USAID Stop Gender-Based Violence Project - FY 21 Semi Annual Progress Report

The project aims to strengthen the environment for girls, women, boys, and men, as well as members of key populations and priority populations in Zambia, to live lives free of gender-based violence (GBV) and enjoy healthy, supportive, and gender-equitable relationships. The project is being implemented in 16 selected districts in Zambia and will run from November 15, 2018, to November 14, 2023. ZCCP is the prime implementer of the project, with WiLDAF leading on interventions to promote advocacy and access to justice for GBV survivors, and Lifeline/ChildLine Zambia leading on telecounselling and referrals for services for GBV survivors and key populations. During the reporting period of October 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, the project achieved several key milestones. The project reached 91,778 individuals with priority population prevention (PP_PREV) interventions, representing 67% of the target. In terms of gender norms (GEND_NORMS), the project reached 112,052 individuals, representing 56% of the target. The project also achieved significant results in terms of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) services, with 17,244 individuals reached, representing 57% of the target. In addition, the project made significant progress in terms of GBV/HIV prevention and awareness, with 9,884 individuals reached, representing 93% of the target. The project also achieved notable results in terms of sexual GBV, with 1,866 individuals reached, representing 71% of the target. Physical GBV was also addressed, with 8,018 individuals reached, representing 100% of the target. The project also provided post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to 490 individuals, representing 29% of the target. In terms of HIV testing services (HTS), the project reached 5,363 individuals, representing 203% of the target. The project also achieved significant results in terms of HTS positivity, with 367 individuals tested positive, representing 139% of the target. Despite these achievements, the project faced several challenges during the reporting period. Long distances to access post-GBV care by survivors remained a challenge, despite the project introducing outreach activities to mitigate this issue. PEP uptake was also affected, and communities' fear of getting infected with COVID-19 remained high. The project also experienced a reduction in the number of individuals engaged in dialogues. The project has learned several lessons during the reporting period, including the importance of engaging with communities and stakeholders to address GBV and HIV issues. The project has also learned the need to adapt to changing circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and to be flexible in its programming to respond to emerging challenges.