S/GWI Project Proposal - Bolivia

UNCLAS LA PAZ 000282 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR S/GWI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPAO PHUM BL KWMN SUBJECT: S/GWI Project Proposal - Bolivia Embassy La Paz welcomes the Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues' first small grants initiative and is pleased to submit two strong proposals in response. Our higher-priority proposal - Legal Reform: Strengthening Women's Rights in the Bolivian National Police Force - will address discrimination against female police officers in the Bolivian National Police (BNP). In a recent study a staggering 76% of female Bolivian officers indicated that they have been victims of sexual abuse by fellow officers in the work place. The Government of Bolivia has asked for our support to address this problem within the national police force, and Bolivian society as a whole. This project will allow us to initiate a national training program for all BNP officers regarding equal employment issues within the police force and begin an initiative to write new legislation insuring equal employment rights for all women in the Bolivian work force. The project will be managed by the Narcotics Affairs Section. Our second proposal - Reducing Gender-Based Violence in Indigenous Areas - will bring together community members, municipal authorities and other key actors to examine how gender-based violence (GBV) impacts indigenous communities socially, spiritually and economically and to then implement action plans to reduce such violence. Working with an established Non-Governmental Organization, the program will advocate with authorities in the education, justice, health, and police sectors, since they are responsible for the implementation of relevant norms and laws related to preventing GBV, but often don't act due to lack of awareness of how the problem affects their communities. The project will be managed by USAID. We would welcome any questions you may have regarding the proposals, and look forward to S/GWI's decisions regarding funding. PROPOSAL 1 - LEGAL REFORM: STRENGTHENING WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN THE BOLIVIAN NATIONAL POLICE FORCE The Issue The situation regarding women working in the Bolivian National Police force (BNP) requires special attention. Although women police officers have existed in the BNP since 1976, their presence and numbers have increased significantly only during the last decade. Currently, they represent approximately ten percent of the total institution. The results of a survey for "Human Development" conducted by the UNDP in 2005 reveal that 55% of the current female police officers in the BNP entered after 2000. Only 13% or 1300 of the 10,000 police women currently in the BNP have been in the institution for more than 25 years, most of them assigned to specialized units and functions, and in minor technical and administrative positions. During the last 5 years there has been progress in the assignment of police woman to many different operational units within the institution; nevertheless they are not treated equally and do not receive the same rights, opportunities and promotions as their male counterparts. The topic of gender discrimination and equal rights in the Bolivian Police Force is important because it reflects the difficulties that women face daily in Bolivian society attempting to eliminate discrimination and enjoy rights and access to leadership positions. In addition, an extensive national study completed in 2009 by the Government of Bolivia's Human Rights Commission (Phase I of this project) has revealed that there currently exists, "significant discrimination and violence targeting females officers within the Bolivian Police Force." This includes, but is not limited to, equal employment opportunity discrimination, sexual harassment and, in some cases, physical abuse on the job. For example, a staggering 76% of female officers interviewed indicated they have been victims of sexual abuse by fellow officers in the work place. In addition, there currently exists very limited promotion potential for BNP female officers, and quite often they are paid less than their male counterparts performing similar functions at work. Proposal Summary In late 2008 the Government of Bolivia's Congressional Human Rights Commission approved a multi-phase project to ensure all Bolivian women police officers have the same employment opportunities as their male counterparts. A significant part of this initiative aimed to provide appropriate awareness and sensitivity training and seminars to male BNP officers. The second major goal was to work with the GOB in the areas of legal reform creating new and/or revised internal regulations and guidelines which would ensure a workplace free of discrimination and violence, and establish gender equality for all employees of the Bolivian National Police force. Three phases of this initiative have already occurred: 1. An extensive national study of the issue 2. The first International Women's' Rights Conference and 3. National training programs for all BNP officers regarding Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) issues within the Bolivian Police Force. This project, "Legal Reform: Strengthening Women's Rights in the Bolivian National Police Force," will be a two part continuation of this Human Rights Initiative within the Bolivian police force. The overall objective of the project will be to create appropriate institutional conditions for equal employment opportunities, and the reduction of discrimination and gender violence within the Bolivian Police Force. Project partners will include the Ministry of Government, the GOB Congress (and specifically the Human Rights Commission),and of course the Bolivian Police Force itself. Although headquartered in La Paz, the project aims to target all of Bolivia's nine geographic departments. Project Description Part I of this project will educate and refocus the current mentality of existing male officers regarding their female counterparts. Part I will involve conducting 50 workshops of awareness-raising and sensitizing for male officers only that will promote gender equality and a discrimination free