Mellysa Kowara Receives Best Presenter Award in the Young Researcher Category at SVRI Forum 2026 in Bangkok

• Posted by: Admin
• Senin, 5 Oktober 2026
• Has been read 9 time(s)

Bangkok – Mellysa Kowara, a researcher from Udayana University, received the Best Presenter Award – Young Researcher Category at the international Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum 2026, held on 5–9 October 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. The award recognized her presentation of the research titled “Invisible by Design: Structural Barriers to Safe Spaces for LGBTQI+ Communities in GBV Prevention in Indonesia.”

SVRI Forum 2026 brought together approximately 1,500 researchers, academics, practitioners, and activists from various countries working in the field of gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response. The international forum provided a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and research findings to strengthen evidence-based approaches to violence prevention and improve protection and support for survivors.

During the forum, Mellysa presented research examining the structural barriers to creating safe spaces for LGBTQI+ communities within the context of gender-based violence prevention in Indonesia. The study highlighted how the lack of recognition of gender and sexual diversity in policies and protection service systems can create barriers for LGBTQI+ communities, particularly individuals who have experienced gender-based violence.

The research findings underscore the importance of recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of different communities in the development of protection policies and services. Inclusive approaches are essential to ensuring that gender-based violence prevention and response efforts reach all members of society, including those who face structural barriers to accessing support and protection services.

The Best Presenter Award – Young Researcher Category received by Mellysa represents recognition of her research presentation at the international forum. This achievement also highlights the contribution of Udayana University researchers in bringing issues related to public health, equality, and the protection of vulnerable populations into global scientific discussions.

Through this participation and achievement, Udayana University continues to contribute to the development and dissemination of scientific knowledge relevant to social and public health challenges. The research findings presented at the forum are expected to enrich ongoing discussions and inform the development of more inclusive, responsive, and equitable policies and services for gender-based violence prevention and response in Indonesia.