Module 5: Thematic Areas: Integrating gender-based violence interventions in shelter, settlement, and recovery

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

MODULE 5 - Thematic Areas: Integrating Gender-Based Violence Interventions in SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY

Agenda Links between GBV and Humanitarian Programming Knowledge Basics for Implementing the Thematic Area

Guidance A Closer Look: Assessment; Resource Mobilization;

Implementation; Referrals; Coordination; Monitoring and Evaluation

Discussion of Implementation Strategy Developing an Action Plan

Outcomes SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY actors

are informed about key relevant elements of the Guidelines

SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY actors are supported to develop an action plan with indicators for integrating the Guidelines’ recommendations into their areas of operation

SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY actors identify accountability measures to track progress of GBV risk reduction mainstreaming and response

SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY (SS&R)


“Protection of all persons affected and at risk must inform humanitarian decision-

making and response…it must be central to our preparedness efforts, as part of

immediate and life-saving activities….”


Warm-up Activity: Mapping Risk acrossSHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY

1) What types of GBV are prevalent in your settings?

2) What are the risks in this setting that contribute to GBV• Pre-existing - exists independent of, or prior to emergency or conflict

(culture, policy, etc.)• Emergency-related - specific to/resulting from the disaster or conflict• Humanitarian-related - caused directly or indirectly by humanitarian

environment

3) What can your cluster/sector do to prevent and mitigate GBV risks?• Pre-existing risk mitigation activity• Emergency-related risk mitigation activity • Humanitarian-related risk mitigation activity

Assessment, Analysis and Planning

What are our priority areas of inquiry for SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY?


A walk through SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Assessment, Analysis & Planning

Key point:• Purpose is not for SS&R actors to

undertake standalone GBV assessments, but rather to incorporate questions related to GBV risks into their ongoing SS&R assessments


A walk through SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Assessment (cont’d)

• Provides a list of recommended GBV-related questions to incorporate, as relevant, into SS&R assessments and routine monitoring

• These questions do not cover the nature and scope of GBV, but basic issues related to SS&R programming, policies and communications

• SS&R specialists are NOT expected to undertake assessments about the extent of GBV


What does this mean for SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY ?

From page 42:f) Are shelters built for safety and privacy?

- Are shelters secured with locks on doors and windows?

- Does shelter material prevent people outside from being able to observe whether or not the shelter is

occupied—both day and night?

m) Are there criteria in place for distributing shelter materials and shelter-related NFIs in ways that decrease the risk of sexual exploitation or abuse (e.g. gender-disaggregated lines/zones)?


Activity: Conducting AssessmentsOption 1: Review and Discuss

Review the Areas of Inquiry in the GBV guidelines:

1) Which questions would you prioritize?

2) How will you collect this information?I. What surveys / assessment are already being used where you can

integrate questions II. When and where will the survey occur to ensure participation of at-risk

groups

3) Who would you need to work with to collect this information?I. What is the composition of the assessment team, men / women?II. What training will they require?III. How will they communicate about the assessment with the community?


Activity: Conducting AssessmentsOption 2: Review and Compare Review the Areas of Inquiry in the GBV guidelines against your current assessment tool.

1) Which GBV risks and considerations are already integrated in the assessment tool currently or previously used?

2) Which GBV risks or considerations would you prioritize for inclusion?

3) How will it be possible to integrate new questions which consider GBV risks?

I. With whom will you need to advocate to include these areas of inquiry?- Cluster coordinators, state actors, GBV specialists

II. With whom will you need to collaborate in order to safely and effectively integrate these areas of inquiry?- Cluster coordinators, state actors, GBV specialists


Activity: Conducting AssessmentsOption 3: Mapping information on GBV risks to mitigationPrioritize 3 areas of inquiry that apply to your context and carry out the below:

Area of Inquiry

Risk of Concern Potential for GBV Mitigation

1. Shelter design and safety

Single women, women-led households, unaccompanied girls not provided with safe shelter options

Rape or sexual violence by host or strangers (location from periphery), overcrowding can lead to intimate partner violence

Use vulnerability index to determine allocation of shelters. Ensure shelters are built for safety and privacy (e.g. alternative lighting when no power, secure locks/windows, etc.)

2. Distribution of non food items

Beneficiaries are unable to access basic needs, shelter, clothing, etc.

Sexual exploitation or abuse, in exchange for items and assistance, deprivation of basic needs

Gender-disaggregated lines/zones. Establish security patrols. Ensure appropriate transportation and shelter construction support when distributing kits.


