Baseline Report For The Protection of Women through Empowerment and Response (POWER) Project

The project is implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in collaboration with local authorities and communities. The project's primary objective is to enhance women's economic resources, promote safe voicing of priorities and participation in decision-making, and strengthen gender-based violence (GBV) response and coordination pathways. The project's geographic focus is on the districts of Bo, Kailahun, Kenema, Kono, and Freetown, where the IRC has been actively working to support rebuilding health and education services, as well as promoting women's and girls' empowerment. The project's timeframe is not explicitly stated, but it is mentioned that the IRC has a strategic plan of action until 2020. The baseline assessment for the POWER project was conducted in Kenema, collecting data relevant to the project's indicators and situational analysis on women's empowerment. The data was collected through a survey questionnaire and qualitative research, which was consolidated to establish project-level baseline values for impact assessment at the end of the project. The project's methodology and sampling approach involved a goal and objectives framework, which included economic empowerment, scope of work, and a methodology section that outlined the data collection and analysis procedures. The evaluation team consisted of a Baseline Coordinator, who was responsible for overseeing the data collection and analysis process. The timeline and activity schedule for the project were also outlined, including a specific deliverable timetable and data analysis and management plan. Key findings from the baseline assessment include demographics, key indicators, and women's economic resources. The data revealed that women in Sierra Leone continue to experience discriminatory practices, with their rights and position largely contingent on customary law and the ethnic group to which they belong. The study also highlighted the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage, which are reinforced by secret societies to which most girls and women belong. The baseline assessment also identified the need to strengthen GBV response and coordination pathways, as well as promote safe voicing of priorities and participation in decision-making among women. The study recommended the adoption of the Gender Equality Bill and the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Policy, which is currently being drafted. The project's conclusions and recommendations emphasized the need for continued support to women's empowerment and protection in Sierra Leone, particularly in the areas of economic empowerment, GBV response, and coordination pathways. The study also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of GBV, including discriminatory practices and harmful traditional practices such as FGM and early marriage. The POWER project's implementation details are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but it is mentioned that the project will focus on the districts of Bo, Kailahun, Kenema, Kono, and Freetown. The project's timeframe is also not explicitly stated, but it is mentioned that the IRC has a strategic plan of action until 2020. The project's geographic focus is on Sierra Leone, a West African country with a population of slightly less than 7 million people, 51.1% of whom are women. The country ranks 181 out of 188 on the human development index and has a history of civil war and the Ebola outbreak. The project's context is characterized by a lack of legislative changes that have increased women's legal protection, despite the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act, the Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce Act, and the Devolution of Estates Act in 2007.