Cra girlpowerannualreport2013 by Plan Nederland

Child Rights Alliance Girl Power Programme

Annual Report 2013

Contents Contents

List of abbreviations

Preface

1. The Girl Power programme 2012 1.1. Outcomes of the Girl Power Programme 2013 1.1.1. General 1.1.2. Thematic Areas (Box 1 & 2) 1.1.2.1. Protection Against Violence 1.1.2.2. Socio-political participation 1.1.2.3. Economic participation 1.1.2.4. (Post-primary) education 1.2. Capacity Development of Southern Partners 1.2.1. Reflections per core capability 1.2.2. Comparing 5C scores with targets: are we on track? 1.3. Civil Society Development 1.3.1. CIVICUS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; baseline versus midterm evaluation 1.3.2. Civil society as agent for gender equality: are we on track? 1.4. Support by Child Rights Alliance to partner organisations (Box 5) 1.4.1. Direct Partner Programme Support 1.4.2. Capacity development in partners 1.4.3. Support to Country Steering Committees 1.5. Output by partner organisations (Box 6) 1.6. Strategic Programme Review

11 13 14 16 16 18 18 20 20 22 23 23 24 25 26 26 27 27 30 32

2. Country information and cross-country activities 2.1. Asia 2.1.1. Bangladesh 2.1.2. Nepal 2.1.3. Pakistan 2.2. Africa 2.2.1. Ethiopia 2.2.2. Ghana 2.2.3. Liberia 2.2.4. Sierra Leone 2.2.5. Zambia 2.3. Latin America 2.3.1. Bolivia 2.3.2. Nicaragua 2.4. Cross-country and regional activities

35 35 35 41 47 53 53 59 64 71 77 82 82 89 94

Learning agenda of the Child Rights Alliance

4. Organisational aspects of the Child Rights Alliance 4.1. Organisational monitoring protocol 4.1.1. Threshold criteria: own income & remuneration of key management 4.1.2. Efficiency 4.1.3. Quality of the administrative organisation 4.1.4. Programme budget 4.1.5. Partnership policy 4.1.6. Harmonisation and complementarity 4.1.7. Learning capacity 4.2. Statement of internal control and risk management 4.2.1. Assessment of management capacities of local partners 4.2.2. Fraud and anticorruption policy 4.2.3. Sanction policy 4.2.4. Risk management

101 101 101 101 102 104 105 106 107 107 107 108 108 110

5. Financial report of the Child Rights Alliance 5.1. Accounting principles 5.2. Combined Income and Expenditure Statement 5.3. Combined statement of changes in fund balances 5.4. Combined statement of financial position 5.5. Expenditure allocation 5.6. Own Contribution 5.7. Remuneration of key management 5.8. Explanation of programme expenditures

113 113 113 115 116 116 117 117 118

Annex Country cases

121 123

List of abbreviations ACPF African Child Policy Forum ANPPCAN African Network for Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect CBO Community Based Organisation CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women CHI Child Helpline International CLPC Children’s Legal Protection Centre CRA Child Rights Alliance CSC Country Steering Committee CSO Civil Society Organisation DCI-ECPAT NL Defence for Children International Nederland –ECPAT Nederland (Defence for Children – ECPAT) DPA Direct Poverty Alleviation DSC Dutch Steering Committee EC European Commission ECCD Early Childhood Care and Development EFA Education for All EU European Union FAWE Forum for African Women Educationalists FGM/C Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting FPU Free Press Unlimited GPD Girl Power Desk GPGEM Girl Power Gender Empowerment Measure GPP Girl Power Programme ICS Investing in Children and their Societies ICDI International Child Development Initiatives ILO International Labour Organisation LA Lobby & Advocacy M&E Monitoring & Evaluation MDG Millennium Development Goal MFSII Co-financing System II (2011-2015) of the Dutch Government MIS Management Information System MoU Memorandum of Understanding MSC Most Significant Change MTR Mid-Term Review NGO Non-Governmental Organisation PME Planning Monitoring and Evaluation PTA Parent Teacher Association RNE Royal Netherlands Embassy SAIEVAC South Asia Initiative to End Violence against Children SGBV Sexual and Gender Based Violence SGE Stichting Gezamenlijke Evaluaties (Foundation Joint Evaluations) T4C Together4Change ToC Theory of Change ToR Terms of Reference ToT Training of Trainers TVET Technical and Vocational Education and Training UBR Universal Birth Registration UNCRC United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child UN ECOSOC United Nations Economic and Social Council UNIATFAG United Nations Interagency Task Force on Adolescent Girls UNICEF United Nations Children Fund UNIFEM United Nations Development Fund for Women 7

UNFPA UNPD VAC VT WB WW

United Nations Population Fund United Nations Population Division Violence against Children Vocational Training World Bank Women Win

Preface 2013 has been a crucial year for the Child Rights Alliance. The external midterm evaluation of the Girl Power programme provided us with important insights in progress towards planned outcomes and points of attention for the remaining period of programme implementation. 2013 has also been an important year for the international development community, with the measurement year of the Millennium Development Goals now rapidly approaching, and talks on postMDG increasingly setting the agenda of international debate. There has been relatively little attention for gender equality and violence against girls and women in the MDGs, and the Child Rights Alliance is pleased that the midterm evaluation identified important positive achievements of its Girl Power programme. Girls and young women in programme areas now experience significantly less physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence than before the start of the programme, and there has been a marked increase in the non-acceptance of violence against girls and young women. The role of boys and men in further reducing levels of violence against girls and young women has proved crucial, and will remain a point of attention for 2014 and 2015. The midterm evaluation also confirms the importance of a strong and active civil society in promoting equal rights and opportunities for girls and young women. Despite tendencies towards diminishing space and opportunities for civil society in programme countries, the Girl Power partner organisations have found practical and effective ways to strengthen civil society capacities in acting as agent for gender equality. It is our hope that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be able to continue its support to girls and young women in developing countries in the future, and that it will continue its leading role towards strengthened commitment of the international community for these important issues. As GraĂ§a Machel stated: if we do not invest in the empowerment of girls and young women, the Millennium Development Goals are likely to be missed altogether.

Monique van â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t Hek Director Plan Nederland

1. The Girl Power Programme 2013 The programme ‘Girl Power: Promoting Equal Rights and Opportunities for Girls and Young Women’ of the 1 Child Rights Alliance (CRA) is carried out in Africa (Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Zambia), Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan) and in Latin America (Bolivia, Nicaragua). The programme is granted € 52 million under MFSII and is implemented in a five year period running from 2011 to 2015. Major achievements and strategic issues The most notable achievements of the programme in 2013 can be summarised as follows:  Girls and young women in GP programme areas experience significantly less physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence than before the start of the programme.  Non-acceptance of violence against girls and young women in GP programme areas has increased markedly.  Girls and young women in GP programme areas are better able to say ’no’ to unwanted sexual activity, and know where to go if in need of protection services.  Girls and young women in GP programme areas are increasingly participating in decision-making in, for example, school boards, neighbourhood committees and municipalities.  Increasing positive values on (post-primary) education for girls - a majority of girls, boys, women and men in GP programme areas now agrees that girls should continue their education after childbirth or marriage.  In Pakistan, the GPP through its informal community based school system for female school dropouts is leading to tangible empowerment of girls and young women, with impressive numbers of girls reentering formal education or decent work.  In Nepal, women’s increased access to financial resources has created a multiplier effect: through saving groups facilitated by the GPP, many women have started to actively engage in and lead cooperatives.  The GPP contributed to partner organisations’ capacity development through trainings, (international) peer-exchanges, research projects as part of the learning agenda, international meetings and consultations, linking with regional and global civil society networks, and through components of strengthening capacities of local and/or national CSOs and NGOs.  The increased capacity of GPP partner organisations contributes to strengthened civil society capacity to act as an agent for gender equality. The most important strategic issues for 2014 – 2015 are:  Despite important changes, girls and young women in programme areas still face severe challenges. Levels of violence remain high. Focus on effective strategies for behaviour change is needed to realise further changes in values and actual behaviour, for example by actively engaging boys and men.  Implementation of policies and legislation for girls and young women is weak in all GP programme countries. GP partners and civil society organisations will need to strengthen their role in lobbying and advocacy to increase impact at institutional levels. 1

The Child Rights Alliance is composed of Plan Nederland, Child Helpline International (CHI), Defence for Children – ECPAT Nederland (DCI-ECPAT NL), Free Press Unlimited (FPU), International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI) and Women Win (WW). 11



 

With the notable exception of Nepal, results on economic empowerment are weak. In those countries where economic empowerment forms a substantial part of the country programme, practical approaches need to be considered to strengthen effectiveness of interventions in this area. To maximise the sustainability of programme results after 2015, existing alliances with public entities need to be strengthened, options for new partnerships seized and concrete sustainability plans developed as soon as possible, including strategies for joint fundraising by CRA members and partners. In order to realise set targets on capacity development, further support to capacity development of GP partners is needed through both individual and collective plans at GPP and country levels, focusing on peer exchange, combined trainings and knowledge sharing through face-to-face meetings and events. Simple and effective tools need to be developed to keep track of numbers of beneficiaries at country level and to improve the overall monitoring of country programmes (as opposed to partner projects) by Country Steering Committees and at CRA level. GP partners should strengthen the effectiveness of their work with civil society (organisations) by monitoring outcome of their joint activities. Country Steering Committees need further support to effectively coordinate implementation of their country programmes and facilitate collaboration between partners for greater impact for girls and young women.

Girl Power Results Framework and Monitoring Protocol Results of the Girl Power programme are measured against the following framework:

This framework is an adjusted version of the original Girl Power results framework as submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 1 March 2011. The adjustments reflect growing insight into programme implementation and monitoring practices. The Child Rights Alliance welcomed the opportunity given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to adjust the initial Monitoring Protocol of its Girl Power programme, regarding it as an important opportunity to enhance accountability and show realistic evidence-based results. Since the formulation of the initial Girl Power Monitoring Protocol during the start-up phase of the programme, a number of country programmes had changed direction, had further developed and/or been redefined. Consequently, in a number of cases programme progress was no longer fully captured by the prevailing monitoring protocol. Moreover, these same changes at country programme level had, in some cases, affected the validity and usability of the 2011 baseline study. An adjusted version of the Girl Power programme monitoring protocol was submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 11 January 2013. Final adjustments were made to this protocol in 2013, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The external midterm evaluation of the Girl Power programme conducted between May 2013 and January 2014 provided the CRA with the necessary information for these final adjustments. Objectives of the evaluation were threefold:  To validate and partially (re)construct Girl Power baseline information, in line with the revised Girl Power Monitoring Protocol dated January 2013;  To assess progress made to date, measured against the reconstructed baseline information and set targets;  To identify lessons to be used for greater programme effectiveness and programme efficiency both on the country level and generic Girl Power levels. In addition, the evaluation included an assessment of progress on the so-called cross-country programme components and the learning agenda. The Girl Power results are situated in the MFSII priority result areas related to MDG 3 (Promote gender equality and empower women), civil society strengthening and capacity development of partners. This current report on the third year of programme implementation focuses on these outcomes (Box 1, Box 2, Box 3 and Box 4 respectively). With this report the CRA moreover accounts for the outputs delivered by the CRA members (Box 5) and their partner organisations (Box 6) in 2013. Finally, the financial report of the Child Rights Alliance is included in chapter 5.

1.1. Outcomes of the Girl Power Programme 2013 Conclusions on the outcomes of the Girl Power programme in 2013 presented in this report are based on the findings of the programme’s external midterm evaluation. The team of consultants led by Transition International, in collaboration with Avance PMC, utilised a mixed methods approach, combining the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. The evaluation methodology was developed during the evaluation inception phase, including separate tools for subgroups within the ‘Girls and young women’, and ‘Community’ target groups. All tools were developed factoring in the sex and age ranges of the interviewees to account for different gender and age perspectives and expected differences in levels of comprehension and experiences. Child-friendly tools 13

were developed for minors, specifically tailored to the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evolving capacities and interests, and a wide variety of participatory exercises, such as focus group discussions, ranking and mapping were incorporated. Triangulation methodology was employed to increase the validity of evaluation results. To measure progress in the result areas capacity development and civil society strengthening, the evaluators developed tools based on the 5C and CIVICUS methodologies respectively. Data collection was carried out in the ten Girl Power programme countries and with the CRA member organisations in the Netherlands. Country Steering Committees were given the opportunity to share their feedback during the various stages of the evaluation process and actively participated in data collection through information sharing and inviting beneficiaries to participate. The evaluation team ensured that information on the process was shared and understood, whilst safeguarding its independent nature. Furthermore, during a series of kick-off meetings, tools were operationalized with CSC inputs, sampling plans finalised and logistics arranged. Finally, evaluation summits were conducted with the CSC where national and regional researchers presented their initial findings and conclusions, and shared preliminary lessons learned. The evaluation produced, among other deliverables, ten country reports and a global synthesis report. The presentation of the final evaluation reports to the CRA by the lead consultants also marked the kickoff of a strategic review process based on the findings and recommendations of the midterm evaluation, the CRA partnership review conducted in June 2013, and general insights gained during the first three years of programme implementation. More details on the strategic review are included in section 1.6 (Strategic Review).

