Established on 10th February 2011, with 25 members. It is a youth network consisting of various youth organizations and groups collaborating to work towards a common cause: creating awareness among the public on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and addressing issues like Gender Based Violence.
DAISAN is initiated and managed entirely by the RENEW volunteers with funds from IPPF (International Planned Parenthood Federation).
On 26th December 2011), 21 DAISAN members were briefed on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Gender, Gender Based Violence and Voluntarism. DAISAN members participated actively in all the group activities and exercise. Opinions were shared, questions were answered and feed-backs were well received.
On 27th December 2011, participants were briefed on Rights and Communication. They were divided into groups and given the task to define and explain about rights and communication in their own respective word. A member from each group volunteered to explain their work and was open to feed-backs/questions. The activities were interesting and educative.
DAISAN Established in Paro Dzongkhag
On 28th December 2011, a total number of 33 youth volunteers showed up for the workshop. They had very little knowledge about the organization and RENEW was introduced to the participants. They were shy and uncomfortable in the beginning. The students participated in various group activities/exercise on Voluntarism, Rights and Responsibilities, Domestic Violence, Gender and Gender Based Violence and SRHR.
On the second day participants were much more relaxed and comfortable with us. Energizer Games were conducted to find an alternative way to communicate.
Participants were made to prepare Action Plan for 2012. Presentation on Action Plan was presented by the members. Active participation was seen on the second day
World AIDS Day-1st December,2011
This year’s World AIDS Day (WAD) was celebrated at Nazhoen Pelri, Thimphu. It is a day commemorated around the world to raise awareness of the continuing issue of HIV and AIDS, and for all members of impacted societies to come together in support and solidarity.
The theme for this year’s WAD was “Getting to Zero” with three broad strategies Zero Infection, Zero Death and Zero Discrimination. The event was jointly organized by DAISAN, RENEW, LHAKSAM, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and UN System in Bhutan.
The occasion was graced by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, Goodwill Ambassador to UNFPA in Bhutan and the Founder and President of RENEW.
Her Majesty in her statement stated that that “This year’s World AIDS Day Theme “Getting to Zero” supports the attainment of the Millennium Development goals (MDGS) of halting the spread of HIV and AIDS and mitigating the epidemic. Considering the evidence at hand and keeping in view local realities I strongly recommend that we focus on two important areas, “zero new HIV infections among infants and children” and “zero discrimination” for the infected and affected population. If we can achieve these milestones, we are on the road to ‘getting to zero’.
RENEW’s mandate encompasses the violence against women as being closely correlated with HIV /AIDS. Globally, women and girls are enormously affected by this virus and their vulnerability in living as HIV Positive. In many parts of the world, women are often infected without their knowledge when their partners are positive. The dis-empowerment facing so many women to be able to make decisions about their intimate relationships, have access to protection against sexually transmitted diseases, or be socially authorized to demand that a partner use protection leads to numbers of women.
The most unique and touching moment of the event was disclosure by a member from LHAKSAM, a newly established NGO for people living with HIV/AIDS. He shared his life experiences and the discrimination he faced when his family and friends came to know about it.
Her Majesty launched the Bhutan National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of STIs, HIV and AIDS followed by awarding of certificates to Condom Man in recognition of his advocacy efforts and Mr. Wangda Dorji (Executive Director, LHKSAM) for coming forward to share his experiences.
The event was presented by RENEW’s Youth Volunteers called Druk Adolescent Initiative for Sexual Awareness Network (DAISAN).
