USAID Stop Gender-Based Violence Project-Quarter 3, 2019 Report

The project is being implemented in sixteen districts by Zambia Centre for Communications Programs (ZCCP) in partnership with WiLDAF and Lifeline/ChildLine Zambia. The project's objectives include preventing GBV and increasing support for gender equality among women, men, children, and members of key and priority populations, as well as strengthening access to and uptake of quality post-GBV services for GBV survivors. During the reporting period of 1st April to 30th June 2019, the project achieved several milestones. All districts had project introductory meetings with government heads at the district level, resulting in high-level government buy-in at the district level. A successful national orientation stakeholders meeting was conducted to introduce the project to national-level stakeholders, resulting in national stakeholders coming up with commitments on their roles and responsibilities on preventing GBV and HIV. Stakeholder meetings were replicated at the district level, resulting in various stakeholders understanding their roles and responsibilities on how they will support reducing GBV and HIV. The project also conducted awareness-raising activities and reached 3206 people with prevention messages. The helplines (933 GBV Helpline and 116 Childline) recorded a total of 4,464 calls related to GBV and HIV. WiLDAF implemented several activities, including meeting with the Ministry of Health on the review of the In-service Curricula for Health Service Providers, the Ministry of Gender on the establishment of the Fund on GBV, and the Ministry of Justice on the establishment of the Equity and Equality Commission. However, the project faced several challenges during the reporting period, including late approval of the workplan and late implementation, which affected the attainment of targets for the quarter and compromised quality. There was also an inadequate supply of test kits and condoms, as well as transport challenges at the district level, which affected the coverage of activities. Despite these challenges, the project has identified several lessons learned, including the existence of knowledge gaps and myths surrounding HIV in the communities. For example, during some dialogues conducted in Mufulira district, some participants were of the view that HIV-positive individuals can be cured through traditional medicine. These findings highlight the need for continued awareness-raising and education efforts to address these misconceptions and promote a better understanding of HIV and GBV. The project's implementation is ongoing, and it is expected to continue until November 14, 2023. The project's success will depend on the ability to overcome the challenges faced and to continue to engage with stakeholders at the national and district levels to promote the project's objectives.