1.1.1. GENERAL Overall progress of the Girl Power Programme per country in 2013 is graphically represented on page 15. Relevance GPP interventions are relevant to local realities and the needs of girls and young women. Furthermore, the extensive work on changing attitudes within the communities is, without exception, highly relevant in all countries. Although linkages could be improved, programme activities are generally in line with government priorities. In a number of countries, for example Liberia and Nepal, GPP awareness-raising activities are so much in line with government outreach programmes that it becomes difficult to attribute changes to specific interventions. The high levels of satisfaction with activities among all groups of beneficiaries can be also considered a measure of programme relevance. Similarly, the expressed wish by the targeted population to extend, expand and scale-up the programme indicates that programme interventions are considered relevant. Efficiency The midterm evaluation did not include a systematic financial review, but the overall impression is that partners have been efficient in the use of available (limited) human and financial resources and that there is a sufficient balance between inputs and outcomes. The GPP could however improve its efficiency by facilitating economies of scale though sharing of infrastructure, methodologies, materials and experiences. Despite the extensive administrative and financial control of GPP management, up to date monitoring data was not always readily available at the country programme level. Moreover, there is a lack of clarity on the numbers of beneficiaries reached to date.

Sustainability Programme design and implementation present good potential for sustainability of outcomes after 2015. Activities at the beneficiary level are directed towards training and empowerment of girls and young women; helping ensuring sustainability as the acquired knowledge, skills and capacities will remain with them. Additionally, strategies with multiplier effect are being implemented, such as training of reporters and monitoring girls who teach other girls. Capacity building of partner organisations and civil society is also likely to generate sustainable results. On another positive note, the majority of the partner organisations have a long track-record of working on GPP themes, which they will continue to do beyond GPP financing. Moreover, while there have already been several initiatives to build alliances with public entities, partners acknowledge the need to strengthen these existing alliances and to develop concrete sustainability plans for post-2015 as soon as possible. In several programme countries, Country Steering Committees are exploring opportunities to strengthen sustainability, and the topic was also much nd debated during the 2 Global Learning Meeting (Addis Ababa, October).

1.1.2. THEMATIC AREAS (BOX 1 & 2) 1.1.2.1. Protection against Violence Overall, progress has been made on all specific outcomes related to protection against violence for girls and young women at the individual, socio-cultural and institutional dimensions; with most improvement being seen at the individual level; secondly at the socio-cultural level and lastly at the institutional level. This can partly be explained by the fact that the focus of GPP interventions has been on facilitating change at the direct target groups, comprising young girls (10-13 years), adolescent girls (14-17 years) and young women (18-24 years). Changes, in comparison to the (reconstructed) baseline, include a significant decrease in experiences with all four types of violence, the most extreme decrease being seen in physical violence. However, work remains to be done for all types of violence; the perceived prevalence of all types of violence (economic, physical, emotional and sexual) still lying between ‘sometimes’ and ‘often’.

1=never experienced violence - 2=sometimes experienced violence - 3=often experienced violence - 4=very often experienced violence

Indicators 1 & 2 - % of girls and young women who indicate that they or girls they know have experienced violence 4

10-13 MTR (N=371) 14-17 BL (N=1670)

14-17 MTR (N=1670) 18-24 BL (N=1420)

Economic Violence

Physicial Violence

Emotional Violence

Sexual Violence

18-24 MTR (N=1420)

The non-acceptance of violence against girls and young women has also increased significantly at the individual level and, to a lesser extent, at the socio-cultural level, indicating that more sensitisation activities should be developed for all categories of community members (boys, men, and women aged >24 years). Much has been achieved, however, for example all age and gender groups are less prone to accepting adults beating children or men beating their wives or girlfriends. Professional panel members observed an improvement in governmental support given to protection against violence at the institutional level, especially regarding legislation and to a lesser extent service provision; girl panel members however did not express this improvement. Further, around three-quarters of all consulted girls and young women demonstrated knowledge of available protection services and indicated that they knew how to act when in need of protection against violence. For both adolescent girls and young women these numbers represent a considerable and in most cases statistically significant increase in comparison to the base-line. However, for example in West Africa, it was expressed that the quantity of services had not increased and it was suggested that the GPP should work more on this dimension. In Bolivia, the quantity had increased, but not (yet) quality, and Nicaragua reported an increase in the number of complaints over the available protection services, pointing not only an increase in the awareness of services but an actual increase in girls and young women going there. Protection in East Africa The most progress on this theme has been made in East Africa, especially in terms of girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; values on violence against girls and their knowledge on protection services. Furthermore, community values have changed considerably. In Ethiopia however, there has been no decrease in the perceived prevalence of violence whilst in Zambia it has. It is important that girls and young women understand gender and power dynamics, have self-esteem, know where to go, and have actual access to protection services. The programme is working and progressing on this level. Protection in West Africa There are considerable changes taking place at the individual and socio-cultural levels, which can be attributed to the growing level of awareness and sensitisation performed at the local level. Nevertheless, the governments in the three programme countries have lagged behind on the implementation of existing laws and policies. Safe houses, psycho-social support and rehabilitation mechanisms are almost nonexistent, creating disparities between the awareness-raising component and the possibility to access support when needed. Protection in Asia Implementation of the protection theme in the three programme countries in Asia has resulted in life style changes of girls and young women. GPP activities have moreover changed the mind-sets of community members. Protection in Latin America Girls and young women in GP programme areas are now more aware of their rights and available protection services. Moreover, according to girls and young women, the level of violence against them has decreased significantly since the beginning of the programme. Positive changes in the legal framework and governmental support have contributed to these positive achievements. Girls and young women are still affected by various forms of violence however, and GP partners have started working with boys and men as a strategy towards prevention. This strategy is proving to be very effective, notably in Bolivia.

1.1.2.2. Socio-political participation Progress has been made on the individual and socio-cultural level, with a demonstrable increase in the numbers of all ages and genders valuing the participation of girls and young women in decision-making bodies. Actual participation of girls (specifically in school boards) and young women (e.g. in neighbourhood committees and municipalities) has also increased. Norms and values on girls’ and young women’s participation in decision-making have changed positively. On the institutional level however, more policies and practices have to be developed to enhance the participation of young women in, for instance, local governance bodies if real gender equality is to be achieved. Economically empowered girls are also likely to have more voice and representation in their communities and beyond; strong links between socio-political and economic empowerment activities are therefore recommended. Political empowerment in East Africa Political empowerment was not a theme in Ethiopia. In Zambia, little progress has been observed. The theme has not yet received much attention and needs to be integrated in ongoing work, for example with girls’ clubs. Political empowerment in West Africa In all three programme countries there is a growing awareness of the need for and opening of political space for girls and young women. Girls and young women are now actively participating in decisionmaking processes in their communities, a change directly attributable to the programme. For instance, in Northern Ghana, the cultures and traditions hugely marginalised girls and young women. The GPP has succeeded in involving community leaders, thereby fostering acceptance and support. At grassroots levels, girls through girls’ clubs and panels are being trained to take up leadership positions and provide a voice to their peers. This is creating the confidence needed to take up their rightful place in their homes and communities. Political empowerment in Asia The GPP in Asia does not formally include the thematic area of political empowerment, although protection, education and economic empowerment interventions have had positive impact on the life of girls and young women. Women are increasingly taking up leadership positions, for example in cooperative groups in Nepal. Political empowerment in Latin America At the individual level, girls and young women in Bolivia have shown a clear empowerment and advance in socio-political participation. They are very active in school boards and community organisations, and female participation in local and national government has increased strongly – mainly as a result of government policy. In some municipalities youth committees have been established and are now allocated a budget from local municipality authorities – an example of powerful lobbying and influence by the GPP. 1.1.2.3. Economic participation With the notable exception of the programme in Nepal, economic empowerment is currently proving to be the GPP’s weakest thematic component. Whilst scores in terms of measuring progress between baseline and the MTR show many positive trends, qualitative data and expert reviews indicate serious weaknesses in this area. Overall, beneficiaries and partners are demanding more activities in this field, even in programme countries where the theme is not included.

With the exception of Nepal, activities and consequent change on economic participation is proving unsatisfactory in most of the countries where the theme does form part of the Girl Power programme. As most partners in the GPP are protection organisations, their experiences and networks are not geared towards the effective creation of economic empowerment. Whilst financial literacy and more general life skills training programmes by GPP partners in many countries install girls and young women with important knowledge, experience and attitudes for economic participation, these activities are often not labelled and evaluated as economic empowerment projects and programmes. However, most activities undertaken by GP partners under the heading of economic empowerment are limited to skills training, often in stereotype low pay sectors, and without proper follow-up support to effectively use learned skills. In addition, skills training is not based on, and thus not responsive to, local market demands. Another important weakness is the lack of linkage to the private sector, economic service providers and the relevant line ministries responsible for economic activities. Economic empowerment has direct linkages to political participation, protection and education. Girls and young women earning their own income are generally more independent, which reduces their 2 vulnerability to the different forms of violence. Girls and young women with income can pay for their own and their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education, achieve more status and voice in families and communities, and enlarge their networks and thus their options through their business contacts. It should be noted however that much valuable and successful work on economic empowerment in the GPP is not being recognised as such as it is headed under the theme of Protection. One of the most important elements of economic empowerment is life skills training. Many GPP organisations working on Protection have expertise in life skills training. Economic empowerment in East Africa Economic empowerment is not a theme in Ethiopia. In Zambia, not much progress has yet been observed, also because this theme receives less attention. Activities are limited to skills trainings which are not linked to market demands Economic empowerment in West Africa Most of the activities and training conducted are stereotypical (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;garaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;-tie dye, soap making etc.), and not based on market opportunity mappings. There is very limited post-training support provided. This negatively affects the gains made, thereby rendering girls as economically vulnerable as they were prior to GPP interventions. Economic empowerment in Asia In the Asian programme countries, this theme is only included in Nepal, where economic empowerment has made positive changes to the lives of women. Many of them have gained increased independence, manage their household expenditure and actively engage in savings and credit groups. With their increased confidence, they are functioning as role models for younger girls. While still too early to conclude, there are strong indications that economic empowerment activities in the programme areas have not only led to reduced levels of gender based violence, but also reduced the rate of early marriage and teenage pregnancies. Economic empowerment in Latin America Economic empowerment is not a theme in GPP in Bolivia, nor for Nicaragua. However, some partners have integrated it into their activities due to previous experience with the topic. 2

However, increased income and independence can have the reverse effect, leading to more violence and conflict; a negative impact requiring explicit monitoring. 19

1.1.2.4. (Post-primary) education Positive increases between baseline and midterm evaluation periods can be observed in all three dimensions of this theme. A large majority (above 90%) of respondents at both the individual and sociocultural dimension value education for girls and young women highly, and as equally important as for boys and young men. They moreover agree that girls should be able to continue their education after childbirth or marriage. It is very likely that GPP trainings and awareness-raising activities regarding girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rights to education have influenced this positive result. For the socio-cultural dimension, many actors, including governments, actively promote girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; education in most of the GPP targeted countries and may thus have contributed to the positive outcomes. There is still room for GPP to improve its outcomes at the institutional level, especially for example through advocacy and lobby for scholarships. Education in East Africa Education is not a theme in Zambia. In Ethiopia, many well-appreciated activities have been undertaken to support girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; education (for example, via material support). Much work has also been done at the institutional level, strengthening prospects for sustainable outcomes. Education in West Africa The GPP in West Africa is enabling girls who would otherwise have not had the opportunity to pursue their education. The need outweighs the available resources however, posing serious challenges to this form of educational support. Education in Asia The only Asian country working on Education is Pakistan, where the component is proving highly relevant and effective and is leading to tangible empowerment of girls and young women. After initial challenges, an informal community-based school system for female school dropouts now successfully provides girls and young women an opportunity to education and empowerment, with impressive numbers of girls reentering formal education or decent work. The GPP project has made progress in opening the minds of communities to send their girl children (back) to school and GPP partners have been requested to provide more higher education services to those dropout girls. Education in Latin America Education is not a theme in the Nicaragua GPP. In Bolivia, where the theme is included, girls and young women as well as community members now agree that girls and boys should have equal rights to (postprimary) education, and that girls should be able to continue their education after marriage and/or pregnancy. These changes are partially attributable to GPP awareness-raising activities on educational rights.

1.2. Capacity Development of Southern Partners The organisations participating in the GPP have increased their capacities in several ways. Through the GPP, they have increased (or maintained) capacity of human resources and financial resources to cover overhead costs. The programme also increased capacities of partners through capacity building activities, including trainings, (international) peer-exchanges with partners, research projects as part of the learning agenda, international meetings and consultations and regional/global civil society networks reached by linking and networking activities. Finally, the GPP promoted capacity development of its partners through strengthening capacities of local and/or national CSOs and NGOs. 20

Most GPP partners are all well-established and experienced partners. According to the 5C assessment, the capabilities all score well. Due to the late start of the programme in many countries, the focus has been on activities with girls and young women and communities and to a lesser extent on partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own capacity development. Although the organisations in general have strong capabilities, not all capabilities are yet on the ambition levels set by the organisations themselves. When the midterm evaluation data of the 5C scores are compared to the set targets for 2015, and reflections by organisations during the 5C sessions are taken into account, it can be concluded that the main challenge is on the capability to adapt and self-renew. Organisations prioritised the following areas for improving their capacities: development and implementation of gender policies; strategic and programme planning, monitoring and evaluation (PME); financial management and mobilisation of human resources. In addition, the evaluation team recommended working more explicitly on capacities to design and implement post-2015 strategies, focusing on resource mobilisation and creating linkages to a broader range of partners to ensure sustainability of their services.

