Mongolian Diary

Meeting the Ministry

Monday morning found us setting off to the Ministry of Justice. We met with a Minister who has been centrally involved in the new Domestic Violence legislation and who was keen to hear our thoughts about perpetrator programmes from a UK perspective. We discussed the type of model that is used in the UK and outlined how such programmes differ from the 'anger management' style programmes of the past. Our meeting lasted about an hour and we felt this was a fruitful introduction to the Mongolian government.

We then stopped off at the National State Department store to have some of our photographs developed. They provided an excellent 30 minute service for about $4.

These photographs provided an excellent discussion point for our formal dinner with the board directors of the Mongolian Women Lawyers Association. The photos were mainly from our 'Snow Trek' the day before and they were very interested in seeing them. We made them a gift of some of the photos but don't worry because I have plenty more on the digital camera - so we can still do the promised slide-show!!

The formal dinner really helped to establish our collaborative relationship and of course, many more toasts were made with vodka. They thanked us for making such a long journey, for bringing academic skills and for friendship. Shani has drafted an agreement of intent to clearly outline our ongoing work and priorities and this will hopefully be signed by the MWLA and ourselves before our return to the UK. Although not legally binding it demonstrates committment to collaboration and may be a useful document to evidence the relationship to future funders.

posted by Helen J @ 6:32 PM