Quiz: Conducting Assessments SS&R actors should:• Consult GBV specialists throughout the planning,

design, analysis and interpretation of an assessment• Not use local expertise• Strictly adhere to safe and ethical recommendations

for researching GBV• Share data that may be linked back to a group or an

individual, including GBV survivors• Seek out GBV survivors to speak to them specifically

about their experiences of GBV


Quiz: Conducting Assessments • Assume reported data on GBV/trends represent actual

prevalence/trends in the extent of GBV• Include GBV specialists on inter-agency and inter-sectoral

teams• Not include female assessors and translators when

conducting assessments• Conduct consultations in a secure setting where

individuals feel safe to provide information and participate in discussions and decision-making

• Provide training for assessment team members on ethical and safety issues


Discussion: • Is it always possible to include GBV in initial assessments?• How can one ensure inclusion of at-risk groups in

assessments?• Who needs to be involved? • Why is it the responsibility of SS&R staff? Where does this

responsibility ends?• Who needs to be convinced?

ALWAYS INVOLVED WOMEN AND OTHER AT-RISK GROUPS IN THE DESIGN AND ASSESSMENT

OF SS&R PROGRAMS

Resource Mobilization

What are SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY commitments to Resource Mobilization for GBV risk reduction?


A walk through the SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Resource Mobilization

Key point:• Funding for SS&R-related GBV prevention and

risk mitigation activities must be included in project proposals from the outset of emergency response



• In humanitarian settings, GBV resources tend to be linked to longer-term protection and stability initiatives

• Resources to address GBV in emergencies are often limited

• The Guidelines provide recommendations on incorporating GBV risk mitigation activities into project proposals

• Donors are encouraged to reference this section to ensure GBV issues are included in SS&R proposals



GBV risk based on gender

analysis and safety audit

Proposed intervention

Risk vs. benefits

Adapted intervention

Impact?



GBV-related points to consider for inclusion in a proposal (Pg. 45):

1). Humanitarian Needs Overview/Situation Analysis: – Describe the vulnerabilities of women, girls and other at-risk groups;

2). Project Rationale/Justification: – Explain GBV-related risks related to SS&R interventions in your

context;

3). Project Description: – Explain which activities may help in preventing or mitigating GBV– Describe mechanisms that facilitate reporting of GBV in safe and

ethical manner



How to measure GBV-related points to consider for inclusion in a proposal, cont’d:

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• M&E plan should track progress and adverse effects on GBV mainstreaming activities;

• M&E plan should include the participation of women, girls and other at-risk groups;

• Include outcome-level indicators to measure program impact on GBV-related risks;

• Disaggregate indicators by sex, age, disability and other vulnerability factors


THE IASC GENDER MARKER

Both Gender marker and GBV mainstreaming address issues of women and girls’ empowerment and gender equality and include men and boys as partners in prevention.

• = Tool that codes (0-2 scale) whether or not a humanitarian project is designed well enough to ensure that women/girls, men/boys will benefit equally from it or that it will advance gender equality in another way


What does this mean for SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY?

Some examples of GBV mainstreaming activities that can be included in proposals:

• Planning NFI distributions to reduce GBV risks (timing, distance, sex-segregated lines, complaints desk)

• Designing culturally approrpiate shelters that consider family composition

• Vulnerability index developed to ensure access to basic needs for at-risk groups


What does this mean for SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY? Do you have other examples of mitigation strategies?


Activity: Resource Mobilization In Small Groups:

Review the assigned proposal in light with the resource mobilization checklist of the Guidelines and highlight:

– Good practices– Gaps– Proposed strategies to address these gaps.– Tools needed to better design proposals


Discussion:

• Is GBV-related activities in SS&R programs always cost-effective? Why should it be considered?

• Do donors always support GBV-related activities in SS&R programs? What can be some of these barriers?

GBV MAINSTREAMING ACTIVITIES ALWAYS CONTRIBUTE TO GOOD SS&R

PROGRAMMING

Implementation

What are our commitments to include GBV prevention and mitigation within ongoing and new SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY activities?


Key takeaway:

• If effectively designed, SS&R programmes can mitigate risks of GBV:

Safe distribution of Non-Food Items (NFIs)Participation of women and girls in SS&R related

committees for shelter design and site planning Supporting health, dignity, privacy, and safety

A walk through the SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Implementation


A walk through the SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Implementation• Provides guidance for putting GBV-related risk reduction

responsibilities into practice• Activities to improve the overall quality of GBV-related

prevention and mitigation strategies: Establish GBV-related responsibilities common to all actors working

within SS&R Recommend strategies for SS&R actors to reduce risks Maximize immediate protection of GBV survivors and persons at risk

and foster longer-term interventions to eliminate GBV• 3 main types of responsibilities: programming, policies, and

communications & information sharing



From page 46:• Implement clear, consistent and transparent

criteria for qualifying for shelter assistance (do not discriminate against GBV survivors or women seeking accommodation without a male relative.