workplace within the institution while at the same time allowing male police officers to assume a new masculinity role. Workshop agendas will include: * The role and functions of the Bolivian Police Force in the current society * The role of male officers in the institution * The new male role in society * The specific male role in a law enforcement institution Working groups within the workshops will include: * A presentation of results of the national study regarding identified discrimination within the Bolivian Police Force and how the survey results might be applied * Suggestions and possible actions to improve the gender equality and workplace conditions in the Bolivian Police Force * Addressing the questions, "What do I do and how does that affect my actions?" versus, "What should I do and what effects can I achieve in my institution?" Part I will last 6 months, and will require one project director, two Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with a specialty in Masculinity, four consultant facilitators and one statistics specialist. Part II of this project will involve the compilation, from a variety of different sources, and systematization of Best-Practices for addressing the problems of gender inequality. Part II will involve conducting 50 mixed (i.e. involving both male and female officers) workshops to increase awareness of and sensitivity to the problems. The workshops will also provide training for personnel from each of the units of the Bolivian Police Force related to working together on ways of addressing the topic of gender equality and the reduction of violence and discrimination inside the institution. Workshop agendas will include: * Presentation of the principal results of the comparative analysis of the diagnoses obtained in the project's earlier work * In depth discussion regarding the existence of discrimination, violence and gender inequality problems and issues within the institution * Presentation of documented advances in other countries' police forces, based on information compiled and experiences presented by the international participants at the "International Seminar of Women Police Officers" conducted in Bolivia during 2009 * Reflection on the values of equity, gender equality and respect, and on the problems of discrimination and violence in the Bolivian Police Force * Role Play activities * Development of a joint proposal on anti-discrimination efforts and treatment of violence problems Part II will last 6 months, and will require one project director, five consultant facilitators, and one psychologist. Outcomes and Performance Measures Part I of the project aims to: ¶1. Disseminate the values of gender equality and respect and refocus the culture of machismo among male officers in the Bolivian police force ¶2. Complete a diagnosis and provide a baseline on the topic of violence and discrimination against policewomen from a male perspective ¶3. Educate and provide awareness training to Bolivian National Police male officers ¶4. Work with the Bolivian National Police command staff to ensure appropriate regulations are in place to provide a discrimination free workplace Part II of the project aims to: ¶1. Integrate the values of equity, gender equality and respect into the police force and to alter the institution's accepted values to strengthen the specific rights of women police officers ¶2. Define a space for both men and women within the institution, and support the promotion of the values of fairness, equality and respect within the Bolivian National Police ¶3. Create institutional responsibility for guaranteeing the enforcement of equal rights regulation and for tracking complaints due to discrimination and violence against women up to the resolution of the cases In addition to the specific objectives of Parts I and II, the project also aims to create a mixed and inter-generational team of officers (selected based on availability and commitment) who are interested in promoting the values of equity, gender equality and respect in the Bolivian Police Force. This team will: ¶1. Establish an appropriate timetable for the implementation of changes within the institution ¶2. Ensure appropriate actions are in place to guarantee a discrimination free work place ¶3. Achieve internal support within the Bolivian police force to promote workplace equality Budget Item $US Administrative Costs (office expenses, materials, reproduction of material, communication expenses) 23,000 Tickets and Per Diem (100 Workshops - 9 Provinces - Country of Bolivia) 21,800 Human Resources (Subject matter experts and Facilitators/Instructors)* 55,200 Total 100,000 * Human Resources - Part i: - One Project Director - Two Specialists (Subject Matter Experts) in Masculinity - Four Consultants Facilitators - One Statistics Specialist * HUMAN RESOURCES - PART II: - One Project Director - Five Consultants Facilitators - One Psychologist Recipient Organization - technical and management capacity The recipient organization for this project is "Wara Wara," a foundation with a vision emphasizing the anthropological knowledge, cultural, ethnic and linguistic development within Bolivian society. Wara Wara uses technical sciences to promote and exploit both material and economic assistance, as well as implementing advances in knowledge of human nature and the solutions that ensure better and optimal results in promoting equity, equality and respect. Wara Wara's capabilities include: * Business planning, implementation, administration, counseling, monitoring and evaluation of programs, projects and actions in support of human rights specific to women, children and youth * The development of the population and communities to have awareness of the value and use of human and natural resources in the country. This is accomplished through the application of social, humanitarian, and cultural integral developmental programs and initiatives to promote the development of nations, peoples and communities Wara Wara is staffed with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs),who are professionals specialized in areas such as political sciences, communication sciences, statistics, marketing, gender and human rights, and psychology. This team has