Girl Power 5C progress

4,0 3,5 3,0 2,5 2,0

Baseline 1,5

MTR

1,0

Target

0,5 0,0 Capability 1: Capability 2: Commit and act Deliver on objectives

Capability 3: Attract and relate to stakeholders

Capability 4: Adapt and self renew

Capability 5: Balance diversity and consistency

The global average for all partners on the 5Cs (for the midterm evaluation) is between 3.0 and 3.3. This is a clear indication that the GPP has a strong partner base. Most of the GPP partners have been in existence for over ten years; some, similar to the Plan country offices, have forged longstanding relationships in their respective countries. Partners like Madadgaar in Pakistan are also members of global networks like CHI. The organisation Fe y Alegria (Faith and Joy) in Bolivia will celebrate in four yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time its 50th anniversary. Young organisations seem to be in the minority, but EWN in Nepal is an example of professionalization through collaboration and learning from cooperation and capacity development in the Girl Power programme. DCI-Sierra Leone and DCI Liberia also confirm that the Girl Power programme has been instrumental in their organisational development. 21

Attracting and relating to other organisations is where the CRA partners in general rate themselves highest. The capability to adapt and self-renew is overall the weakest; partners globally have scored this capability lowest. Interesting to note is that connecting with the outside world (attracting and relating) is regarded a greater strength by partners than their internal ability to change according to their operational environments, and to stay renewed. This openness to collaboration is promising for the optimal functioning of the CSCs. Partners from Bangladesh overall have scored themselves higher than those from other countries, during both the baseline and the midterm evaluations. Progress was made on all capabilities in Ghana and Sierra Leone.

1.2.1. REFLECTIONS PER CORE CAPABILITY Capability 1: To commit and act When it comes to commit and act, the GP partner organisations generally consider the leadership of their organisation as a positive asset. Participants also appreciated the presence and quality of strategic plans as an important and positive enabling factor for commitments and actions by their organisations. The finance aspect scores lowest. Scores for the capability to commit and act vary considerably between countries however, with Bangladesh far above the rest. Six countries score below the average, with Ghana as only African country above the average (the others being Asian). Capability 2: To deliver on objectives This capability on average scored slightly lower: 3.1. Relatively higher scores for the indicators ‘rightsbased approach’ and ‘gender approach’ had a positive influence on the overall scores. ‘Infrastructure’ was certainly not considered sufficient in all countries; this indicator negatively influencing organisations’ ability to deliver on objectives. Scores between countries vary even more. With an average of 3.4, Bangladesh scored most above the average (3.6), while Liberia, Pakistan and Zambia scored below 3.0. Capability 3: To attract and relate to stakeholders With an average appreciation of 3.3, this capability was valued as the strongest capability by the participating organisations. All GP partners consider their organisations strong in attracting and relating to others. All indicators, except for ‘credibility’ were scored relatively high. Additionally, there was little variety in scores between countries for this capability. Capability 4: To adapt and self-renew Participating organisations on average scored this capability lowest (3.0). None of the underlying indicators is scored particularly higher or lower than the others. However, learning is scored highest (3.2) and learning for gender equality lowest (2.9). Zambia (2.8), Pakistan (2.3) and Liberia (2.6) bring global averages to a lower level with scores below 3.0. Ethiopia also scored low (3.0) on this capability. Capability 5: To balance diversity and consistency This capability resulted in a global average score of 3.2. Three out of five indicators assured this relatively high average score: clear mandate and vision, operating principles, and consistency.

1.2.2. COMPARING 5C SCORES WITH TARGETS : ARE WE ON TRACK? Existing baseline information was used during the midterm evaluation to assess progress on partner capacity development. Although the same tool was used for both the baseline and midterm evaluations, the methods of collecting information were different. For the baseline, an external consultant allocated scores to the different indicators based on the assessment of information gathered in a series of 22

interviews. For the midterm evaluation, self-scoring was applied during day-long participatory workshops per organisation. Also, not all partners who were involved in the baseline participated in the midterm evaluation, since some partners had left the GPP and new partners were included. Therefore, some caution is required when interpreting the differences between baseline and midterm evaluation scores. Although within organisations comparison is legitimate and meaningful, at country level (aggregated) there may be some distortions. Nevertheless the overall trends are valid in all cases. As indicated above, the midterm evaluation indicates that the GP partner organisations in general have strong capabilities. When compared to the targets set by the organisations themselves, it can be concluded that not all capabilities are yet on par with the ambition levels, and that intensified efforts will be needed to realise these ambitions. In 2014 and 2015, priorities and capacity gaps identified by partners during the midterm evaluation 5C exercises will be incorporated in capacity development plans by CRA member organisations and Country Steering Committees. Alignment between both trajectories will ensure that the processes are mutually strengthening and do not overlap.

1.3. Civil Society Development The objective of the CIVICUS Civil Society Index exercise is to assess the role and function of GP partner organisations in the broader civil society and their interactions with the public and private sectors. In addition, the exercise looks for the collective strengths and weaknesses of GPP partners. During the midterm evaluation, 224 key informants in 10 countries participated in the exercise, with the purpose of analysing differences with the baseline and identifying (if any) new challenges, risks and opportunities for the role and function of partner organisations in the remaining period of GPP implementation. At civil society level, CSOs in the programme countries expressed a plethora of challenges, including lack of funds, limited human resource capacities, inability to retain staff, and government failings in creating sufficient opportunities for civil society engagement. The GPP provides an opportunity to build CSO capacity and also assist in developing networks and coalitions that will foster cooperation and collaboration. The GPP should, however, focus even more on developing CSO capacities, including those of partners, in order to ensure local ownership and sustainability at programme end. Related to this, capacity improvement of CBOs should be explicitly monitored. Despite the challenges highlighted above, the GPP encounters willingness on the part of civil society organisations to continue working on the thematic areas. CSOs are very helpful in raising awareness and doing sensitisation at local and national levels. They also have the potential to provide the necessary pressure for governments to introduce and implement policies and laws essential to the growth, development and well-being of girls and young women. The advocacy role of GPP partners and civil society organisations should nonetheless be further strengthened to create more results at the institutional level. The GPP and other civil society organisations face the same threats; for example, a lack of political will to build on the programmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four thematic areas has an equal effect on civil society as on the programme. The two are thus inextricably linked and mutually reliant.

1.3.1. CIVICUS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BASELINE VERSUS MIDTERM EVALUATION Looking at the baseline and midterm evaluation scores on the CIVICUS exercise, it can be reported that all scores are relatively positive, with little variation between the indicators. Many of the midterm evaluation facilitators indicate that the scores are often too optimistic; explanations provided by the facilitators reference the positive opinions held on the programmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s implementing partners. Diversity of political engagement (1.2) is scored relatively lowest (6,8). In line with the findings related to political participation of girls and young women, respondents were critical about the level of involvement of girls and young women in local government, and their active contribution to socio-political discussions and campaigns. The same trend can be observed when compared to the baseline, since this indicator also scored lowest before GPP started. This might indicate that while socio-political participation of girls and young women is on the increase at informal levels in GP programme areas, political involvement of girls and young women in more formal settings remains most challenging for actors intervening on civil society development. Social impact (4.2) scored highest (7,8), indicating that the district panels evaluated GPP partners as delivering services that respond to the basic social needs of girls and young women. The same result was observed at the time of the baseline.

During the midterm evaluation, existing baseline information was used to assess progress on civil society development. Although the same tools were used, the methods of collecting information were different. For the midterm evaluation, participatory workshops were organised with district panels and partner staff. For the baseline, a small number of individual assessments were used.

Bearing in mind the fact that the comparison between baseline and midterm evaluation cannot be validated, it remains interesting to observe parallel trends for both the lowest and highest scoring result areas. Relative (positive) differences were found for Diversity of socially based engagement (1.1), Internal governance (3.1) and Policy impact (4.3). Comparison of baseline and midterm evaluation findings for the different countries reveals that Zambia, Sierra Leone and Bolivia score below the global average. The other countries are on or above the average. Generally, all countries are (slightly) improving or remain stable between baseline and MTR. For Zambia, Nicaragua and Bolivia, it was indicated that the baseline information was less realistic and focus should be on midterm evaluation measurements. Liberia scored relatively high at the midterm evaluation; it needs to be kept in mind however that baseline information was not available for Liberia. Furthermore, the facilitator indicated unrealistic scoring on many of the result areas. Bangladesh and Nepal also scored high at the midterm evaluation. Whilst Bangladesh had scored highly in the baseline study, Nepal was one of the countries with a lowest baseline score. The improvement in Nepalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s score is attributable to the high trust CSOs involved in the programme have in the GPP organisations to actually strengthen womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in civil society. The countries scoring lowest during the midterm evaluation were Bolivia, Zambia and Sierra Leone. The explanation is mostly that respondents in these countries were remarkably open, critical and realistic. In addition for Bolivia, the current aid climate is unfavourable for NGOs, with the government increasingly taking control of donor funds and channelling resources, and an overall decrease in donor funding as the country loses its low-income country status. In Zambia, the lower scores are probably explained by the fact that civil society in Zambia is generally more outspoken, with a critical attitude towards the government.

1.3.2. CIVIL SOCIETY AS AN AGENT FOR GENDER EQUALITY : ARE WE ON TRACK ? The increased capacity of GPP partner organisations is generally contributing to increased civil society capacity to act as an agent for gender equality. Differences can be noted per region however. East Africa In Ethiopia, not much has been achieved so far on increasing capacities of civil society organisations as the GPP has little collaboration with civil society. In Zambia however there have been several capacity development activities. The effect is still unknown as only outputs have been reported, and effect has not (yet) been measured. The GPP has done several trainings with local CBOs, but the capacities of these CBOs have not (yet) been assessed. West Africa Most of the organisations that are part of the programme are serving as agents of change towards greater gender equality. This is due to their increased capacity. Trainings in gender equality have proved to be useful; most of the organisations now try to mainstream gender into their activities, and are thus much more gender-sensitive than previously. There remains the need however for organisations such as Plan International and FAWE to put their gender strategies and policies in place. Asia Partner organisations have increased their capacity to empower civil society on child rights issues. There has been a remarkable change in Nepal where many civil society groups, who were not previously

engaged on child rights issues, have started strongly raising children’s voices. Evidence on agency on gender is less strong, except for GP partner CWIN. Latin America The majority of GP partners have extensive track records in gender equality. With a clear strategy on cooperation with CSOs, these organisations are well placed to have a stronger effect on civil society. Most partners work together with local public institutions and, to a much lesser extent, with other CSOs. Various personnel from public institutions have been trained in the GPP Framework; in Nicaragua specifically on gender with the tailor-made postgraduate programme. Advancement has been made on strengthening networks and alliances between CSOs and public institutions.

1.4. Support by CRA to partner organisations (Box 5) 1.4.1. DIRECT PARTNER PROGRAMME SUPPORT CRA results and outputs

Planned 2013

A1. Management of relationships with partners (including PME by alliance members) Identify partners # of new partners identified 12 Assess and approve partner project # of partner project proposals 31 proposals assessed and approved Partner project monitoring (including field 118 visits and financial and narrative reporting) # of partner projects monitored

Realised 2013

Planned 2011–2015

Progress towards targets 2011 - 2015

125



123



110*)

127



*)This includes 13 projects by partner organisations with contracts with more than one Dutch CRA member organisation, and 1 project by regional network South Asia Initiative to End Violence against Children (SAIEVAC). Management of relationships with partners (including PME by alliance members) In 2013, CRA member organisations established 20 new partnerships with Southern partners in the context of the Girl Power Programme. Four of these Southern partners were already involved in the programme, thus bringing the total number of Southern partner organisations involved during 2013 to 96; 13 of which have contractual relationships with more than one Dutch CRA member organisation. Free Press Unlimited and International Child Development Initiatives selected partners for their adjusted programmes in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Zambia and Ethiopia; Child Helpline International agreed on cooperation with new partners in Sierra Leone and Bolivia, and Plan contracted additional partners to accelerate, diversify and/or scale up interventions in Bolivia, Nicaragua and Ethiopia.

1.4.2. CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT IN PARTNERS CRA results and outputs

Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011–2015

Progress towards targets 2011 - 2015

A2. Technical and financial capacity support to partners Assess partners’ organisational # of partner organisations assessed 98 87 123  capacity Deliver capacity development support # of partner organisations supported 133 89 171  with capacity development A3. Creation and promotion of grassroots organisations The indicators for creation and promotion of grassroots organisations have been combined with the indicators for strengthening civil society (organisations) by Southern partners and are included in the table ‘Output delivery SPs 2013’ in section 1.4 . This reflects programme reality and increases transparency.

Technical and financial capacity support to partners In the field of capacity support, each Dutch CRA member in 2013 continued working with its own southern partners on tailor made capacity building programmes. Capacities of core partners are assessed annually. Partner assessment tools used by CRA members vary and include online self-assessment tools and customised versions of the 5C methodology. Organisational assessment of 87 partners took place in the context of the midterm evaluation, partner selection and/or periodic assessments by CRA members. Other partners were assessed during monitoring visits, or as part of follow-up on previous assessments or audits. Capacity support delivered included technical and instrumental support related to GPP implementation, such as training on PME, training on sports programming for girls and responsiveness training for counsellors of child helplines. Generic capacity support aimed at strengthening partner organisations’ capacity beyond the Girl Power programme included organisation strengthening trajectories with the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) and support to the South Asia Coordinating Group on Action against Violence against Children (SACG). In 2013, CRA members and partners increasingly engaged in joint capacity development, for example training on sports programming for girls by FCAM and a post graduate gender course for all CSC members facilitated by Plan, both in Nicaragua. ICDI delivered training on child rights programming for Country Steering Committee member organisations in Sierra Leone and Nepal. In 2014, the CRA will actively support and facilitate joint planning for capacity development, including peer-to-peer capacity development, mentoring and exchange visits.

