New project with CARE targets gender-based violence

The Lotus Flower is very happy to have launched a much-needed new project which sees us providing protection services to vulnerable communities in Duhok.

In a new partnership with CARE through funding from European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), we’re working to boost access to response services to those most at risk of gender-based violence (GBV) in camps as well as host communities in Derabon, Khanki and Sharya.

As part of the project, we have begun providing free and confidential case management support and referral services to 140 GBV survivors and at-risk women, girls, men and boys and their families, meaning they will be able to access essential health and psychosocial support, plus legal help and other specialised services.

With 12 case workers on hand to oversee this in the three project locations, we are utilising nine community mobilisers to identify and refer individual cases. In addition, we are providing cash assistance to survivors who receive case management, including individual heads of household with little or no income, those with psychosocial needs, older people with no family support, and at-risk children and young people.

Another part of the project will see us distribute dignity kits, including sanitary pads, to 1,400 of the most vulnerable women and girls. This will allow their essential hygiene needs to be met when low incomes mean they must focus on essential food and other basic needs.

In addition, the project – which runs until the end of this year – will see us establish women-led committees, who will train as local GBV focal points. Comprising of community workers and leaders, the committees will raise awareness of GBV and organise appropriate response services through community and health centres, women-only spaces, online campaigns and community events which also involve men and boys. The committee members will also be trained in referral mechanisms.

Our partners CARE will also be ensuring that beneficiaries will have greater access to safe, quality water and better sanitation and hygiene facilities in the same locations.

Overall, this is a hugely important intervention, and we’re very grateful to our partners for enabling it to happen. We’re confident it’s going to bring extremely positive impacts, and will of course keep you posted…