S/GWI PROJECT PROPOSALS - SOLOMON ISLANDS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 PORT MORESBY 000033 SIPDIS STATE FOR S/GWI AND EAP/ANP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KWMN PREL KPAO PHUM AID CDC COM TRSY PP SUBJECT: S/GWI PROJECT PROPOSALS - SOLOMON ISLANDS REF: STATE 132094, STATE 012531 ¶1. Embassy Port Moresby is pleased to submit a proposal received from the Family Support Center - To Address the Issues of the Center's Security, limited Campaigning and Setting up of a Database as Solomon Islands first preference from post. ¶2. PROJECT SUMMARY The proposed program to address the issues of the center's security, limited campaigning and setting up a database is as follows; (A) Center Security: Improvements to the center's infrastructure: -Construction of a secure entrance -Increase number of security guards -Create escape routes (B) Conduct regular, targeted and more frequent information and awareness campaigns in Honiara and the provinces, using a range of media activities, including posters, leaflets, and radio, stickers, drama, newspaper and TV placements. (C) Set up a database. Purchase a computer system, hire database expert to work with centre staff and stakeholders to ensure the relevance and efficiency of a data base and train a dedicated worker responsible for data entry, analysis and production and dissemination of reports. A communication strategy would be developed with stakeholders. ¶3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Project will commence in April 2010 and end on October 2011. (A) Specific Activity -Improve entrance security; increase number of paid security guards, and improve infrastructure by creating escape exists -In conjunction with stakeholders, plan, organize and conduct campaigns throughout the year to maintain a focus on GBV and lobby for positive changes in legislation, policy and GBV activities -Engage database consultant and stakeholders to determine data required and communication strategy. Computer system purchased and database developed. FSC staff trained in data entry and use of database and data gathering systems, establish and operations. (B) Desired Outcome -Victims feel more confident to come to the centre to take advantage of centre services. Staffs are protected and less vulnerable to angry/violent partners and family members. The centre provides a model for other services. -Increase number of campaigns reaching the provinces. More people are aware of the issues of GBV and become involved in change. Campaigns can be specifically targeted, for example, nightclubs and bars. Increase access to information. Development of impact assessment processes and maintained interest in GBV issues -Client data collected and captured. Reports produced and disseminated to key stakeholders and media. FSC becomes more effective in identifying and responding to GBV trends and targeting services and campaigns. Capacity-building and expertise is developed within FSC PORT MORES 00000033 002 OF 003 (C) Performance Measures -Increase number of client using the center, increase number of referrals and decrease in violent incidents that target the center, staff and clients -Numbers of people taking part in campaigns. Number of campaigns, Number of leaflets/posters distributed. Evidence of change for instance, increase number of male participating in campaigns to stop violence against women -Number of reports produced and disseminated. Reports used to promote change and awareness. National and provincial responses to GBV increased and improved. Improvement in research and analysis of GBV issues. ¶4. BUDGET Increase Center's Security: $20,000.00 Information and Awareness Campaigns: $30,000.00 Setup of a Database: $20,000.00 Total: $70,000.00 ¶5. RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION The Family Support Center was set up in 1995 in Honiara the capital of Solomon Islands to address the high incidence of gender based violence (domestic violence, child abuse and sexual abuse) in the country. The Center offers support to families and individuals over the age of 15 which experience gender based violence and abuse, through counseling and legal advice and assistance, training and community awareness, and a resource library. The center is committed to improving the quality of life in Solomon Islands by promoting awareness of women and children and people's right to live in peaceful, non- violent and non-abusive families, and support to empower individuals to make decisions that allow them to enjoy safety in their lives. During the ethnic crisis between 1998 and 2000, the Family Support Center was the only local NGO which continued to provide services in constrained and difficult situations, predominantly providing support to women who were victims of gender based violence occurring during the social unrest. However, the center also offered their services to a range of others affected by the conflict including militants and police officers. The center is dedicated to raising the status of women and children through the delivery of its services, and the commitment of their 6 full-time trained staff, centre manager, counselor, admin/receptionist, 2 community trainers, and finance officer. They have supported women, children and families through legal assistance and counseling, and students and members of the public who come to the Center to use our resource library. They have worked closely with village elders, church, women leaders and youth leaders on these issues in rural communities in and around Solomon Islands. Over the years, they have had increasing numbers of women, children and youth who come to the center for assistance. For example between 2003 and 2005, FSC had a 3 fold increase in direct services to non legal clients (Counseling, research, general inquiry and collection of resource materials) and a 5 fold increase in direct legal clients which includes women seeking protection order, restraining order, maintenance, separation etc. From 2005 to 2009, the center has directly assisted over 2,000 clients (predominantly female) mainly related to domestic violence and sexual assault and many people in indirect ways through workshops, drama and media presentations. They have a Board of 5 Trustees who represents counseling expertise, community and youth issues, legal issues and senior female police officer from the RSIPF (Royal Solomon Islands Police Force) Sexual Offenses Unit, and the government who oversee the smooth running of the Center and, in consultation and dialogue with the staff, are the decision makers on policy PORT MORES 00000033 003 OF 003 and funding. Our Project Implementation for the last 5 years is currently funded by Oxfam Australia which focuses on the internal managerial and administrative strengthening of the center. Since the Family Support Center was established, it has been a policy for every staff member working in Crisis Management to undergo training programs offered by the Women's Crisis Center in Suva, Fiji. This and other specialized training is specifically designed to increase staff capacity and give a broader and clearer understanding of issues relating to gender based violence and sensitizing crisis staff to effectively deal, work, advocate and support victims of violence and abuse. Therefore, FSC is committed to improving the quality of services provided through building the capacity of its staff and implementing relevant and useful activities. ¶6. Proposal has endorsement of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Women, Youth and Children Affairs responsible for gender issues. BERG