Voices Against Violence [VAV]

VAV Monthly: Breaking the Silence: Confronting Domestic Violence & Propelling Action for Safer Communities

In this powerful virtual dialogue, we confront the silence surrounding domestic violence, challenge harmful social norms, and explore actionable solutions that protect and empower survivors. Watch now to be part of the movement to end domestic violence and build safer, more compassionate communities, because breaking the silence is where healing begins. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesmileoutreach.substack.com [https://thesmileoutreach.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Voices for Tomorrow: Empowering Youth to Challenge Harm & Build a Just Future

This session features a panel discussion with Youth Lab fellows who are advocates focusing on specific issues, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), sexual grooming, child marriage, and period equity. The conversation centers on raising awareness of these harmful practices, sharing personal experiences, discussing community engagement strategies, and urging young people to get involved in advocacy efforts to bring about social change. The discussion also identifies poverty and cultural normalization as key factors perpetuating these harms and stresses the need for parental involvement and legal reform. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesmileoutreach.substack.com [https://thesmileoutreach.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

VAVMonthly: Redefining Menstrual Health Conversations

In celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, we hosted a Fireside Chat titled "Shattering Myths: Redefining Menstrual Health Conversations." This important discussion tackled myths, stigma, and taboos around menstruation while advocating for Period Justice and strategies to end Period Poverty. It provided a safe and inspiring space to reshape how menstrual health is talked about, especially for youth and marginalized groups. If you missed this enlightening session, don’t worry, you can still be part of the movement! Share this conversation with your network and encourage others to listen in. Let’s continue pushing for change together and ensure advocacy leads to real transformation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesmileoutreach.substack.com [https://thesmileoutreach.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

VAV Monthly: Youth Sexual Health Forum

We recently hosted an empowering Instagram Live event, “My Body, My Boundaries: Rethinking Sexual Freedom, Informed Choices & Consequences,” in commemoration of World Health Day 2025. This event aligned with the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” and created an open, judgment-free space to discuss sexual autonomy in a hypersexualized world. We empowered young people to understand their sexual boundaries, the risks of uncritical sexual choices, and the power of informed decisions. Through honest dialogue, health education, and storytelling, we challenged harmful social trends, advocated for safer sexual practices, and promoted boundaries as essential to self-respect. If you missed this enlightening session, don’t worry you can still be part of the movement! Share this conversation with your network and encourage others to listen in. Let’s continue pushing for change together and ensuring that advocacy leads to real transformation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesmileoutreach.substack.com [https://thesmileoutreach.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

VAV Monthly: Bridging the Gap for Gender Equality!

Our Voices Against Violence (VAV) online conversation returned with yet another powerful and insightful session, bringing together passionate voices to discuss real solutions for gender equality. Held in alignment with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme, “Accelerating Action: Bridging the Gap for Women and Girls' Rights Everywhere,” this discussion went beyond the usual conversations to tackle pressing questions on advocacy and action. Throughout the session, participants explored critical topics such as: * Moving beyond discussions to implement tangible change in gender equality. * Identifying gaps in advocacy and strategies to address them. * Practical steps individuals can take within their communities, whether in education, activism, or grassroots movements. The conversation featured bold and inspiring voices at the forefront of gender justice, sharing their lived experiences and the impactful work they are leading. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking dialogue, gaining insights into the challenges and opportunities in advancing women's and girls' rights globally. If you missed this enlightening session, don’t worry you can still be part of the movement! Share this conversation with your network and encourage others to listen in. Let’s continue pushing for change together and ensuring that advocacy leads to real transformation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesmileoutreach.substack.com [https://thesmileoutreach.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]