• Establish clear, consistent and transparent distribution systems that are known by all members of the community.


Activity- ImplementationOption 1: Review Mitigation Strategies

In small groups: 1. Review recommended mitigation strategies 2. Add any strategies missing 3. Prioritize 2-3 key strategies that should be prioritized 4. Highlight operational challenges

Rotate teams: troubleshoot challenges, provide recommendations

5. Create operational action plan: i. Key actionsii. Coordination amongst key actorsiii. Resources / support required


Activity- ImplementationOption 2: Mitigating GBV risk in Program Strategy

Review current programmatic strategy

In small groups:

1. Highlight GBV mitigation strategies currently integrated2. Review Guideline recommended mitigation strategies3. Prioritize 2-3 key strategies that should be prioritized 4. Create operational action plan:

i. Information needed ii. Key actionsiii. Coordination amongst key actorsiv. Resources / support required

Discussion: Prioritization and Selection Criteria

How to prioritize GBV risk reduction in SS&R programs?

What types of investments are required? What vulnerability criteria would you use for

beneficiaries? What challenges are associated with these? How should sensitive information be managed to

protect affected populations, including survivors of GBV?

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DON’T SINGLE OUT GBV SURVIVORS OR VULNERABLE GROUPS

Coordination

What are our commitments to include GBV prevention and mitigation within ongoing and new SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY activities?


A walk through the SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Coordination

Key takeaways:

• GBV prevention and risk reduction is most effective when done in coordination with both GBV specialists and other sectors

• Recommends specific actions for SS&R actors to coordinate with others


A walk through the SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Coordination • Supports humanitarian actors to define responsibilities and

accountability mechanisms in GBV prevention and response efforts Establish responsibilities for humanitarian actors in the prevention

and mitigation of GBV Maximize immediate protection of GBV survivors and persons at risk

through multi-sectoral coordination on response to GBV incidents

• Coordination activities can move across the 3 main types of responsibilities: programming, policies, and communications & information sharing and may also include advocacy / efforts for: Assessment Resource Mobilization Monitoring and Evaluation


A walk through the SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Coordination

GBV Specialists can assist SS&R actors to (Pg. 51):

1. Design and conduct SS&R assessments that examine the risks of GBV, and strategize ways to mitigate these risks

2. Provide trainings for SS&R staff on issues of gender, GBV and women’s/human rights

3. Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for SS&R actors


What does this mean for SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY ? Coordination with GBV Specialists, cont’d

GBV Specialists can assist SS&R actors to:

4. Identify where survivors can receive care, and provide SS&R staff with skills and information to respond supportively to survivors

5. Provide training for the affected community on issues of gender, GBV and women’s/human rights as they relate to SS&R rights

6. Review relevant statutory and customary laws and policies to strengthen GBV-related legal protections


What does this mean for SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY : Coordination with other sectors (p. 52)

SS&R actors can work with (e.g.: Livelihood actors):

• Identify areas for skilled and unskilled mentoring in shelter programmes

• Identify age-, gender-, and culturally appropriate livelihoods opportunities for women and other at-risk groups related to the building, design and maintenance of shelters


What does this mean for SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY : Coordination for cross-cutting issues

Also coordinate with partners addressing:

gendermental health and psychosocial support

(MHPSS)HIVage environment


Activity: Coordination Option 1: Mechanisms to Support Program Implementation

Return to small groups from the implementation activity:

1. Reflect on the specific actions recommended

2. Who needs to be involved to execute this action – GBV specialists – Other clusters

3. What type of coordination is required – be specific

- Roles and responsibilities - Accountability mechanisms


Activity: Coordination Mapping • With what sectors would SS&R benefit from stronger

coordination? i. What coordination mechanisms exist to support collaborationii. Key actions iii. Who is responsible, accountable, needs to be informediv. How will you monitor progress

• How could SS&R and protection actors better coordinate/work together?

i. What coordination mechanisms exist to support collaborationii. Key actions iii. Who is responsible, accountable, needs to be informediv. How will you monitor progress


Suggested recommendations about referrals in the Guidelines • All humanitarian personnel who engage with affected

populations should have up to date written information about where to refer survivors for care and support.

