Over the past years, DAWEO has been successful in bridging the gap between CSOs and the government institutions through ASN and inter- coordination among the two on several occasions. Particularly, DAWEO is responsible for hosting the external ASN meetings since Nov 2015.These meetings have enabled practical solutions for challenges brought up at these meetings. The aim of the ASN meetings is to find possible solutions.
To the challenges/obstacle WPCs face with relevant govt./non-govt org and the external ASN provides a productive platform for this. Moreover, a stronger coordination among the CSOs and the relevant ministries is required in order to provide unified and coherent responses to VAW.DAWEO in an effort to maintain and strengthen this cooperation throughout the year hosted 3 ASN external meetings 20th February 31st July and 23rd December.
In the mentioned meetings, the agendas of the meetings were prepared based on the request of the WPCs and in the meeting sessions in addition to the WPC’s representatives, the representatives from relevant governmental institutions such as MoI, MoPh, MoE, the Attorney General office, the Supreme Court, CEO, Red Crescent, AIHRC, MoWA, MoHaj, MoJ, and other relevant national and international institutions were invited to discuss and find solutions for the ongoing challenges within their authorities. In these meetings, the challenges of WPCs with the mentioned institutions were discussed and, in some cases, proper action in cooperating the WPCs was taken by the relevant authority. In addition, the WPCs were connected to the representatives of the governmental institutions such as PDs, MoPH and MoI to solve their challenges and promote cooperation.
In February 2023, the Afghan Shelter Network (ASN) was renamed the Essential Service Network (ESN) due to restrictions imposed by (DFA). Many shelters faced bans, and programs supporting women and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) were particularly affected. After extensive discussions among ASN’s full members, it was decided to adopt a new name to better navigate these challenges.
The Essential Service Network now holds regular monthly meetings attended by all members, where they share their challenges, achievements, and opportunities. These meetings provide a platform for discussing solutions and strategies to overcome the obstacles they face.
Before February 2023, each member took turns chairing the meetings, ensuring that all correspondence and communication were managed collaboratively. DAWEO held the responsibility of coordination from August 2022 to March 2023.
