The USAID Harmonia: Communities Ending Gender-Based Violence Activity Quarterly Report January – March 2023

The Activity aims to end gender-based violence (GBV) in communities in Timor-Leste by applying a people-to-people approach, working towards more equitable gender relations and improved gender-sensitive health services for women. The program focuses on increasing knowledge and awareness, shifting attitudes and social norms regarding GBV in communities, and enhancing respectful care in health settings for women experiencing GBV. The Activity is divided into two main components: Information and Learning sessions in 16 villages in Ermera and Liquica municipalities, and Responding to GBV follow-up after training (FUAT)/Learning Lab program with health providers in 10 community health centers (CHCs) in Ermera and Liquica. The program has made significant progress in implementing these activities, with the completion of Information and Learning sessions Round 2 in 16 villages, FUAT 10 in Ermera, and FUAT 11-13 in Ermera and Liquica. The GBV Health Facility Readiness Assessment was completed in all 73 health facilities in both municipalities, and the GBV work mapping exercise was conducted. The program also held a successful event in Liquica Municipality to mark International Women's Day. The Activity has ongoing data analysis for the GBV prevention work mapping exercise and has collected case and referral data. The program's health sector intervention involves intensive and regular follow-up training on responding to GBV, with the specific aim of enhancing the ability of health providers to provide respectful, appropriate, and sensitive care to clients experiencing GBV. The Timor-Leste government is a key partner in the implementation of the USAID Harmonia Activity, specifically the Ministry of Health (MoH), National Institute for Health (INS), Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), and Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion (SEII). The USAID Harmonia Activity has made significant progress in implementing its activities, with the completion of key milestones such as the GBV Health Facility Readiness Assessment and the GBV work mapping exercise. The program has also held successful events, including the International Women's Day celebration in Loidahar Village, Liquica Municipality. The Activity has ongoing data analysis and collection of case and referral data, and is working towards its goal of ending GBV in communities in Timor-Leste. The program's future directions include the dissemination of the GBV Health Facility Readiness Assessment Report at national and municipality levels, implementation of the Community Microplanning final session in 16 villages in Ermera and Liquica, and commencement of the endline community survey in 31 villages in Ermera and Liquica. The Activity also plans to implement clinical FUAT session 14 and commence the youth Information and Learning sessions in junior and senior high schools in Ermera and Liquica.