• Ensure training on how to respectfully and supportively engage with survivors and provide risk reporting and/or referral information in an ethical, safe and confidential manner

• Any programmes that share information about reports of GBV must abide by safety and ethical standards (e.g. shared information does not reveal the identity of or pose a security risk to individual survivors, their families or the broader community)


Activity: Coordination Option 3: Coordination and Referrals w/ GBV specialistsIn small groups discuss:

• Map the current referral mechanism where your activities are ongoing

- What services are available- Which actors are involved

• What are your responsibilities within the referral mechanism?- Who do you immediately report an incident to?- Are there cases where you are unable to refer?

• What happens when there is no referral mechanism in place or when it is not functioning?

- What are your responsibilities in this situation?

Monitoring and Evaluation

What are priority indicators for GBV prevention and risk mitigation in SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY programming?


A walk through the SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Monitoring & Evaluation

Key Point:• Indicators can be used to measure the

outcomes of activities undertaken across the programme cycle, with the ultimate aim of maintaining effective programmes and improving accountability


A walk through the SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Monitoring & Evaluation• Why? Limited evidence exists on effective

integration of GBV programming in “other” sectors• Indicators in the Guidelines aim to:– Track outputs resulting from interventions to affected

populations– Chart outcome of cluster activities– Measure progress toward objectives, considering

diversity of affected populations & their perspectives of the response


Monitoring & Evaluation: Indicators

• Why? Limited evidence exists on effective integration of GBV programming in “other” sectors

• Indicators in the Guidelines aim to:– Track outputs resulting from interventions to

affected populations– Chart outcome of cluster activities– Measure progress toward objectives, considering

diversity of affected populations & their perspectives of the response


A walk through the SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Monitoring & Evaluation: Reporting• Analyze existing data using a ‘GBV lens’ to improve GBV

prevention and response • Example: Existence of female staff in SS&R assessment

teams when planning NFI distributions – What are the implications of the findings? – How may this affect GBV prevention and mitigation?

• Failing to meet a target can lead to response and resource mobilization

• Use data for action across the programme cycle


• # of assessment respondents who are female• # of affected persons consulted before designing a shelter

facility who are female • # of affected persons who report concerns about

experiencing GBV when asked about areas in and around shelters

• # of affected persons who report concerns about experiencing GBV when asked about collecting cooking fuel or firewood

What does this mean for SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY (Pg. 53)?


A walk through the SHELTER, SETTLEMENT AND RECOVERY TAG: Monitoring & Evaluation

Good to know:• Improvement or success is not

demonstrated by a decrease in reported GBV cases

• Targets and data sources can be modified to fit the context


Option 1: Prioritizing indicators and data collection methodology

1. Prioritize 1-2 indicators i. Select indicator from assessment, resource mobilization,

implementation or coordination based on current focus within response i. For example, if preparing for an assessment

2. Review the indicator reference sheet used for women’s participation

3. Fill out the blank indicator reference sheet for the indicator prioritized

i. Indicator descriptionii. Indicator acquisition iii. Data Quality issues iv. Data Analysis and Reporting/Dissemination

Activity: Monitoring & Evaluation


Option 2: Analyzing findings from gender or GBV evaluation

1. How are these findings relevant to your sector programming? i. Which sectoral activities may be contributing to GBV risks?ii. What cultural, community or policy variables may be contributing

to GBV risks?a. Representation of women, girls and at-risk groupsb. Traditional or cultural gender norms, power dynamicsc. Policies governing access to services, impunity

2. What activities could you adjust to prevent or mitigate GBV risks?i. Activities specific to prevention (focus on gender equality)ii. Activities specific to mitigation (focus on reducing exposure to risk)iii. Activities specific to response (focus on PFA, referral)

Activity: Monitoring & Evaluation

Monitoring and Evaluation

How do you know whether SS&R programs contributed to reducing GBV risks?

- Did select SS&R activities contribute to reducing GBV risks? - What information lets you measure this?

What are the challenges to monitoring GBV risks? Is it always possible to monitor that at-risk groups needs are

identified and responded to? Do SS&R SOPs include direction for monitoring GBV risks within

SS&R programming?

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Do not use number of reported cases as an indicator

of success.

Final Action Plan

1. In teams write down the priority actions to take forward

2. Refer to the prevention, mitigation and response activities of the day

3. Highlight key actors and responsibilities 4. Note attention to specific types of actions,

such as training, resources, staffing, access, etc.


Thank You.

For more information visit: www.gbvguidelines.org

http://www.gbvguidelines.org/

Government & Nonprofit

Module 5: Thematic Areas: Integrating gender-based violence interventions in shelter, settlement, and recovery