Programmes should involve partnerships between different stakeholders, such as government, civil society and community-based groups, academic and research institutions and importantly, women and girl survivors. Consulting, planning and monitoring interventions with the key groups directly implicated (survivors, policy-makers, service providers, etc.) helps obtain a better understanding of the situation faced on the ground and develops understanding among the stakeholders on the challenges and opportunities faced by each and on what is working or not working. Partnership can also increase sustainability by pooling the capacities of different stakeholders, improving coordinated responses and enabling formal channels of communication and knowledge sharing to monitor and increase implementation of the policy commitments that are in place. The following stakeholders should be considered:
- At both the national and decentralized levels, all arms of government have a duty to address violence against women and girls, in particular the ministries of finance, women’s affairs, justice, health, education, interior/security, labour and social affairs. National statistical offices are also key partners in systematizing the collection and analysis of data; and offices of ombudspersons and human rights institutions to assist in monitoring the law.
- Within government, parliamentarians are also key partners as representatives of the public, as decision-makers and in their roles related to legislative reform and budget approval. They can also be highly influential public opinion leaders and mobilize political support.
- Civil society organizations that have most likely been at the forefront of working directly with women and girl survivors - providing shelter, psychosocial and legal support and other services are critical partners. They can make valuable contributions to informing policies and programmes given their practical expertise; have access to local networks and often enjoy trust of the community which can provide critical complements to the government’s systems and resources. Engagement with diverse and marginalized groups can ensure that at-risk populations (e.g. adolescent mothers, incarcerated youth and adults, displaced populations, indigenous and migrant groups) are reached. Parents, guardians and teachers have important roles to play and should be sensitized and engaged in efforts to prevent and respond to violence, as they are responsible for children’s well-being and for transmitting the values, norms and behaviours that can either perpetuate or eliminate gender-based violence. Faith-based, adolescents/youth and men’s groups committed to gender equality should also be engaged as potential key partners, particularly in the context of primary prevention efforts.
- Academic and Research Institutions can bring specific expertise and technical skills to programming, especially in the areas of research, data analysis, monitoring, evaluation, documentation and dissemination of findings; and can be engaged to provide guidance on evidence-based programming approaches toward informing the design and implementation of interventions, and optimizing results.
- The private sector can provide valuable support to initiatives through financial and in-kind contributions (e.g. sponsoring events, media campaigns and public service announcements). They also have a direct role to play by instituting strong internal policies and programmes on sexual harassment; providing support services and/or referrals for employees who have experienced domestic violence or abuse in the workplace; and can be important allies in shaping social norms that do not tolerate violence by reaching non-traditional audiences through their networks (e.g. trade unions or professional organizations).
- Media outlets are extremely powerful socialization mechanisms, wielding considerable influence on public opinion. The media (including journalists) can be engaged to ensure gender-sensitive and rights-based reporting on violence against women; increase coverage related to less documented forms, new research findings and violence committed against marginalized groups; and to promote more gender-equitable attitudes and zero tolerance for violence through popular cultural figures and their ability to reach large audiences quickly.
Illustrative Resources:
Parliamentarians
Combating Trafficking in Persons a Handbook for Parliamentarians (UNODC/Inter-Parliamentary Union/ UN.GIFT, 2009). Available in English and French.
Parliaments Take Action on Violence against Women (Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2009). Available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish.
A Parliamentary Response to Violence Against Women (Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2008). Available in English and French.
Private Sector
Women’s Empowerment Principles: Equality Means Business. (UNIFEM and UN Global Compact, 2010). Available in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Media
Reporting Gender-based Violence (Inter-Press Service, 2009). Available in English.
Picturing a Life Free of Violence: Media Communication Strategies to End Violence Against Women (Drezin/UNIFEM and Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, 2001). Available in English.
EMPOWERING MESSAGES - What you should know: Strategic Communication and Gender-Based Violence (Media Monitoring Africa, 2009). Available in English.
"Mission Possible": A Gender and Media Advocacy Training Toolkit (World Association for Christian Communication, 2006). Available in English, French and Spanish.