The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association is a non-governmental, non-partisan non-profitable organization established in 1995 for the promotion and advancement of women’s rights in the country. It strives towards the creation of GBV/HTPs free environment to achieve gender equality.
EWLA in partnership with UNFPA and Federal Supreme Court is implementing a project entitled‘Enhance SGBV/HTPs prevention and access to Justice to women and Girls via multifaceted approach; in Addis Ababa, Tigray, Amhara, Oromiya, SNNPR, Gambella, Benshangul Gumuz’ in collaboration with different stakeholders. The overall objective of the project is to enhance Gender Equality and Mitigating SGBV through the provision of legal aid, Capacity Building and Public Education and research and advocacy.
Background
Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) or Gender Based Violence (GBV) is very common and widespread in Ethiopia. Though violence acts such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, trafficking in women and children, early marriage, abduction, FGM/C, and child labour are prevalent in the country as to the existing evidence, it is difficult to establish an estimate of the prevalence and magnitude clearly because GBC?CAWC is highly under-reported. The reasons for non-reporting are multifaceted but typically include lack of confidence that justice will be rendered, fear of retribution or ridicule, self-blame, limited information & lack of trust on institutions providing services. Among the contributing factors towards the prevalence of GBV include lack of gender sensitivity at law enforcement organs even where there is sufficient legal framework on specific issues.
Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs) that affect women and girls, namely female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), abduction and early marriage constitute the most prevalent manifestations of VAWC in most rural parts of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2005 (EDHS, 2005) showed national prevalence of FGM for the age group 15-49 was 74.3%. However, recent data shows a decline in either the form of FGM to a less severe cutting or abandonment. On the other hand, the practice of abduction and early marriage are not only prevalent but also condoned, especially in the rural areas.
As one of the problems in the overall effort of fighting GBV/HTPs is lack of comprehensive data, EWLA plans to prepare a manual on GBV/HTPs at three of the target regions of the project i.e. Addis Ababa, Amhara and Oromia region. Accordingly, EWLA is looking for a qualified consultant to undertake the TOT manual.
Objective
The overall objective of the manual is to undertake a comprehensive TOT on Prevention and Response to SGBV/HTPs (on investigation, prosecution, communication skills and survivor-friendly service) in coordination with relevant justice institutions including Police, University, colleges’ General attorney and courts for fighting GBV/HTPs.
Expected Results
A comprehensive 3 (three) TOT manual on Prevention of and Response to SGBV/HTPs (on investigation, prosecution, communication skills and survivor-friendly services) for Judges, Public Prosecutors, Police, social workers, medical professionals, case workers, pro-bono lawyers and counselors.
Tasks of the Consultant
Time Frame
Qualification
Research Methodology
Both qualitative and quantitative research methodology will be deployed in conducting the manual to assess the mechanism of prevention and response related to SGBV/HTPs in selected governmental and non-governmental organizations in alignment to with strong gender dimension. To this effect, the consultant/s will develop a survey questionnaire to collect information on the effort made to control the prevention and response of SGBV/HTPs and also focus group discussion and in depth interview will be carried out with experts working on gender and HTP with different stakeholders.
Deliverables: