Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10PORTMORESBY33
2010-02-23 09:07:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Port Moresby
Cable title:  

S/GWI PROJECT PROPOSALS - SOLOMON ISLANDS

Tags:  KWMN PREL KPAO PHUM AID CDC COM TRSY PP 
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VZCZCXRO0710
OO RUEHPB
DE RUEHPB #0033/01 0540907
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 230907Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5818
INFO RUEHPB/AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY IMMEDIATE 3466
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

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