1.4.3. SUPPORT TO COUNTRY S TEERING COMMITTEES Support linking and networking among partners (including the Country Steering Committees) In 2013, country teams consisting of programme officers of the Dutch CRA members continued to support the Country Steering Committees in all ten programme countries. Dutch CRA members supported facilitation of Annual Reflection Meetings, organised by the Country Steering Committees in eight countries. In two countries, the ARM was postponed to early 2014. In six countries, the ARMs were attended by representatives of at least two Dutch CRA organisations. In two countries, ARM meetings were not attended by representatives of Dutch CRA organisations due to safety reasons and HR issues. Other support by Dutch CRA members to the CSCs included a workshop for CSC coordinators of Zambia, Ghana and Ethiopia in Addis Ababa in October. During the workshop, programme specific PME issues were discussed and attention was paid to relationship management. Participants especially appreciated 27

the opportunity to exchange experiences and insights with other CSC coordinators. A follow-up meeting is planned for 2014. In view of the activities implemented by CRA members in 2011, 2012 and 2013, support towards linking and networking among partners is considered generally on track. CRA results and outputs

Planned 2013

A4. Support linking and networking among partners (including the Country Steering Committees) Country programme monitoring (including # of country programmes monitored 10 field visits and narrative reports) Facilitate and participate in CSC meetings # of CSC meetings facilitated and 80 participated in Facilitate and participate in cross-country # of meetings and consultations meetings & consultations aimed at linking 26 and networking among partners A5. Research and learning (on issues of girls’ rights and empowerment) Conduct research on issues of girls' and # of studies initiated by CRA 32 young women’s' rights (members) Dissemination of learnings on issues of # of dissemination events (including girls' and young women's rights (including lectures, workshops, publications, 59 lectures, workshops, publications, launches) launches) Implementation of learning agenda # of organisations involved in study 135 and discussion of learning questions A6. Alignment and coordination Harmonisation # of agreements, contracts and/or MoUs on harmonisation 13 meetings with MFSII alliances # of agreements, contracts and/or MoUs on harmonisation 9 with RNE's/bi-lateral agencies # of agreements, contracts and/or MoUs on harmonisation 7 with multi-lateral agencies Implementation of # of harmonisation agreements, contracts and/or MoUs with 9 harmonisation other alliances under implementation # of harmonisation agreements, contracts and/or MoUs with 1 RNE's/bi-lateral agencies under implementation # of harmonisation agreements, contracts and/or MoUs with 5 multi-lateral agencies under implementation

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 – 2015

Progress towards targets 2011 - 2015



330

115



101



242

↓

241

↓



Research and learning on issues of girls’ rights and empowerment As a follow-up on the kick-off workshop for the learning agenda in 2012, representatives of nine Country Steering Committees participated in October 2013 in a three-day learning meeting in Addis Ababa to exchange and discuss learning experiences. The meeting was organized by the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF), and facilitated by the Learning Support Group (composed of staff from CRA-member organisations in the Netherlands) and the Learning Reference Group (composed of CSC members from selected countries). Pakistan could unfortunately not participate because visas could not be obtained in time. Progress on the learning agenda is described in more detail in chapter 3 on the CRA Learning Agenda.

Although activities towards research and learning were in 2013 generally implemented as planned, the relatively slow start of the implementation of the Girl Power Learning Agenda is reflected in the overall progress towards planned targets. Alignment and coordination Several examples illustrate increasing levels of harmonisation and alignment with actors in programme countries. In Nepal, Zambia and Sierra Leone, mapping of Child Protection Systems was undertaken in collaboration with UNICEF and other (I)NGOs, and in Bangladesh, UNICEF provides technical and practical support to the child helpline. In Liberia, through GP partners' active membership in various national networks and working groups, such as the Adolescent Girls Working Group, the Child Protection Network and the Gender Based Violence taskforce, the Girl Power programme is well aligned with programmes and activities of other (I)NGOs. Collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Gender and Development, for example on the review of the Girls Education Policy, promoted further harmonisation with government. Although in most countries GPP is well aligned with government policies and priorities, practical harmonisation and alignment with government programmes and actions leaves room for improvement. Practical cooperation with other MFSII alliances is occurring in Nicaragua, where ICDI and MFSII alliance Red een Kind reached agreement on co-funding for the organisational strengthening of a mutual partner organisation. CRA representatives visited Dutch Embassies during field visits in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Ghana, Zambia, Bolivia and Nicaragua (currently located in Costa Rica). There was active exchange of information, and the coordinating role of the Embassy in Bangladesh was especially appreciated. However, developments at Dutch Embassies make concrete harmonisation with Dutch bilateral development difficult. The envisaged number of MoUs or contracts for harmonisation and alignment for 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2015 will most probably prove too ambitious. An additional factor to the challenges faced in aligning with the Dutch Embassies lies in the fact that most cases of harmonisation do not result in formal MoUs or contracts. Overall however, the need to focus on the management and implementation of own programmes narrowed opportunities for harmonisation and alignment, especially in the first two years of implementation. A mapping exercise to promote linking and cooperation with other MFSII alliances in programme countries has not been carried out because of lack of capacity but is on the agenda for 2014. The CRA will moreover continue to build and further strengthen relations with the relevant Dutch Embassies and other (international) stakeholders in The Netherlands as well as the programme countries.

1.5. Output by partner organisations (Box 6) Output delivery SPs 2013 Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 - 2015

Progress towards target 2011 – 2015

B1. Services delivered to girls and boys # of girls and young women reached

468.140

897.714

1.507.790



# of boys reached

277.939

428.445

591.200



2.085 538.909*) 374.195 7.004

2.973

4.509 758.933*) 596.448 18.954



15.133 18.662 5

  

B2. Sensitisation of communities # of communities reached # of households reached # of traditional leaders reached

368.591 8.840

 

B3. Influencing governments by local and regional partners # of frontline staff of Gvt. institutions trained 4.695 5.908 # of staff of Gvt. institutions reached for L&A 5.757 4.601 # of international policy institutions reached L&A 2 2 B4 + A3 Strengthening of civil society (orgs.) by local and regional partners**) # of CSOs, grassroots and media professionals supported with CD # of networks supported or strengthened

11.159

6.167

14.515***)

213

204

472

↓ 

*) The figures in the original Girl Power Child Rights Alliance Annual Plan 2013, submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 1 November 2012, have been corrected for Sierra Leone (# of persons instead of # of households). **) For 2013, the indicator for strengthening civil society (organisations) by Southern partners has been combined with the indicator for creation and promotion of grassroots organisations by CRA organisations. This reflects programme reality and increases transparency. ***) Due to errors in planned figures for 2011 – 2015, the previously communicated number of 30.057 will be reviewed and corrected as part of the midterm evaluation follow-up. Inconsistencies in output planning as a result of adjustments in the formulation of indicators in 2011 (e.g. frontline staff instead of institutions), which were reflected in the Annual Report 2012, have been partly addressed in 2013. Monitoring of output delivery at the country level still needs further improvement however. It is noted that country programmes have not made consistent distinctions between direct and indirect beneficiaries, and in some cases communities may be reached by two or more partner organisations and double-counted. Moreover, the nature of the programme strategies and choice of indicators make it difficult to get a clear picture of cumulative results. For example, the same beneficiaries may be supported for a number of consecutive years (for example CSOs are strengthened for two, three or even five years). In such cases progress cannot be captured in numbers of beneficiaries. The CRA will address such constraints in the course of 2014 as part of the follow-up of the midterm evaluation. This will also give partners and CSCs the opportunity to incorporate in their output planning any strategic programming adjustments resulting from the follow-up of findings and recommendations from the midterm evaluation and partnership review. Based on output realisation in previous years, it is however possible to indicate the progress towards planned targets for 2015. This is reflected in the column ‘Progress towards Targets 2011 – 2015’. Services delivered to girls and boys Delivery of outputs by partner organisations on the individual level exceeded planned targets for 2013. The difference is mainly explained by the figures for Zambia and – to a lesser extent – Bolivia and 30

Pakistan. In all three countries, additional media campaigns by partners reached larger numbers of girls and young women than planned. In Ethiopia, fewer girls were reached as a result of economic inflation increasing costs of activities such as life skills training. Targets for service delivery to girls and boys for 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2015 are expected to be met by the end of the programme; delays in programme start-up were made up with the larger numbers of girls and boys reached in 2012 and 2013. The number of boys reached may exceed planned numbers. This is probably due to the fact that these targets were set in 2012, when engaging boys and men was first introduced as a strategy and partners had not yet planned concrete projects and activities in detail. Sensitisation of communities The number of households reached for Sierra Leone was based on numbers of persons instead of households. Taking this into account, the delivery of outputs at the community level is generally on track in 2013. Targets set for the 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2015 period are expected to be met. Influencing national/district/local governments Ghana, Bangladesh and Nepal report higher numbers of frontline staff of government institutions reached in 2013 as a result of great interest in trainings offered. The number of participants exceeded expectations. In Pakistan however, many workshops and trainings for frontline staff and initiatives towards lobby and advocacy had to be cancelled due to safety reasons and a lack of government support. Targets set for the 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2015 period are expected to be met. Within the context of the Girl Power Programme, frontline staff of government institutions are seen as staff of local, district, province, regional or national level government institutions and semi-public agencies who, in their daily work, engage with girls and young women directly, such as teachers, health staff and police officers. Frontline staff of government institutions form an important link between government policies and legislation on the one hand, and the quality of social services for girls and adolescent girls on the other. By strengthening capacities of frontline staff, the GPP contributes to improved quality of services for girls and young women. Strengthening of civil society (organisations) In most countries, planned numbers of CSOs were supported with capacity development in 2013. In Nicaragua and Pakistan, far fewer CSOs were reached than planned however. In Pakistan, this was mainly a consequence of the civil unrest and declining government support towards NGO initiatives aimed at strengthening civil society (organisations). For 2014, the GP partners in Pakistan plan to organise more small-scale events and meetings with CSOs. As for Nicaragua, the picture is probably somewhat exaggerated by inadequacies in the planned number of CSOs. As confirmed by the midterm evaluation however, linkages of the programme with civil society in Nicaragua are not strong. Review of strategies towards civil society strengthening is explicitly included in the follow-up of the midterm evaluation for Nicaragua and Pakistan as well as the other programme countries. Details on output delivery per country are provided in chapter 2

1.6. Strategic Programme Review The presentation of the final reports of the midterm evaluation to the CRA by the lead consultants in January 2014 also marked the kick-off of a strategic review process, based on the findings and recommendations of the midterm evaluation; the CRA partnership review conducted in June 2013; the learning agenda, and general insights gained during the first three years of programme implementation. Findings of the partnership review are summarised in chapter 4 of this report. The focus in addressing the recommendations from the midterm evaluation will be on the country level, with a facilitating role of the CRA. The strategic review will include the development of country-specific action plans for follow-up on midterm evaluation and partnership review findings and recommendations; updates of country programme proposals and logical frameworks; updated outcome targets for 2015 (partly realised at the time of report writing) and joint country capacity development and lobby & advocacy plans. The Girl Power Desk and the Dutch CRA member organisations will also develop action plans to address issues within their respective spheres of interest, which will create the necessary conditions for the CSC member organisations to optimise their contribution to the Girl Power country programmes. Most important issues and preliminary actions identified include: 1. Boys and Men engagement – community involvement Mapping, sharing and implementation of promising practices and experiences within and beyond the Alliance and GPP to assist the CRA and the CSC strengthen interventions in this area. Capacity strengthening on gender at CRA and CSC level should also include engaging boys and men. 2. Economic Empowerment In those countries where economic empowerment forms a substantial part of the country programme, practical approaches to strengthen effectiveness of existing initiatives will be considered, such as linking with and referral to existing initiatives while focusing direct investments in best practices (life skills training, financial literacy), application of market ‘scans’ and consequent adaptation of activities. 3. Institutional level: lobby and advocacy Promote and support coordinated advocacy efforts by CSCs by integrating a joint L&A agenda in the CSC planning and monitoring cycle. Strengthening of CSCs for this specific effort is necessary. Capacity strengthening should also be directed towards line ministries, front line staff and CSOs. Best practices from experiences in 2011 – 2013 have been identified and will be used to support and strengthen initiatives in 2014 – 2015. 4. Sustainability ’Moving on’ strategies will form part of CSC action plans, including joint L&A activities (see above), options for local resource mobilisation and handing over services to communities and/or governments. The CRA will provide clarity to CSCs on CRA initiatives towards continued funding after 2015 so that opportunities for other sources of funding for specific GP programmes or components can be explored by specific CSCs, partners or CRA member organisations. 5. Capacity Development Planning Joint capacity development planning at country and CRA levels, including development and implementation of gender and child protection policies. Capacity development can include training sessions and workshops, exchange visits, peer-to-peer exchange and other forms of organisational strengthening. The CSCs will play an active role in identifying opportunities for peer-to-peer capacity development and local sources of expertise. Activities will be aimed at one or more CSC member organisations, or at the CSC as a whole. CSCs should moreover reflect on capacity development for CBOs, asking the question ‘What kind of CD to CBOs will contribute to strengthening civil society?’ 32

6. Support CSCs for improved coordination Identify and share best/good practices: rotating chair, facilitating skills and attitudes, programme level coordination, exchange visits. Develop user friendly and relevant templates, including meeting outlines and mechanisms for monitoring programme progress at the country level. Follow-up to CSC workshops organised in 2012 and 2013 for all regions. Next to these strategic considerations, the MTR global report includes recommendations on information management, communication and overall management of the GPP. These recommendations correspond to recommendations from the Partnership Review, which have been prioritised as follows: a) Leadership, governance and decision-making: clarity on leadership models at CRA and CSC levels; b) Communication and collaborative mind-set: additional capacity for communication at GPD to support branding of GPP for successful resource mobilisation as well as communications needs and initiatives and L&A initiatives by CSCs; c) Exchange, skills and operations: face-to-face meetings and exchange of existing expertise and experiences, simple mechanisms to support programme operations (financial and programme monitoring).