partnered with the Government of Bolivia (GOB),and other public and private organizations to implement various Human Rights programs in Bolivia. Wara Wara, its facilitators and its SMEs have also worked closely with a number of international donors, including previous work with the U.S. Embassy and its Narcotics Affairs Section in the area of human rights. PROPOSAL 2 - REDUCING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN INDIGENOUS AREAS The Issue The roots of gender-based violence (GBV) are founded in uneven power relationships and discrimination, and gender-based violence is reinforced through the promotion of traditional gender roles in personal and public relationships. Bolivia's 2008 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) indicates that in rural areas of Bolivia, 35% of women have suffered from some form of psychological violence and 23.8% have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. Since nearly 8% of women surveyed responded that being a victim of violence is normal, it is not surprising that only 20% of victims seek help. Poor, indigenous women in Bolivia suffer from violence at a higher rate than other groups of women. The lack of institutional capacity among local governmental and social organizations, and the fact that existing systems are unable to respond to GBV in a consistent manner, has created barriers to the introduction and implementation of effective GBV prevention policies and care programs. Given the prevalence of discrimination and the tendency to disregard and marginalize women in rural areas, emphasis should be placed on approaching community decision makers and making communities aware of the problem, thus opening the way for an effective response to this public health issue. This will also make it possible to apply social norms found in more progressive societies, as well as to execute regulations regarding sexual and reproductive rights. The ultimate goal is that women should have the right to live without the fear of being victims of gender-based violence. This project therefore seeks to educate women about their rights and to help foster an environment in which Bolivians understand both their rights and their personal responsibility to contribute to helping create such an environment. Proposal Summary This project aims to bring together community members, municipal authorities and other key actors to examine how gender-based violence impacts indigenous communities socially, spiritually and economically and to then implement action plans to reduce such violence. Operating in the rural municipalities of Monteagudo, Villa Vaca Guzman, Sopachuy, Azurduy and Tarvita in Chuquisaca, the project will advocate with authorities in the education, justice, health, and police sectors, since they are responsible for the implementation of relevant norms and laws related to preventing GBV, but often do not act due to lack of awareness of how the problem affects their communities. The project proposes applying a well-established community-mobilization and advocacy methodology called 'Avances de Paz' or 'Advancing Peace.' The methodology has already been successfully applied in similar areas, although efforts to expand the program were hampered due to lack of financing. The 'Avances de Paz' methodology involves three core phases, as well as a closure period. Importantly, each phase of the methodology employs two types of activity - communitarian and parallel - aimed at addressing different target groups. Communitarian activities aim to directly target members of the community, with activities structured around a series of workshops. Meanwhile parallel activities target key community actors and authorities, to prepare the local political scene for changes proposed by the communitarian groups. Phase I involves self-diagnosis and allows participants to examine their own behavior, values and relations regarding gender-based violence, identifying the problem from their own point of view. Phase II involves analyzing the information gathered, and the initial development of community action plans. Through a process of analysis, participants question their preconceived ideas and positions, determine whether they wish to change, and if so, how. Joint deliberation at the municipal level, along with local analysis of real experiences of the problem, leads to the development of proposed solutions. Phase III involves further development of community action plans, as well as the evolution of these plans into a political action strategy. The methodology creates a mechanism for change, designed to meet the needs of both the community and the authorities, and after a process of political discussion new policies may be adopted and executed by the local authorities. Project Description The project will be developed and executed with the support of consultants who will provide technical assistance and training in the 'Avances de Paz' methodology to both community groups and specifically-targeted community actors and authorities. Phase 1: Community self-diagnosis regarding gender-based violence Community process: a methodological guide is applied during 12 workshop sessions, each of approximately 3 hours duration Parallel process: a series of focus groups is convened, and in-depth interviews are conducted with key actors and authorities Phase 1 therefore includes: ¶1. Preparation for the process development / meetings with CIES technical teams ¶2. Training of CIES technical teams according to the concept frame, and development of the 'Avances de Paz' methodology (one week) WORKSHOP 1 ¶3. Introduction to Phase 1 methodology by CIES technical teams for municipal community groups (maximum 5 groups per municipality) and parallel process participants ¶4. Follow-up and monitoring by consultants of Phase 1 development (review of workshop facilitators' reports, feedback, and three visits by the municipality) ¶5. Phase 1 systematization by CIES technical team and production of report, with consultants' support ¶6. Development of "First Workshop - Avances de Paz" progress report by consultants for submission to CIES staff Timeframe: 6 months (including preparation/planning) Phase 2: Analysis of information gathered on gender-based violence