Backgrounder - Canada’s Support for the Fight Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The Honourable Lynn Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), on behalf of the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the following projects, totalling $5,449,000, to be funded from the Global Peace and Security Fund, managed by the Stabilisation and Reconstruction Task Force. The proposed projects support the implementation of Canada’s National Action Plans on Women Peace and Security, and on Trafficking in Persons.

Preventing Sexual Violence and Early Marriage in Kenya

Implementing partner: Ujamaa-Africa - No Means No Worldwide
Funding: $170,000

This project seeks to reduce the incidence of violence against women and girls in Nairobi through the delivery of a rape prevention program, that targets female and male youth in schools and community-based organizations. An Empowerment-Self Defence program focuses on interactive empowerment instruction for girls and young women, while a program called “Your Moment of Truth” focuses on empowering boys to have the courage to stand up to sexual assault and harassment in their communities. The project will reach all upper primary and secondary schools in the city of Nairobi.

Community Policing and Police Professionalization Joint Project in Mbuji-Mayi and Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Implementing partner: International Organization for Migration
Funding: $2,764,000

This project supports the transformation of the Congolese National Police in Mbuji-Mayi and Lubumbashi into a community-oriented policing service for preventing, responding to, and investigating crime, including sexual and gender-based violence. The project will train 1,200 police officers in community-based policing, and bring 200,000 civilians into the community-based policing network.

Prevention of Human Trafficking in Zinder Region, Niger

Implementing partner: International Organization for Migration
Funding: $800,000

Women in Niger are increasingly migrating to major cities for economic and social reasons. With limited economic opportunities, many become vulnerable to exploitation, including prostitution and trafficking. This project will support the preparation of standard procedures for victims of trafficking and border-management capacity, and will train 60 border agents at relevant crossings to recognize and assist victims of trafficking. This includes providing assistance to identified victims, such as front-line medical and psycho-social assistance, and engaging communities of origin of potential victims of trafficking in economic activities to support returned victims.

Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Among Internally Displaced Persons and Host Populations in the Central African Republic

Implementing partner: International Organization for Migration
Funding: $1,000,000

The project aims to reduce the incidence of sexual and gender-based violence in the Central African Republic, with a particular focus on conflict-affected women and girls, including returnees. The project will train 200 officers in the National Police and Gendarmerie to respond appropriately to sexual and gender-based violence cases. It will also work with local civil society, particularly women’s organizations to improve community understanding of women’s rights, prevent sexual and gender-based violence, and provide support to victims. Activities will also include improving safety for women in Bangui by improving lighting infrastructure and providing secure housing equipment.

Hur Bacha Mahfooz (Safe Secure and Protected) Campaign, Pakistan

Implementing partner: Sahil
Funding: $280,000

The project aims to draw awareness to child exploitation and sexual abuse within Pakistan and provide support for its victims. It will train 40 village networks on child protection; publish an analysis of reported cases of sexual abuse and violence; undertake an awareness campaign through electronic media; develop a child protection roadmap and present it to the Government of Pakistan; and provide legal, counselling and referral services to victims of sexual abuse and violence.

Advancing Gender Equality and Empowering Women and Girls in Pakistan

Implementing partner: Equal Access International
Funding: $435,000

The project will support a positive shift in knowledge, attitude and behaviour around girls’ and women’s rights within Pakistan. Initiatives include a stakeholder workshop where the community will be engaged to identify barriers to change, as well as a radio series that will be produced and broadcast. Hujra gatherings, one of the most powerful ways in which men can be engaged in discussions around empowering girls and women, will also be held to discuss issues and solutions around empowering girls and women at the community and household level.