2. Country information and crosscountry activities 2.1. Asia 2.1.1. BANGLADESH CRA member

Plan

Local partner

Geographical coverage

Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM)

Gazipur

Udayankur Seba Sanghsta (USS)

Nilphamar

Rupantar

Lalmonirhat

Sanaj Unnayan Prashikshan Kendra (SUPK)

Dinajpur

Association for Community Development (ACD)

Rajshahi

Bangladesh National Women’s Lawyer Association (BNWLA)

Dhaka divisions

Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)

National

Nari Uddog Kendra (NUK)

Kishoreganj

Aparajeyo Bangladesh (AB)

Dhaka division

News Network (NN)

National

FPU

Children Television Foundation Bangladesh (CTFB)

National

CHI

Aparajeyo Bangladesh (AB)

Dhaka division

ICDI

Shariatpur Development Society (SDS)

Shariatpur

DCI-ECPAT NL

N/A

Nari Uddug Kendra (NUK)

Kishoreganj

Status GP Programme

Table 1. Partner activity Plan

CHI

FPU

ICDI

DCI-ECPAT NL

BDG 2011

Programme on track

BDG 2012 BDG 2013

Implementation delayed No activities planned4

Table 2. Thematic overview Protection against violence BDG

Socio-political participation

Economic participation

(Post-) primary education5

Theme present in country programme Theme not present in country programme

Contract with NN was terminated in December 2013. Further details are provided in section 4.2.3. (Sanction Policy). Not all CRA members will implement the GP programme in all 10 countries for the full implementation period. In this overview only the ‘planned’ programme is referred to for 2011, 2012 and 2013. 5 In the Girl Power Annual Report 2012, Education was by mistake included as a theme in the Bangladesh GPP. The GP partners in Bangladesh do include messages on (post-primary) education for girls in their awareness raising activities but this is not considered as a substantive theme. 4

II.

Context of the Programme

External developments Following violent protests against verdicts of the war tribunal in February 2013, an increasing number of 6 7 hartal protests brought public life in Dhaka and other regions to a halt . Throughout the year, societal violence and resulting disruptions forced GP partners to continuously reschedule activities. Overall output figures for 2013 were not affected, but as planned activities had to be realised in limited time, implementation was less effective than expected. Reflecting on MTR findings, which seemed to confirm this observation, GP partners have for 2014 planned stronger focus on follow-up training at different levels of intervention to strengthen impact. Internal developments The social unrest resulting from the continuous political agitation contributed to delays in the start of the programme component by Free Press Unlimited. After a thorough selection procedure, a contract with Children Television Foundation Bangladesh (CTFB) was signed in December 2013. Initial training for CTFB will take place in January 2014, and launch of the Bangladesh Kids News is scheduled for May 2014. First steps were taken towards CTFB joining the Country Steering Committee (CSC). A first exploration revealed promising opportunities for cooperation, for example in the identification of themes for the Bangladesh Kids News. CSC member organisations generally feel united through the GPP. Executive directors of CSC member organisations met quarterly to analyse project progress and identify responses to barriers to project implementation. In addition to the national level executive CSC meetings, GP partners regularly met in local level GPP networks. The Wheel of Expertise continues to be an effective tool for sharing expertise, resulting for example in the adaptation of sports projects by several GP partners. Despite these good working relationships, it should be noted that the NGO sector in Bangladesh is highly competitive and this might limit the scope for joint resource mobilisation, sharing resources and other forms of collaboration beyond exchange of expertise. III.

Progress Programme implementation

Table 3.Outcome realisation 2013 Bangladesh

Protection index 2011

index 2013

target 2015

Individual

100,0

141,7

174,0

Socio-cultural

100,0

200,2

194,0

Institutional

100,0

150,8

Average

100,0

147,3

172,9

Hartal is a term for strike action, first used during the Indian Independence Movement. It is a mass (often violent) protest, involving a total shutdown of workplaces, offices, shops, courts of law and the voluntary closing of schools and places of business. The recent Bangladeshi hartal relate to the trial of Islamists convicted by a war tribunal investigating crimes committed in 1971 during Bangladeshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s war of independence from Pakistan. The existing democratic movement disagreed with the verdicts, whilst the Islamist movement is opposed to the trials overall, causing protest and social unrest throughout the country 7 Post script: While the elections which took place on 5 January 2014 brought relative stability, GP partners fear that violence will flare up again in the run-up to the local elections planned for May 2014. 8 To enhance insight in the progress towards envisaged programme outcomes, values measured during the midterm evaluation have been indexed to reflect general trends in the outcome indicators for the different levels of intervention. The baseline values were set at 100, indicating the situation at the start of the Girl Power programme. The indices for 2013 do not reflect absolute levels of awareness, knowledge or prevalence; they indicate the degree of change between the baseline and the midterm evaluation.

General Overall, the MTR concluded that Girl Power programme outcomes in Bangladesh were in line with expectations. The GPP has particularly generated positive outcome effects at individual, community and institutional levels in the theme Protection; fundamental for a society where social norms, values, superstitions and hegemonic forms of masculinities lead to violence against women. The CSC underlined the MTR recommendation that engagement of boys and men needs further strengthening and agreed during the Annual Reflection Meeting in November 2013 to put more effort in sensitising boys and young men on gender issues. The MTR confirmed that livelihood support training, which was originally initiated to strengthen effects in the field of Protection, has also contributed to increased financial independence of targeted women. The introduction of ‘soft-skills training’ such as training in communication/negotiation skills, would, however, reinforce these activities. The activities will be closely monitored to ensure an informed decision on the MTR recommendation to intensify efforts in education and economic participation within the programme. Due to GPP’s advocacy and capacity building efforts, government ownership of the programme components has significantly increased. Girls and young women Forums, Child Protection Group (CPGs) and Civil Society Organisation (CSO) networks have maintained their activities in close collaboration with and support from local government and law enforcement agencies. Local authorities however are unable to provide efficient continuation to GPP activities by themselves at this stage. This will require continued and increased advocacy and capacity building efforts by the GPP partners for the remaining programme implementation period. Table 4. Output delivery 2013 Bangladesh Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 - 2015

B1. Services to girls & young women and boys # of girls and young women reached

34.857

25.999

95.101

# of boys reached B2. Sensitisation of communities # of communities reached

28.806

4.557

60.961

918

1.166

2.472

# of households reached

17.870 2.012

27.804 2.168

61.740 4.434

# of frontline staff of Gvt. Institutions trained # of staff of Gvt institutions reached for L&A B4 + A3 Strengthening of civil society (orgs.)

658 666

779 793

981 1.343

# of CSOs, grassroots and media professionals

900

1002

1.631

# of traditional leaders reached B3. Influencing national/district/local governments

# of networks supported or strengthened

Fewer girls, young women and boys were reached by the Girl Power programme in Bangladesh in 2013 than planned. This reflects the delay in the start-up of the broadcast of the Bangladesh Kids News, which was planned to reach 25.000 girls and young women and 25.000 boys. Apart from this, output delivery of the GP partners was generally on track in 2013. Plan and its implementing partners and SDS reached significantly more households because street drama, celebrations and other activities attracted larger audiences than expected. Protection As an outcome of the GPP, girls and young women in programme areas are better protected against violence at individual level. The MTR confirmed that the percentage of teenage girls feeling able to say ‘no’ to sexual activity has increased significantly. Through GPP’s awareness-raising activities teenage girls also know where to find the services of the hospital, the police station, the UNO, the GPP services from GP partners like legal services and psycho-social support and (short-term) shelter services, and the ACD Shelter Home. In support of these protection-focused activities, life skills and livelihood training, selfdefence and karate training and self-employment support were interventions contributing to an increased self-confidence. NUK also piloted boxing as a self-protection initiative, resulting in strong leadership skills 37

and increased self-confidence of the 25 participating girls. The girls have now become role models for their peers in the community. An interesting spin-off is that five of these girls have been asked to participate in the selection of a local police officer. Nevertheless, GPP partners recognise the need for additional strategies to address underlying causes of violence. A fact finding mission by ICDI in 2013 in six upazilas (sub-districts) in the district of Shariatpur highlighted segregation of girls and boys as an important factor in gender inequalities. Girls and boys indicated that they did not know how to interact 9 with each other, and directly related this to ‘eve teasing’ and other forms of gender based violence. The CRA aims to explore strategies with its partners to address the deeply rooted practice of segregation, for example by working together with CTFB to include it in their broadcasts as a topic of interest to girls and boys. At the socio-cultural level, training and awareness-raising on child rights, child protection, gender, early marriage and birth registration contributed to increased non-acceptance of child beating and domestic violence amongst the various target groups, including local elites and CBOs. Theatre for Development performances with quite explicit messages on domestic violence and early marriage, and positive ways to prevent and respond to these are reaching broad audiences at village level. Challenges remain however: even though a majority now agrees that violence to girls and young women should be reported, there are some strong beliefs among particularly boys and men that such forms of violence should be resolved in the family. To strengthen the effectiveness of efforts to address norms and values on violence against girls and young women, intensified interventions beyond general awareness-raising at the socio-cultural level are foreseen for 2014 and 2015; for example by group discussions with boys and men after Theatre for 10 Development (TFD) plays. A successful example of this envisaged next step of awareness-raising is the Child Marriage Free Village concept. In this successful concept, Plan intermediates between community members, religious leaders, matchmakers, government agencies, local authorities and the police for the proclamation of Child Marriage Free Villages – a moral obligation among community and duty bearers to ban child marriages from their village. To date, under the GPP over 125 villages have already signed the Child Marriage Free declaration. As result, child marriages are now a rare phenomenon in the 57 villages in the Dinajpur region covered by the local Upazila administration Khansama. The outcome at the institutional level of the Bangladesh GPP on Governmental support for protection against violence for girls and young women is not clear. Girls’ panels attested to a positive development, referring for example to mobile courts in Tulashar, through which many boys have been penalised for ‘eve teasing’. The professional panel members interviewed for the MTR concluded however that Government support for protection of girls and young women had decreased, especially with regards to the delivery of protection services. CSC members recognised the poor implementation of policies at local and district levels. Establishing good working relationships with local government staff is impeded by frequent transfer of police and other frontline staff. GPP partners moreover concluded that stronger influence at national institutional level is necessary for the realisation of changes at local level. In response, the CSC decided during the Annual Reflection Meeting to strengthen focus on national advocacy, building on for example Plan’s experiences with Child Marriage Free Villages (see case below). Further, the CSC plans to link union level Child Protection Groups with their equivalents at local Upazila and district levels. Plan, BNWLA, Aparajeyo and ACD are members of National Action and Coordinating Groups Against Violence Against Children (NACG). Through this advocacy network, the CSC joined forces with Save the Children, Care, ActionAid, BRAC, and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs for the enactment of the new child marriage law and the fight against violence in schools.

District level advocacy in Bangladesh: involving local government against child marriage As an important strategy towards reducing the incidence of child marriages, GP partners Udayankur Seba Sngstha (USS), Samaj Unnayan Proshikshan Kendra (SUPK), Plan Bangladesh and local partner organisations organised and facilitated advocacy workshops at the district or Upazilla*) level for different 9

Eve-teasing is a euphemism used in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh for public sexual harassment or molestation of women by men, with use of the word "Eve" being a reference to the biblical Eve, the first woman. It is a form of sexual aggression that ranges from sexually suggestive remarks, brushing in public places and catcalls to outright groping.

stakeholders, including government officers. During these workshops, Government officers pledged several commitments to jointly address the issue, including:  Sharing of information. On each level of the district administration, information will be shared among the marriage registration officials and the corresponding government authorities. Through this process of information sharing, all government stakeholders receive information on possible child marriages. For example, Upazial Nirbahi Officer (head of local administrator) issued a letter to the marriage registrar on submitting their monthly marriage report to, respectively, Union Parishad (lower level unit of local government) and Upazila Women Affairs Officer (sub-district level government official).  Preventing fake marriages. With the support of district register, Upazial Nirbahi Officer distributed the list of authorized marriage registrars and gave them an identification card to prove their official position as a marriage registrar. By distributing the actual list of marriage registrars to Union Parishad, fake marriage registrars can be identified who are mostly involved in child marriage. In addition, Upazial Nirbahi Officer instructed the marriage registrars to always verify the birth registration certificate before registering a marriage.  Access to a complaint system. Upazial Nirbahi Officer introduced a complaint box in front of his/her office for gender based violence related complaints.  Awareness raising at the district and local level for Child Marriage Free Villages/Unions. With the support of Plan Bangladesh, local partner organizations have been working to declare villages/unions in targeted upazilas as child marriage free. The villages undergo a formal declaration ceremony to become a child marriage free village. This also includes the display of a signed board indicating in the village that child marriages will not be tolerated. The declaration created a moral obligation among community and duty bearers. Union Parishad, Upazila Nirhahi Offier, Upazila Women Affairs Officer and Law Enforcement Agencies jointly cooperate with Plan Bangladesh and local partner organisations to declare child marriage free villages.

