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The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) and European Union (Eu) Programme on Prevention of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and Support to SGBV Survivors In Zambia

Introduction

The Zambian Government – up to the highest level – is committed to the fight against all forms of gender-based violence. To this effect, it has ratified a number of international and regional gender-related conventions and treaties. In addition, the government has developed and enacted several Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV)-related policies, laws and plans, in particular the Anti-GBV Act No. 1 of 2011, the Gender Equality and Equity Act No. 22 of 2015, the National Gender Policy of 2014, and the National Strategy on Ending Child Marriage 2016-2021.

On 9th February 2018, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ or the Government) and the European Union (EU) signed the Financing Agreement for the “Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) Prevention and Support to SGBV survivors” programme, to be implemented in the Northern and Luapula Provinces of Zambia. This programme is aligned to the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) and the Vision 2030 strategy for Zambia. The programme is funded by the EU, with a EUR 25 Million grant.

On Friday, 24th May 2019, the government, through the Ministry of Gender (MoG), and the European Union (EU) will be holding a signing ceremony contracts with the four (4) Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), which will participate in the implementation of this programme, namely: the World Vision Zambia; Norwegian Church Aid; BBC Media Action; and Lifeline/Childline Zambia. This event will be graced by the Minister of Gender, Hon. Elizabeth Phiri, MP and the European Union Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Alessandro Marian. 

 Context

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is one of the greatest injustices of our time, which touches all countries, communities and families, and is one of the biggest barriers to achieving sustainable development for all. SGBV is a huge societal problem in Zambia, with a high rate of reported Gender-Based Violence cases, which have continued to rise over the past few years. The majority of victims and survivors are women and girls. Zambia also ranks high in global statistics of early childhood marriage, which is closely correlated with incidences of physical and sexual violence, and is understood to be a form of SGBV in its own right.  

The high level of SGBV occurrence appear to be aggravated by an apparent societal acceptance of violence, requiring social norm and mind-set change. It is widely acknowledged that the numbers of SGBV cases reported are significantly lower than the number of actual incidences of SGBV. Data also demonstrate low percentages of help seeking behaviour. Further, awareness about existing support services for SGBV survivors is low, and the existing services are not systematically and comprehensively provided.

 

Selected Data on SGBV:

  • High GBV rates – 22,073 reported GBV cases in 2018 countrywide, up from 18,540 cases reported in 2016.
  • 43% of women (age 15-49) experienced physical violence.
  • 3% of women (age 18-24) experienced sexual violence before age 18 – none received support.
  • 1% of men (age 18-24) experienced any physical violence before age 18 – only 4.3% received support.
  • ±50% of persons age 18-24 witnessed violence at home before age 18.
  • Existing harmful norms/ believes – 47% of women + 33% of men agree that husband is justified in beating his wife.
  • Main perpetrators are partner, adult caregiver or relatives.
  • High levels of child marriage and teenage pregnancies.
  • Low access to support services.

Source: 2013/2014 Zambian Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) and the 2015 Zambia Health and Wellbeing Survey.

The European Union (EU) is a champion in the fight against Gender-Based Violence, both within Europe and globally. Gender equality is a core European value, and has been enshrined in EU law for 60 years. It is with this background that the EU has identified the need to support the government’s efforts in the fight against SGBV, by implementing this programme, which focuses on the prevention of SGBV and supporting the survivors of SGBV, covering all the districts of the Northern and Luapula Provinces.

Objectives

The overall objective the EU-funded Zambian SGBV programme is to reduce Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Zambia.  The specific objectives are: (1) to prevent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) by challenging and changing beliefs, attitudes and practices; and (2) to increase SGBV survivors’ access and use of comprehensive support services.

Implementation Arrangements

The programme is funded by the European Union with a total grant Euro 25 Million grant. The programme will be implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Gender and is aligned to the national implementation framework and structures for SGBV. The programme will be implemented through a technical assistance support to the Ministry of Gender, and grant contracts with the: Norwegian Church Aid; World Vision Zambia; Lifeline/Childline Zambia; and BBC Media Action, and many other sub-recipients, who will be involved in  implementing activities at different levels, under this programme.   

 

Expected result areas

  1. Increasing SGBV awareness and attitude change among children and young people in the target areas with less acceptance of SGBV;
  2. Sensitisation of traditional, religious and political leaders on SGBV and harmful traditional and cultural practices and norms;
  3. Awareness is raising through community mobilisation and engagement on SGBV harmful traditional and cultural practices;
  4. Access to informal social support groups;
  5. Strengthened formal SGBV support structures;
  6. Strengthened referral systems; and
  7. Government’s institutional and policy framework and multi-sectoral coordination of SGBV prevention is enhanced.

 

Core activities, include: 

 

  1. SGBV Prevention
  • Awareness raising amongst children and young people, with special attention to boys and young men, including age-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
  • Partnering with traditional, religious and political leaders; and
  • Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) through interpersonal communication, advocacy and awareness-raising, and community radio.

 

  1. SGBV Response – access to services
  • Support to informal social support groups;
  • Demand-generation activities;
  • Refurbishment of Coordinated Response Centres (CRCs) and/or shelters, and provision of medical and office equipment and supplies, and vehicles for outreach and referral;
  • Sensitisation, training and mentorship of providers of SGBV support services;
  • Provision of phycho-social support related to SGBV;
  • Improving redress and prosecution of perpetrators of SGBV, whilst strengthening the link between traditional and local courts;
  • Life-skills development and economic empowerment through saving groups and/or referral.

 

  1. Technical Assistance at National level
  • Strengthen the institutional and policy framework on SGBV; and
  • Improve multi-sectoral coordination for SGBV prevention and response.

 

Project Summary

Funding:                                 25 Million Euro Grant from the European Union

Geographical coverage:     ALL districts of Luapula and Northern Provinces, reaching as many people as possible.                                                                           Support to national level through technical assistance

Operational implementation

Period:                                    6 years – February 2018 – February 2024.

Final Beneficiaries:             Children and young people, both girls and boys – with particular focus on 7-9 and 10-14 age groups.

                                                  SGBV survivors and people at risk of SGBV.