September 2019
Read the evaluation report - NCA GBC Programmes here (pdf)
From 2015–2019, NCA and partners implemented Prevention, Response, and Outreach to Empower Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) Trauma Survivors (PROTECTS) in Syria, Lebanon and North Iraq. The programme was funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). It aimed to help conflict-affected, marginalised women, girls and boys affected by gender-based violence (GBV) and displacement to heal and increase their access to appropriate support services. By involving community leaders, men and boys, it aimed to promote social cohesion, prevent violence and help reintegrate GBV survivors in the Middle East into society.
Nahla Hassan, Anouchka Baldin, Gulnar Wikam and UIMS evaluated PROTECTS activities in 2016–2019. This evaluation took place in the field, using OECD-DAC criteria and the programme’s results-based framework. Results are published in External Evaluation of “Prevention, Response, and Outreach to Empower Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) Trauma Survivors (PROTECTS) in Syria, Lebanon and North Iraq”
A participatory approach strengthened both project design and implementation. Surveys and needs assessments with beneficiaries increased community ownership and self-efficacy. Interactive community events engaged different groups, especially men and boys, to broaden understanding of GBV and reduce its acceptance.
The contextualisation of this project was based on the realities and cultural norms in each country. This ensured programme relevance and credibility.
The mobile unit model reached the most marginalised people in remote and hard-to-reach locations very effectively, raising awareness of – and linking people to – GBV services.
Establishing static centres to provide services created safe places for GBV survivors, helped engage the community and supported survivors’ recovery and reintegration.
This report is the product of its authors, and responsibility for the accuracy of data included in this report rests with the authors alone.