Civil society CRA to partner organisations - 5 C Most of the GP partners received technical guidance during monitoring visits from CRA members and were trained on specific issues related to project implementation. NUK for example was supported by Women Win with training on the M&E method Salesforce, and young female coaches participated in Training of Trainers (ToT) for the GOAL sport and life skills methodology. Plan organised for its partners regular follow-up trainings on finance and administration, communication and report writing as well as child rights and child protection policy trainings. Child Helpline International facilitated peer-to-peer capacity strengthening between Child Helpline India and Aparajoyo Bangladesh on call handling and counselling. The participating organisations in the MTR 5C self-evaluation have all assessed themselves relatively strong on all five capabilities. Partner organisations identified, however, a need for further strengthening in the areas of human resource management, project cycle management, M&E, lobbying and advocacy as well as gender, specifically for the development and implementation of gender policies and strategies. Partners to CSOs – Civil Society Strengthening GP partners have increased their capacity to strengthen other CSOs on child rights issues, gender, policy advocacy and local level lobbying. Furthermore, the Bangladesh GPP has developed extensive knowledge and experience regarding protection and consequences of violence against women, and built a farreaching network of organisations and individuals at the civil society level. Collaboration amongst CSOs has been strengthened through regular meetings and advocacy workshops initiated by GP partners. Also, the GPP organised sensitisation workshops for journalists on gender and child protection, which proved challenging due to political preferences. In response, GPP initiated a media award for the best contribution towards the promotion of the girls and young women’s rights. Further, GP partners formed and increased the functionality of Child Protection Groups. All of these activities have strengthened the will to advocate for the protection of girls and young women. Learning Agenda 39

After a long initial phase, implementation of the Learning Agenda was boosted by the Global Learning meeting in Addis Ababa in October 2013. Initial findings and learnings from this meeting were discussed in the Bangladesh Annual Reflection Meeting. Gaps and activities for each of the three learning questions were identified and planned, and outcomes will be immediately incorporated in the programme. Following the success of the media award, the CSC and BGDA want to pilot a role model Child Protection Groups (CPG) award and document best CPG practices for learning, dissemination and advocacy purposes as part of the Learning Question on Child Protection System Strengthening. Harmonisation and alignment There was regular exchange of information between the GP partners and the Dutch Embassy. Plan Bangladesh regularly attended meetings at the Dutch Embassy and in September a joint informal visit by Plan Bangladesh and Plan Nederland staff was paid to the Dutch Embassyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first secretary. At this visit, a Dutch Embassy-funded research initiative revealed relevant information on the functioning of Upazila local administrations. The Dutch MFSII alliances and other NGOs working in Bangladesh continue to meet annually in the BOOM-Consultation working groups. The coordinating role of the Dutch Embassy is appreciated, notably the initiative for a workshop on fraud. Plan Nederland informed the human rights working group of the BOOM-Consultation on the experiences of the Girl Power Programme to date. The BOOM working groups however have not been very active due to time constraints and a felt lack of common interest. Concrete cooperation between the MFSII alliances was further hindered by the geographic dispersion of the various programmes. The outcomes of CHIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting with UNICEF were that UNICEF will support the evaluation of the Helpline-Aparajeyo and the customisation of a stronger data management system that will be implemented in 2014. CHI also met the Secretary of the Child Protection Department under the Ministry of Social Welfare to accelerate a Aparajeyo and UNICEF supported request to the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Telecoms to make 1098 a toll-free number.

2.1.2. NEPAL CRA member

Plan

Local partner

Geographical coverage

Sindhuli Integrated Development Services Nepal (SIDCS) Village Women Consciousness Centre (VWCC) Child Welfare Society (CWS) Social Empowerment and Building Accessibility Centre (SEBAC) SAHAMATI (Myagdi-Sindhuli) Miteri Nepal FORWARD Rural Awareness and Development Organization (RADO) Rural Women Service Centre (RWSC) New Sensitive Society PEACE Nepal Disability Association Myagdi (DAM) Child Workers in Nepal Concerned Center (CWIN-Nepal)

Sindhuli Makwanpur Myagdi Sunsari

CHI

Child Workers in Nepal Concerned Center (CWIN-Nepal)

National

FPU

Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEEJ)

National

ICDI

Child Workers in Nepal Concerned Center (CWIN-Nepal)

Banke and Makwanpur

N/A

Empowering Women of Nepal (EWN)

Kaski

DCI-ECPAT NL WW

Status GP programme

Table 1. Partner activity Plan

CHI

FPU

ICDI

DCI-ECPAT NL

NPL 2011 NPL 2012 NPL 2013

GP programme on track Programme implementation delayed No activities planned11

Table 2. Thematic overview Protection against violence

Socio-political participation

NPL

Economic participation

(Post-primary) education12

Theme present in country programme Theme not present in country programme

Context of the Programme

External development The constitutional crisis that led to a polarisation and a political vacuum is ongoing. The Constituent Assembly elections were finally held on 19 November 2013, after being postponed several times since November 2012 due to political disagreements. The protracted pre-election period created an 13 environment of uncertainty and reduced mobility as result of announced bandas and violent protests. There were also long protests in Kathmandu by ex-Kamaiyas (former bonded labourers) to hold the government to their commitments made in 2006. The Indian protests as reaction on the 2012 New Delhi fatal sex assault that ended in murder of a young female student sparked protests across South Asia, including marches and rallies in Nepal. In Kathmandu, hundreds of demonstrators called for legal reforms 11

Not all CRA members will implement the GP programme in all 10 countries for the full implementation period. In this overview only the ‘planned’ programme is referred to for 2011, 2012 and 2013. 12 In the In the Girl Power Annual Report 2012, (Post-primary) education was by mistake included as a theme in the Nepal GPP, in stead of Economic participation. 13 Bandas (meaning ‘closed’) are national or local strikes where shops and transport close down for a number of hours or even days.

and protested against sexual violence, forcing a debate on women’s rights. These developments affected the implementation of GP activities to some extent. The female trekking guide trainees of EWN could gain less experience because of a low tourist season, caused in part by the tensions in the region. The elections, however, brought some political stability. Internal development After some initial miscommunication about FPU local partner NEFEEJ participating in the GPP, NEFEEJ began to participate actively in the CSC together with CWIN, EWN and Plan. The CSC members met regularly in 2013, with most meetings organised around the learning agenda. The Girl Panels were often consulted by the CSC to provide insights in girls’ and young women’s issues with the aim of improving GPP inputs. The Annual Reflection Meeting (ARM) took place in January 2014 after being postponed in 2013 due to social unrest around the elections. The ARM was attended by representatives of the CSC and the CRA partners Plan Nederland, Child Helpline International and International Child Development Initiatives. Coordination of the CSC rests with CWIN, whereas in the other GP programme countries, this is done by the Plan Country Office. While CWIN’s expertise, experience and network place the organization in an excellent position as coordinating body, administrative and organizational issues related to this construction affect communication on the GPP and the implementation of CSC’s planned activities. The CRA underlined the MTR finding that coordination and harmonisation needs to be improved. Despite these challenges, the exchange visits as part of the learning agenda have in particular improved CSC collaboration and the CRA is taking steps to help CWIN and Plan employ additional staff to advance and support the functioning of the CSC. III Progress Programme implementation Table 3. Outcome realisation 2013 Nepal

Protection

Economic Participation index 2011

index 2013

index 2011

index 2013

Individual

100,0

120,2

Individual

100,0

Socio-cultural

100,0

125,2

Socio-cultural

100,0

136,0

90,0

Institutional

100,0

111,8

Average

100,0

112,0

Institutional Average

100,0 100,0

*) The Nepal CSC will adjust the programme targets for 2015 as part of the midterm evaluation follow-up. General The MTR concluded that GPP outputs, delivered with limited available resources and a late programme start, have nevertheless effectively contributed to the intended outcomes in both thematic areas. Moreover, the GPP has contributed to some extent towards increased gender equality in society at large. Most progress has been made at the individual level with the theme Economic Participation. Beneficiaries were very satisfied with the GP activities such as leadership building and the formation of savings and credit groups. The activities addressed girls’ and young women’s needs and provided them with opportunities for learning for which they would have otherwise had no access. There were visible improvements in community members’ opinions towards protecting girls and young women and strengthening their economic participation. In particular, the demonstrated effect of project interventions such as women’s community groups leading cooperatives enhanced community members’ appreciation towards girls and young women. GPP has strongly promoted ownership of the programme by government agencies at central and village levels, and has as such a significant contribution in terms of reaching sustainable outcomes. As most GP partners are experienced and well-established organisations who will continue to work on Protection and Economic Participation, the cost-effectiveness of the programme can 14

To enhance insight in the progress towards envisaged programme outcomes, values measured during the midterm evaluation have been indexed to reflect general trends in the outcome indicators for the different levels of intervention. The baseline values were set at 100, indicating the situation at the start of the Girl Power programme. The indices for 2013 do not reflect absolute levels of awareness, knowledge or prevalence; they indicate the degree of change between the baseline and the midterm evaluation.

also be considered as an important factor contributing to sustainability of outcomes. More needs to be done however on documenting simple and effective interventions, so that these can be handed over to other partners. There is also a need for an effective exit strategy for most partners to assist in programme continuation. The GPP Nepal programme focuses on Economic Participation and Protection. Primary education and Socio-political Participation activities are also implemented as the four themes are interrelated and positively reinforce each other. The economic empowerment programme for instance has addressed the needs of poor and vulnerable families. As a result, the financial situation of participating women has improved. This group invested their income in the education of their children and health care. The enhanced financial situation has in turn developed confidence of these women and contributed significantly towards their social status and improved possibilities for socio-political participation, such as in Makwanpur, where women’s groups were invited by the Local Development Officer to become part of several local initiatives. Table 4. Output delivery 2013 Nepal Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 - 2015

B1. Services delivered to girls & young women and boys # of girls and young women reached

87.339 10.925

98.868 16.145

511.609 36.000

55 22.250

74 17.100

155 46.500

505

2.878

2.520

# of frontline staff of Gvt. Institutions trained # of staff of Gvt institutions reached for L&A B4 + A3 Strengthening of civil society (orgs.)

234 1.526

370 559

1.074 7.532

# of CSOs, grassroots and media professionals

3.675

3.678

4.550

# of boys reached B2. Sensitisation of communities # of communities reached # of households reached # of traditional leaders reached B3. Influencing national/district/local governments

# of networks supported or strengthened

Partners of Plan in 2013 implemented economic empowerment activities in additional communities in Sunsari and Myagdi. As a result, overall more communities, more girls and young women and more traditional leaders were reached. Fewer households were reached than planned because behavioural change communication activities had to be cancelled in different locations. There was great interest in planned training from the side of frontline Government staff, resulting in higher numbers of participants. As CWIN decided to intensify and focus its advocacy efforts, a smaller number of Government staff was reached for lobby and advocacy than planned. Protection Girls and young women in GP programme areas reported that various forms of violence against them had slightly decreased. They also indicated that their ability to say ‘no’ to sexual activity and their knowledge of and access to services had significantly improved. The services mentioned by adolescents and young women include legal protection, shelter support, courts, police and the girls' protection unit, 1098 hotline 15 service, and the Women’s Police Cell . These findings reaffirm the effectiveness of GPP activities such as Plan’s basic life education programme ‘Better Life Option’ (BLOP), CWIN’s classes to promote protection through education and the establishment of girls’ clubs within and outside school. As result, girls are empowered and with their increased leadership skills, they are able to challenge stereotyped gender roles and social expectations. The GPP also encouraged girls and young women to continue their education by encouraging scholarships, introducing innovative approaches such as the tuition projects for girls in 11 15

The Women's Police Cell within the Woman and Children's Services Directorate (WCSD) of the Nepal Police is charged with investigating violent crimes against women and children nationwide.

and 12 grades , giving them direct material support, ranging – for example - from bursary support to the provision of sanitary napkins, and improving school infrastructure. Combined with community awareness activities, this approach resulted in GPP communities having more positive opinions and values on education for girls and young women. At the socio-cultural level, the MTR identified a trend towards reduced acceptance of violence against girls and young women. Communities still preferred cases to be resolved by the family and community however. There was an increase of case reporting via community-based protection mechanisms supported by the GPP, such as women's groups and Village Child Protection Committees (VCPCs). One case example of VCPC mediation is that of a 15 year old girl who went to visit a relative outside the village, where she was married-off to an uncle. When this became known to the members of the Village Child Protection Committee, they initiated a dialogue with the girl and her family. The girl wanted to finish school and not marry. After further discussions it was decided that the girl could stay with her family and return to school. The increase in the number of reported cases shows that girls and young women now realize their own potential and rights. It is important though to further strengthen village protection mechanisms on registration and filing processes, and to enhance their knowledge on referral systems to ensure legal actions are taken when appropriate. While progress at the institutional level remained limited, there were significant changes at the policy level influenced by the GPP. Most professional and girl panel members acknowledged Governmental support on protection through development of policies and provision of services, actual implementation however is poor, donor dependent and limited to certain areas. Girl Panels further pointed out a lack in quality of services. The challenge seems to lie in the reinforcement of the services, which GPP is actively supporting to develop. The Child Helplines in five districts were strengthened with GPP. Their stronger advocacy skills realised the acceptance of the Child Helpline as one of the components of Nepal’s Child policy, with a corresponding budget allocation. The Government has also assumed ownership of GPP outcomes by introducing minimum standards for Village Child Protection Committees. Further, the National Planning Commission (NPC) will include a chapter on ‘Girls’ Issues’ in the upcoming national plan, also receiving a budget allocation. Further, the government endorsed National Plans of Action for Holistic Development of Adolescents on the day of the girl child in 2013. GPP partners made significant contribution in the process of formulation and endorsement, with support in consulting adolescents and other key stakeholders in the districts, national consultations and writing up of the Plan. Further, GPP partners and civil society networks celebrated the various girls-related international days, making use of the opportunity to raise girls’ voices against violations and to promote girls’ rights. Economic participation As an outcome of the programme, more girls and young women in the target areas have access to socioeconomic opportunities, and community acceptance of their economic participation, and their decisionmaking in the use of household income has generally increased. Activities implemented in 2013 included promotion and support of savings and credit groups; formation of adolescent girls clubs; life-skills and traditional agricultural trainings. The increased access of women to financial resources created a multiplier effect. Through saving habits encouraged by GPP activities, many women started to actively engage in and lead cooperatives, increasing their self-confidence. Illustrative of this development is the fact that in some villages, women’s cooperatives are now included in the annuals plans and budgets of the Village Development Committee, the lowest level of municipal government. Also EWN’s female trekking guide programme successfully challenged gender roles in this relatively closed and conservative sector. Communities started to realize that the economic participation of women is beneficial to the whole family. The most dominant mind-set however is still that girls’ and young women’s priorities lie with child rearing and household chores. These ascribed gender roles limit young women’s mobility and need continued attention at the socio-cultural level. While progress at the institutional level remains limited, the Government does support the socio-economic participation of women at community level through its 16

