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 (KP) and priority populations (PP), 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 KP. During the reporting period of October 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, the project achieved several key milestones. The percentage of priority populations (PP) reached with prevention services was 67%, exceeding the target of 56%. The number of GBV survivors receiving post-GBV care and HIV testing services (HTS) increased significantly, with a 203% increase in HTS testing and a 139% increase in HTS positive cases. The project also made progress in engaging boys and men through the Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM) program, with 17,244 boys and men reached, exceeding the target of 15,000. Additionally, the project trained 112,052 individuals on gender norms, exceeding the target of 90,000. However, the project faced several challenges during the reporting period, including long distances to access post-GBV care, which remained a challenge despite the introduction of outreach activities. The project also experienced a decline in PEP uptake, and communities continued to express fear of getting infected with COVID-19. The project has learned several lessons during the reporting period, including the importance of engaging with communities and stakeholders to address GBV and HIV-related 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. The project's success is attributed to the strong partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and community groups. The project's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to engage with communities and stakeholders has been critical to its success.