their work has the potential to create meaningful social change, empower marginalised communities, and strengthen the justice system's response to gender-based violence.
"With this grant, we have the opportunity to make a real impact by identifying gaps, testing interventions, and advocating for policy change that empowers and protects some of the most marginalised groups in our society. We are excited to collaborate with our community partners and work towards creating a safer and more inclusive society for all."
- Dr. Claudia Stoicescu, Associate Professor, Monash University.