in the specific community, and initial development of community action plans to respond to each specific problem Community and parallel process: a methodological guide is applied during 10 sessions, each session lasts approximately 3 hours Phase 2 therefore includes: ¶1. Training to CIES technical teams in 'Avances de Paz' methodology, Phase 2, and in depth development of concept frame (one week) WORKSHOP 2 ¶2. Introduction to Phase 2 methodology by CIES technical teams for municipal community groups (maximum 5 groups per municipality) and parallel process participants ¶3. Follow-up and monitoring by consultants of Phase 2 development (review of workshop facilitators' reports, feedback, and three visits by the municipality) ¶4. Phase 2 systematization by CIES technical team and production of report, with consultants' support ¶5. Development of "Second Workshop - Avances de Paz" progress report by consultants for submission to CIES staff Timeframe: 3 months Phase 3: Further development of action plans and incorporation of these plans into a political strategy Community Process: workshops on incorporating community action plans into the political environment are organized for those participants that are interested and involved in the development of action plans. Other activities aim to stir up the interest of authorities and key authors in these issues. Several planning and evaluation meetings take place, as required by the plan. The number of meetings and activities with the groups depend on the size of the action plan. Parallel process: the political strategy is developed with the corresponding key authorities and actors Phase 3 therefore includes: ¶1. Training to CIES technical teams in 'Avances de Paz' methodology, Phase 3, and in depth development of concept frame (one week) WORKSHOP 3 ¶2. Introduction to Phase 3 methodology by CIES technical teams for municipal community groups (maximum 5 groups per municipality) and parallel process participants ¶3. Follow-up and monitoring by consultants of Phase 3 development (review of workshop facilitators' reports, feedback, and three visits by the municipality) ¶4. Phase 3 systematization by CIES technical team and production of report, with consultants' support ¶5. Development of "Third Workshop - Avances de Paz" progress report by consultants for submission to CIES staff Timeframe: 2 months Closure: Participatory Process evaluation. An evaluation process is conducted with participants who were involved in the community and parallel processes. Evaluation guidelines are developed for each of the actors. The closure process therefore involves: ¶1. Assessment by CIES technical team, with involved community group participation, key community persons and authorities ¶2. Follow-up and monitoring of consultants in assessment development (one visit per municipality, to organize) ¶3. Final process report writing ¶4. Consultants' support to write the progress process report of the Final 'Avances de Paz' Workshop for CIES staff (including results and process assessment) Timeframe: 1 month. Outcomes and Performance Measures This project targets (i) key personnel within local and regional authorities, (ii) rural community groups, (iii) public networks, as well as, (iv) CIES staff, and aims to: ¶1. Increase indigenous-community awareness of the issue of gender-based violence, as well as foster development of a culture that questions such violence, recognizes that it can change it, and articulates a desire for equity in relations between men and women ¶2. Develop and empower decision-making actors within the community, and encourage such actors to accept the adoption of public policies and actions that contribute to addressing and preventing gender-based violence ¶3. Create five strengthened / fully developed municipal networks dedicated to working against gender-based violence (one in each municipality) ¶4. Develop five completed gender-based violence prevention plans, one in each municipality, to be submitted for inclusion in each municipality's Plan of Action ¶5. Strengthen the capabilities of CIES technical teams in gender-based violence prevention methodologies in five rural municipalities of Chuquisaca Budget Item $US Consulting Fees (Technical Assistance) 16,000 Staff Wages and Benefits (7 educators x 12 months) 35,101.39 Material and community services (Communication - $100 / municipality / year x 5 municipalities) 500 Food, accommodation, travel expenses to the community (Snack: 42 sessions x 650 participants (EU process) x $0.50 / participant. 13,650 Materials and community service ($5 x 650 participants) 3,250 Food, accommodation to the community, travel to the community (educators, consultants) 28,498.61 Tickets facilitator-participants 1,000 Other expenses 2,000 Total 100,000 Recipient Organization - technical and management capacity The recipient organization for this project is CIES (Research Center for Education and Services),a non-profit group dedicated to social development. CIES provides services to men, women and young adults, as well as to vulnerable groups, within the frame of integral health, through the promotion of the full exercise of sexual and reproductive rights. It offers a medical-educational program and prides itself on its 'quality and warmth'. CIES operates four clinics, five health posts in department capitals, three in intermediate cities and mining towns, and three Itinerant Health Units in the rural area of the Department of Chuquisaca. CIES developed the "Avances de Paz" participative methodology during 2007 and 2008 to address gender-based violence in the rural populations of the Bolivian Chaco area, as well as the cities of Oruro and El Alto. In Machareti (the Chuquisaca Chaco area) this project is being implemented under the support of the Municipality, with UNICEF financing and the active participation of local persons and organizations. In Villa Vaca Guzman, in light of the results achieved in past years, the Mayor requested CIES support to implement this project under the local municipality. Although the municipality itself has allotted funds to implement the process, CIES was not able to meet the request for additional funds and hence the effort was not able to proceed. Creamer