The tuition project selected young women from these grades to provide tuition classes to young school-going girls and boys from disadvantaged backgrounds. In return, the young women receive a small remuneration which they use to cover their own tuition fees.

cooperative policy; an outcome confirmed by the professional panel. Many respondents at community level are aware of this policy. The Girls Panels indicated however that the complicated Governmental mechanism prevents women from seeking support services. The GPP should, therefore, include activities in its programming to overcome this barrier. GPP activities on economic participation also facilitated social participation of girls and young women, further enhanced through GP activities aimed at promoting female leadership development, increased gender awareness and the facilitation of interaction with local government. Episodes of the successful Kids News Nepal weekly radio and television programme were rebroadcast, sparking discussions on national political issues on which girls and young women readily expressed their ideas and views. These enabling factors stimulated women in GP areas to organise activities in their communities, for example a campaign against gambling and alcoholism. Similarly, an effective campaign against -girl-trafficking was launched by women’s groups after GPP awareness training. Community members reacted much more positively towards the participation of women in decision making processes. The increased level of sociopolitical participation, in turn, positively spilled over on socio-economic benefits and opportunities for girls and young women; for example, girls and young women joined a Village District Committee meeting which resulted in the allocation of budget for activities of a women group. There were also support initiatives from the Government to increase gender equality in decision-making bodies but GPP’s activities to enforce better implementation were limited to encouraging women to become members of the Village District Committees. Civil society CRA to partner organizations- 5C In 2013, capacity support to GPP partners included technical training, such as a training visit of CWIN to GP partner Madaadgar Helpline in Pakistan on Data Management; an ICDI training on child development for all CSC members and civil society network representatives. The ICDI training was considered very useful and learning will be integrated in existing programmes. Plan supported its partner organizations with training on book-keeping, gender equality, child protection policy, and ToT on Cooperative Management. In addition, two CWIN staff members joined the GPP exchange workshop hosted by ICDI in Leiden, September 2013. Two of EWN’s female trainees were provided with a unique opportunity to participate as junior guides in a four-week trek in the Everest Region, an activity which clearly challenged gender and caste conservatism. In general, partners are very capable and have good quality content knowledge. Identified areas for improvement were the effective implementation of gender policies and further strengthening of particular technical capacities of partner organisations’ staff. The CRA considers that the field and exchange visits generated the best learning among the partners, although this is not strictly regarded as capacity building. Further, EWN’s professionalism increased due to participation in GPP and they are now being considered for a partnership with Plan Nepal. Partners to CSOs – Civil Society Strengthening GP activities with local civil society organisations in the project areas have shown positive results. Due to the formation of civil society networks at district level (the so-called ‘Girl Power Civil Society Networks’), and with capacity building activities on issues like gender and advocacy; regular support from the GPP, and the provision of dialogue platforms with district authorities, the CSOs are empowered and they are better able to demand service delivery from Government stakeholders. By the end of 2013, there were five functional networks taking advocacy initiatives towards local government, resulting in the endorsement of a gender friendly strategic plan for children in two districts. In addition to this, each Girl Power Civil Society Network developed a joint plan to meet the identified ten priority issues related to girls’ protection in their district. These plans will be implemented in 2014 provided the necessary financial and capacity building support is available, a challenge identified by the CSC during the annual reflection meeting. Learning Agenda The main approach of the CSC towards the Learning Agenda is ‘learning by doing’. The establishment of the Girl Power Civil Society Network addresses the learning question related to alliance building. In this regard, GP partner Shairitpur Development Society (SDS) from Bangladesh visited Nepal. By capacitating and linking the Girl Panels to district government authorities, the CSC intends to learn more on issues 45

related to girls’ participation. The CSC met regularly to discuss and learn from GPP activities and methodologies. Partner organisations also reflected and reported on the learning included in the discussion. Learning agenda meetings often include a field visit to one of the partner’s activities, which are analysed in depth. This approach has contributed to some extent to harmonisation of efforts, as well as sharing experiences among partners. Taking up the MTR recommendations on developing proper documentation of these and other success stories and lessons will improve the performance of partners. A first step towards addressing this recommendation was made at the annual reflection meeting. The CSC developed a matrix which enabled GPP partners to identify synergy in the themes, GP activities, objectives nd and learning agenda topics. Further, the lessons from the 2 GPP Global Learning Meeting in Addis Ababa in October 2013, in which three CSC members participated, were extensively shared. Learning from other countries’ experiences, the ICDI’s presentation on male involvement and GPP’s own positive experiences with involving men and boys in protection activities made the CSC decide to pro-actively increase and pilot activities on engaging boys and men under the learning agenda. Harmonisation and alignment In January 2014, after the postponed Annual Reflection Meeting of 2013, a meeting between Plan, SNV and the Dutch consulate took place. Options for cooperation with SNV were discussed and will be explored further in 2014. The CSC continuously pushed the advocacy of the recommendations resulting from the mapping and assessment of the Child Protection System, in which it participates with UNICEF, Save the Children, Terre des Hommes and other NGOs as part of the learning agenda. Further the GPP worked in collaboration with various stakeholders on the National Plan of Action for Adolescents and the celebration of UN Girls Day.

2.1.3. PAKISTAN CRA member Local partner

Plan

CHI

Geographicalcoverage

Bureau for University Extension and Special Programmes of Chakwal Allama Iqbal Open University (BUESP-AIOU); Vehari Mountain Institute for Educational Development (MIED); Karachi National Rural Support Programme (NRSP); Lahore Bedari; Peshawar LHRLA/Madadgaar Quetta Karachi; Quetta; Lahore; Lawyers for Human Rights & Legal Aid (LRHRA)/Madadgaar Peshawar

ICDI

Bedari

Chakwal; Multan

DCI-ECPAT

N/A

FPU

N/A

Status GP programme

Table 1. Partner activity Plan

CHI

FPU

ICDI

DCI-ECPAT NL

PAK 2011

GP programme on track

PAK 2012

Programme implementation delayed

PAK 2013

No activities planned

Table 2. Thematic overview Protection

Socio-political participation

Economic participation

(Post-) primary education

PAK

II.

Theme present in country programme Theme not present in country programme

Context of the Programme

External developments Implementation of some GP activities was delayed in the run-up towards the Federal elections held on 11 May 2013. Communities could not be mobilised as they were actively involved in election campaigns. Most of the intended changes envisaged by the new Government will not affect GPP outcomes as the Government-owned shelters that GP supports will remain, and enhancement of post-primary education for girls remains high on the Governmental agenda. The new Government however is also working on legislation that could seriously threaten the independence and operations of NGOs. This path has already prevented Bedari’s activities in government schools in Multan, Vehari and Chakwal from taking place. The security situation remains a main matter of concern for the GPP, affecting GP mobility and activities, particularly with governmental representatives due to the fact that official authority attention is focused on security and safekeeping and not women’s rights. There has also been an increase of female NGO staff killed by the Taliban, which has become a serious security threat, particularly for those working on women’s rights. Further, funding from foreign donors has been withdrawn or reduced because of the increasing unsafety, affecting civil society capacity. The frequent power cuts have also continued to be a challenge, limiting communication and delaying the production of programme materials. GP partners have however shown themselves to be resilient enough to work in an effective manner in this challenging environment.

Not all CRA members will implement the GP programme in all 10 countries for the full implementation period. In this overview

only the ‘planned’ programme is referred to for 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Internal developments Bedari staff received regular (personal) threats through the Multan Helpline. In 2013, a court case was even filed against a female staff member combined with personal threats against her and her family. It took about two months before the case was resolved with support from the local police. LRHRA/Madadgaar also identified the need to increase security measures for their female staff to guarantee their safety. As LRHRA/Madadgaar had discontinued the agreement with partner Aware Girls Peshawar for failing to meet the required quality standards, an office of Madadgaar National Helpline was established in Peshawar where recruitment of staff is proving to be a challenge. To increase the collaboration between the Madadgaar National Helpline and the Bedari helpline in Multan, and to strengthen Bedari’s helpline, the CRA will undertake steps to explore peer-to-peer exchange possibilities offered by CHI and Plan. There continues to be very good collaboration among the GPP partners due to, on the one hand, the intensive coordination by Plan Pakistan and on the other partner organisations’ efforts in making GPP a success. The executive directors of the GP partners meet frequently in the Country Steering Committee where they review the programme and take strategic decisions. In addition to the CSC, the Programme Management Committee (PMC) enabled coordination, cooperation and monitoring of the GP activities at project level and met also several times. The PMC meetings, including project site visits, provided deep insights and supported the programme managers to adapt the activities on time. These meetings also helped build local partners’ capacities in monitoring, report writing and communications. To make coordination and harmonisation more effective, the MTR recommended setting up a well functioning knowledge management system to disseminate best practices among partner organisations and other like-minded organisations. The 2013 Annual Reflection Meeting, which CRA members were due to attend, was postponed to April 2014 due to security issues. III.

Progress Programme implementation

Table 3. Outcome realisation Pakistan

Protection

Education index 2011

index 2013

Target 2015

index 2011

index 2013

Individual

100,0

128,3

134,9

Socio-cultural

100,0

293,9

273,0

Individual

100,0

412,1

Socio-cultural

100,0

176,3

Institutional

100,0

233,7

Average

482,8

Institutional

100,0

150,0

100,0

218,6

296,9

Average

100,0

246,1

Target 2015*)

*) The Pakistan CSC will adjust its targets for 2015 for the theme of Education as part of the follow-up of the midterm evaluation. General The MTR concluded that results delivered to date were contributing to the outcomes envisaged by GPP Pakistan at the beginning of the programme. These interventions were very relevant as access to education for girls and young women, especially those from marginalised communities, was highly restricted and this group was also considered vulnerable to different forms of violence. GP partners combined education activities with those on protection, hereby creating awareness on the importance of girls’ education and taking the opportunity to simultaneously inform target audiences on protection services. The likelihood of programme results sustainability has been increased by achievements in civil society acceptance in the alleviation of violence; efficient and effective mobilisation of competent staff for 18

the Fast Track Learning Centres; the establishment of community protection mechanisms, and early incorporation into relevant Government programmes. To meet the MTR identified demand to provide training on income generating activities for young women after finalisation of school, Plan Pakistan, with support from Plan Nederland, will explore this area for integration in existing programme themes. The discussion on scaling-up versus intensification in relation to sustainability of the education component will also be continued in 2014. Table 4. Output delivery 2013 Pakistan Girl Power Programme - country

Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 - 2015

B1. Services delivered to girls & boys # of girls and young women reached

11.958 6.893

43.807 6.993

59.662 26.701

175 23.000

143 40.670

502 115.000

1.550

385

4.100

# of frontline staff of Gvt. Institutions trained # of staff of Gvt institutions reached for L&A B4 + A3 Strengthening of civil society (orgs.)

988 1.720

305 747

4.400 4.100

# of CSOs, grassroots and media professionals

2.250

316

7.005

# of boys reached B2. Sensitisation of communities # of communities reached # of households reached # of traditional leaders reached B3. Influencing national/district/local governments

# of networks supported or strengthened

The programme reached more girls than planned in 2013, even taking into account an error in planning. This is mainly a result of media campaigns by Madadgaar. Numbers of households reached are also higher than planned, mainly because the estimated numbers of households per programme area proved too conservative. With regards to sensitisation of traditional leaders, training of frontline staff, lobby and advocacy and capacity support to CBOs however, output delivery is behind schedule. Partners report that the security situation and the general negative stance of Government on NGO activities towards civil society compelled partners to cancel trainings and meetings. For 2014, partners plan to hold smaller meetings, for example at police stations. Protection While girls and young women indicated that the prevalence of violence had hardly decreased since the GPP start, there has been significant improvement in adolescents’ and young women’s ability to say ’no’ to sexual advances and abuse, and in their knowledge of and access to protection services (helplines, shelter support, courts and police). These findings reaffirm the effectiveness of GPP activities such as banner campaigns and the establishment and capacitating of Village Child Protection Committees (VCPCs), mothers’ groups and Children’s Clubs as part of the community surveillance mechanisms. These community surveillance mechanisms are strengthened and supported by GPP in ensuring protection of girls and young women at community level, as well as creating awareness regarding helplines established under GPP. In effect, there is a growing tendency to seek legal redress, even from violators within their own family and community. The helplines have been highly instrumental in this regard as their protection services include telephone counselling, crisis intervention and legal support. As result of GP’s awarenessraising activities such as theatre performances, and involving local religious leaders in GP projects, community members have developed more supportive opinions towards girls’ and young women’s rights, and in reporting of violence. However, cultural norms and practices have not yet changed significantly. As underlined by the MTR, there is a need to continue and strengthen interventions at socio-cultural level to realise actual behaviour change. Involving young men should be prioritised as their cooperation is vital to girls’ protection.

