Gender-Based Violence Protection
Protecting and empowering women and girls through comprehensive prevention and response programs
Our ProgramsGBV & Protection Program
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a critical protection concern, particularly in humanitarian and displacement contexts.
HFO through funding from UNICEF has been implementing WASH Flood Preparedness and Response in the Affected Counties of Malakal, Ulang, Nasir and Mayendit in Upper Nile and Unity States. The project aims to address the challenges of poor hygiene, sanitation and as well address the specific needs of women and girls by mitigating GBV risks in WASH programming.
In response to the heightened vulnerabilities faced by women, girls, and other at-risk populations, our UNICEF funded program has implemented targeted interventions aimed at raising GBV awareness, improving access to essential Non-Food Items (NFIs) and distribution of dignity kits to uphold the dignity and hygiene needs of women and girls of reproductive age in Malakal, Ulang, Nasir in Upper Nile state and Mayendit in Unity state.
Our GBV Protection Activities
GBV Awareness Activities
As part of our preventive and protective measures, GBV awareness sessions were conducted to empower communities with knowledge, challenge harmful gender norms, and promote access to services by GBV survivors, women and girls and flood affected population.
Target Audience:
- Women, men, adolescent girls and boys
- Community leaders
- Service providers
Content Covered:
- Understanding GBV: definitions, types, and consequences
- Survivor-centred approach and referral pathways
- Community-based prevention strategies
- The role of men and boys in ending GBV
Methods Used:
Outcome:
Increased community awareness on GBV, enhanced knowledge of available services, and strengthened community engagement in GBV prevention.
Distribution of Non-Food Items (NFIs) and Dignity Kits
One of the project key activities under GBV component is WASH – NFIs and Dignity kits distribution in all the project locations. HFO conducted distribution of WASH – NFIs distribution in all the project locations with the main objective of improving the health, hygiene, and dignity of vulnerable populations.
Target Groups:
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
- Returnees
- Vulnerable host community members
- Women and adolescent girls of reproductive age
Items Distributed:
- Buckets
- Bars of Soap
- Dignity kits (Sanitary pads, underwear, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, cloths, and carrying bags)
Distribution Methodology:
- Pre-distribution needs assessments and beneficiary registration
- Coordinated distribution events in accessible and secure locations
- Post-distribution monitoring to assess impact and gather feedback
Impact:
- Enhanced household resilience and improved living conditions
- Reduced coping mechanisms that may expose individuals to GBV risks
- Improved menstrual hygiene management
- Increased self-esteem and reduced vulnerability to exploitation
Our Commitment to Change
The combined implementation of GBV awareness activities, NFIs, and dignity kits distribution contributes significantly to the protection and empowerment of vulnerable populations, especially women and girls.
Sustained engagement, community participation, and intersectoral collaboration are crucial to enhance the impact and sustainability of these interventions.