Enhancing the awareness of gender-based violence and its effects through community-based awareness work

On 26 September 2012 Help & Shelter signed a G$5,981,053 sub-agreement with USAID’s contractor, CSDS, to do implement a 10 month gender-based violence awareness project in two communities in Region 3, namely Stewartville and Uitvlugt.

The project objectives were:

• To increase knowledge and understanding of gender-based violence and the relationships between boys and girls, men and women, placing emphasis on male norms and behaviours
• To raise awareness of the relevant legislation and the roles and functions of existing agencies working towards the reduction of GBV
• To identify the linkages between GBV and HIV/AIDS and the effect of GBV on the spread of HIV/AIDS
• To encourage beneficiaries to adapt to non-violent behaviour and to encourage peaceful means of resolving conflicts and stimulating healthy life styles
• To build the capacity of students, teachers, PTA members and community leaders to raise awareness of and respond to GBV and to advocate for GBV prevention within their respective organisations and peer groups, thereby leading to the sustainability of GBV prevention and alleviation activities
• To introduce age-appropriate and culturally sensitive training and education materials 

The project period is 1 October 2012 to 31 July 2013.