Background:
The proposed joint UN programme on Violence against Women (VAW) is one of the main causes of suffering and poverty in Bangladesh. It occurs within the domestic and working arenas, but remains largely under-reported and investigated. VAW is not the privilege of men and boys only, women can also be perpetrators of VAW.
Duration:
July 2008-June 2011
Joint Programme and linkages to MDGs
This programme will contribute to UNDAF Outcomes on: Societal changes are realized to reduce discriminatory practices and to pursue equity and empowerment for women and girls (MDG3).
First, the JP is anchored in the National Priority 5 of Bangladesh - Gender Equity and Advancement of Women - and is fully aligned with Government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Second, interventions under this JP have been envisaged within the spirit of ‘One UN’, with recognized partnership of the government and the civil Society.
This JP will impact on MDG 1 (Eradicate extreme poverty & hunger) by providing poor women with necessary support as victims of violence. Decreases in inequality between boys and girls in education (MDG 2 and 3) will also be affected by this JP. With 14% of maternal deaths being cause by violence, this JP are working towards reduction and improvement of maternal health (MDG 5). Because this JP also addresses issues around AIDS, MDG 6 (Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases) is also within the positive effect of this JP. Through its principles of joint programming and of national ownership and partnership, this JP has a direct positive impact on MDG 8 (Develop a global partnership).
Partner UN agencies: UNDP, UNFPA, UNIFEM, WHO, UNAIDS, IOM, UNICEF and UNESCO
Three-pronged strategy:
The first strategy deals with the policy and legal framework in Bangladesh. The Joint Programme will address issues related to policies and the implementation of laws and conventions. Activities aimed at adopting and implementing policies preventing VAW and protecting victims will include enhancing the capacities of GoB, improving information related to gender and VAW, and providing support to NGOs and civil society.
The second strategy aims at changing those behaviours related to violence against women/girls. The Joint Programme will address the attitudes and behaviour of men and women, boy and girls. Activities toward strengthening societal and behaviour changes in order to reduce VAW will include awareness raising, sensitisation, networking and developing capacities of gatekeepers and stakeholders.
The third strategy revolves around protecting and helping victims of gender-based violence. The Joint Programme will provide survivors of VAW with immediate care, relief and rehabilitation. Immediate care and protection of vulnerable individuals and victims of VAW will be provided through a comprehensive package including the expansion, renovation and improvement of the existing shelter system.
Results Framework:
The JP has three specific outcomes directly contributing to the UNDAF-Bangladesh outcome “‘Societal changes are realized to reduce discriminatory practices and to pursue equity and empowerment for women and girls” which subsequently leads to improved human security and poverty reduction. They are:
Joint Programme outcomes | |
|---|---|
JP Outcome I: |
Policies and legal framework aimed at preventing violence against women (VAW), protecting and supporting survivors adopted, implemented and monitored. |
JP Outcome II: |
Social attitudes and behavioural changes effected to reduce violence against women VAW and discriminatory practices. |
JP Outcome III: |
Conductive environment created, and capacities enhanced for providing support and care for women and girls who are vulnerable to, and/or have survived, violence |
Each JP specific outcome is achieved by the following outputs.
Outcome I Outputs (ILO/UNAIDS/UNDP/UNFPA/UNIFEM/WHO):
- Enhanced capacity of GOB officials and civil society to implement CEDAW;
- Capacity strengthened for the formulation, adoption and implementation of laws and policies aimed at preventing VAW and protecting the victims;
- Information systems on VAW improved.
Outcome II outputs (ILO/IOM/UNAIDS/UNESCO/UNDP/UNFPA/UNIFEM):
- Strengthened advocacy and public awareness on VAW;
- Established a national network of gatekeepers and stakeholders to prevent VAW and protect the victims of VAW established;
- Developed Capacity of gatekeepers and stakeholders for preventing VAW.
Outcome III output (IOM/UNAIDS/UNFPA/UNICEF):
- Increased availability of and access for victims of VAW to shelter, medical, psychological, legal support and vocational training.
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