There are several laws and services in place to protect girls and young women from violence. Most professional and girl panel members indicated however that the quality and implementation of these services is poor. The GPP therefore actively established some services with involvement of the Pakistani Government at all levels. At the same time GPP undertook efforts via printed, social and audio-visual media to raise awareness on women’s and girls’ rights. GP partners are also lobbying the Ministry of Human Rights to continue the helplines after GPP programme end. GPP’s continuing advocacy and collaboration ensured for instance Government representative’s support in registering the First Information Report of violence cases by LHRLA, which is a fundamental step towards legal actions against 19 violence. Further, GPP joined the campaign ’16 Days of Activism’ and undertook various activities such as seminars, rallies, the ‘pinkification’ (dressing in pink) of various buildings and activities at the shelters to celebrate National and International Women Day, and the Day of the Girl Child. These efforts increased the number of reporting cases at Bedari. The Provincial Conference on ’Demanding Law to Eliminate Child Marriages’ organised by Bedari in collaboration with UNFPA contributed significantly towards legislation to ban Child Marriages. Further, a national Alliance against Child Marriages (AACM), of which Bedari is founding member, was formed which lobbies for the finalisation and enforcement of the new bill on Child Marriage which will be introduced in the Punjab Assembly in the first quarter of 2014. Education The GPP supported girls and young women to continue their education through the establishment of Fast Track Learning Centres (FTLC) in Chakwal and Vehari districts, in collaboration with local civil society, local government and local schools. This was accompanied by supporting Village Education Committees (VECs), the development of School Development Plans (SDP) and District Education Plans (DEP), awarenessraising activities in school and girls’ clubs, and advocacy efforts to enhance access to and quality of secondary education for girls. As a result, the level and quality of education for girls and young women is improving in the target areas. The newly established Village Education Committees and Mothers’ Groups support the FTLC teachers and education related opportunities to empower girls and young women. Along with community forums, the opinions of young women and community members, including men and boys, showed a positive change regarding values on continued education for girls (including after marriage and childbirth), compared with opinions at GPP start. The fact that a significant number of FTLC students are married girls with children supported this shift in mindset. Despite these positive changes however, the underlying conservative social norms and values on gender roles and social expectations of married girls still are very much a reality and need further attention by the GPP. At the institutional level, most professional and girl panel members agreed the ineffectiveness of Governmental implementation of legislation and policies related to girls’ education. From the start, GPP engaged and collaborated with Government representatives to build strong partnerships. This resulted in support by Government institutions and officials for different activities and matters such as the establishment of Fast Track Learning Centres in government schools or provision of physical spaces for GPP’s capacity building activities for teachers. NRSP achieved a Memorandum of Understanding with the district government for GPP interventions which most likely will positively influence the results. Also the district level education officers of Chakwal ensured their full cooperation for girls’ education after visiting the GPP’s Fast Track Learning Centres. To strengthen these outcomes, the comprehensive bottom-up approach towards supporting the development of School Development Plans (SDP) and District Education Plans (DEP) as applied in the district of Chakwal and Vehari by GPP partners will be scaled up. This approach enables Government authorities improve their planning for education and enhance the quality. Civil society CRA to partner organisations- 5 C The 5C self-assessments during the MTR showed that GP partners overall have satisfactory capabilities to ensure that project activities are well implemented and that targeted results are achieved. At Bedari, some female staff were promoted as managers, illustrating the effective implementation of their gender policies although they, like the other GP partners, indicated a further need to build the capacity of staff on 19

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign that started on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ended on 10 December, Human Rights Day. The campaign hoped to raise awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international level.

gender issues and improve their gender sensitive monitoring. GP partners appreciated CRA support during monitoring visits. Capacity building activities in 2013 were Madadgaar’s on-the-job trainings on child marriage, protection and sexual and reproductive health and rights, peer exchanges among helplines at the regional Child Helplines meeting in Vietnam facilitated by CHI, and a Plan refresher workshop on reporting for all partners. Capacities as resource mobilisation, gender combined with leadership skills, and M&E framework design are indicated as areas for improvement. In response, the CSC developed a capacity plan to be implemented in 2014. Partners to CSOs – Civil Society Strengthening Compared to the baseline scores, the CIVICUS Civil Society Index shows advancements in all dimensions assessed. This demonstrates that the GPP is well implemented in the project areas and is visible to the other stakeholders, including beneficiaries. A spill-over effect of the GPP support in capacity building is evident. GP partners are directly contributing to the strengthening of other civil society organisations in project areas, as CRA partners have regularly involved them in seminars, various training sessions and consultations under the South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC) framework. Strong Governmental commitments towards the regional SAIEVAC and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) initiatives result in a high likelihood of sustainability of GPP in the SouthAsian countries, including Pakistan. In 2013 the establishment of the Pakistani National Coordination and Action Group (NACG) on Violence against Children (a network of national and local civil society organizations focusing on child protection and part of the regional SAIEVAC structure), moved forward; an activity which will enhance the coordinated advocacy by civil society for better laws and regulations and their implementation. Further, the Madadgaar Youth Advocates have been successful in mobilizing civil society towards child rights and gender equality. Bedari also established and strengthened civil society networks providing support on gender issues in the districts of Multan, Vehari and Chakwal. Their experiences will be helpful in the formation of formal district panels which the MTR recommends as an essential step for the effective implementation and continuation of the GPP. Learning Agenda The Learning Agenda contributed to improved planning and coordination of the results, promoted harmonisation of efforts, and assisted in the identification of gaps in the implementation process. The learnings through the monitoring visits of the programme management committee supported GP partners in developing various activities to fill these gaps. PMC members for example decided to include a sample test to prepare students for the final assessment in response to their findings that these groups have become slow learners after being out of the education system for years. As the GPP Pakistan has a very operational approach towards the Learning Agenda, the MTR recommends improving its learning culture to systemise and improve the documentation of the learning. GPP Pakistan was unfortunately not able to nd join the 2 Learning Agenda meeting in Addis Ababa October 2013 due to visa issues, losing the opportunity to share its experience of the successful innovative and low cost education model and learn from the experiences of other Girl Power countries at the same time. Harmonisation and alignment Each monitoring visit of CRA to Pakistan includes a visit to the Dutch Embassy to inform on GPP progress and exchange on opportunities to harmonize activities with other organisations supported and/or engaged with the Dutch Embassy. GPP also relates with programme activities supported by the Plan UK/ DFID framework Programme Partnership Arrangement on non-formal education, located in different working areas than GPP. SIDA through Plan Sweden has established so-called Adolescent Friendly Centres in the same area as GPP operates (Chakwal), so providing opportunities for linking and mutual strengthening of each other’s programme effectiveness. Further, GPP liaised and organised several events with INGO or UN partners, for example, the provincial launching of child helpline ’1098’ in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 29th October 2013. Where relevant the Plan GPP coordinator invited various UN agencies to appropriate meetings of GPP. GPP partner Plan Pakistan was present at the SAIEVAC Technical Consultation on Harmful Practices in Bhutan, September 2013, which provided opportunities for GPP to exchange with various stakeholders and peer organisations. Further, LRHRA/Madadgaar attended the 3rd Regional Consultation of National Action and Coordinating Group (NACG) Against Violence against Children, which was held in December 2013 in Sri Lanka. In addition, 51

Planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GPP coordinator presented GPP's innovative Fast Track Learning Model during a session on Alternative Education Models at the Comparative and International Education Society 2013 conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA in March 2013. The presentation and information was also shared within Plan International and with the Dutch Embassy and Pakistani Government stakeholders.

2.2. Africa 2.2.1. ETHIOPIA CRA member

Plan

CHI FPU

Local partner

Geographical coverage

Forum for African Women Educationalist (FAWE)

Amhara, Oromia, SNNP and Addis Ababa

African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) African Network Prevention and Protection of Children against Maltreatment and Neglect (ANPPCAN)

National/regional Amhara and SNPP

Development Expertise Centre (DEC) Addis Development Vision (ADV) Mothers and Children Multi-sectoral Development Organization (MCMDO) Illu Women and Children Integrated Development Organization (IWCIDA) 20 Community Initiative Support Organization (CISO) Enhancing Child Focused Activities (ECFA)

Bahirdar Lasta Addis Ababa City administration

Enhancing Child Focused Activities (ECFA)

Adama, Shashemene, Bishoftu, Assela and Metehara towns

N/A

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Ethiopia, South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, (SNNPR), Sidama zone, Malga district Adama (Oromiya), Addis Ketama Sub City N/A

ICDI DCI-ECPAT NL Forum on Sustainable Child Empowerment (FSCE) N/A WW

Oromia and Hurumu Sidama and SNNPR, Adama, Shashemene, Bishoftu, Assela and Metehara towns

Status GP programme

Table 1. Partner activity Plan

CHI

FPU

ICDI

DCIECPAT NL

ETH 2011 ETH 2012 ETH 2013

GP programme on track Programme implementation delayed No activities planned21

Table 2. Thematic overview Protection against violence ETH

II.

Socio-political participation

Economic participation22

(Post-) primary education

Theme present in country programme Theme not present in country programme

Context of the Programme

Contract with CISO was terminated in January 2014 due to a conflict over unfound claims for refunding of additional expenditures (refer to section 4.2.3. on Sanction Policy). 21 Not all CRA members will implement the GP programme in all 10 countries for the full programme implementation period. In this overview only the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;plannedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; programme is referred to for 2011, 2012 and 2013. 22 In the Girl Power Annual Report 2012, Economic participation was by mistake included as a theme in the Ethiopia GPP. Activities undertaken in this area within the Ethiopia GPP are small scale and aimed at a specific target group (rehabilitation of former victims of violence). Economic participation is therefore not considered as a substantive theme in the Ethiopia GPP.

External developments The local election in April 2013 delayed the implementation of certain project activities under the multistakeholder child protection structures initiative, as communities were involved in political campaigns prior to the elections, and post-election resulted in several local government staff changes. Further, the Ethiopian Government’s Directive 30/70 No. 2.2011, which regulates and potentially limits the operations of NGOs in Ethiopia, continued to have impact on GPP implementation. Despite the restrictive policy environment on advocacy, particularly on issues of gender, girls’ empowerment and policies and services, CSC members have successfully supported regional and national events along with Government partners to advocate girls’ education, protection and gender equality, albeit using terms such as ’acts that affect girls/women’ instead of gender-based violence for example. GP Partner ACPF is the only organisation in the Ethiopia GPP that is allowed to advocate nationally because of its status as a Pan-African organisation. Relations with Government are good, as can be seen in the work with the Supreme Court in Ethiopia and government ministries in various African countries. Internal developments The affiliation of new partner organisations DEC, ADV, MCMDO, IWCIDA and CISO has speeded up the implementation of the GPP for Plan. ICDI joined the programme in 2013 with partner ESD, whose programme is on track. Weaknesses in financial administration were identified at ECFA and are being addressed through an action plan, including training on financial accounting and close monitoring by Plan Ethiopia. The contract with CISO is terminated in January 2014 due to a conflict over unfound claims for refunding of additional expenditures (refer to section 4.2.3. on Sanction Policy). Women Win held a capacity building workshop ‘Girl Power through Sport’ in May. This resulted in the decision by the CSC to include more sport activities in the GPP. ICDI’s new partner ESD was welcomed by the other CSC members and, through participating in the regular CSC meetings in 2013 on the implementation of the GPP and the learning agenda, ESD has gained good understanding of the programme. Relationships between CSC members are generally open and positive, with exchange of information increasingly resulting in exchange of materials and participation in each other’s events. The CSC also enhanced the establishment and participation of girls’ and professional panels. The Annual Reflection Meeting took place in December 2013 and was attended by representatives of all CSC members, Plan Nederland, DCI-ECPAT and CHI. Planning for improved communication was done during this meeting and it was decided to develop a media & communication strategy. Further challenge identified is that there are too few existing role models for girls and young women; the CSC is therefore considering opportunities to build on the girls’ ambassadors activities by DEC. III.

Progress Programme implementation

Table 3. Outcome realisation

Ethiopia Protection

Education index 2011

index 2013

Target 2015

index 2011

index 2013

Individual

100,0

121,4

150,7

Individual

100,0

111,9

Socio-cultural

100,0

181,5

185,5

Socio-cultural

100,0

122,1

Institutional

100,0

Average

100,0

212,1

178,4

Institutional

100,0

108,3

171,6

171,5

Average

100,0

114,1

Target 2015*)

*) The Ethiopia CSC will adjust its programme targets for 2015 for the theme of Education as part of the follow-up of the midterm evaluation. General The MTR concluded that considerable progress had been made towards the outcome results in the short 24 time that the programme has been running . The interventions of GPP were found to be very relevant in the Ethiopian context and highly consistent with Governmental policies. Satisfaction amongst all beneficiary groups, especially the community members and the Girls’ Panel members was very high. Interventions such as community conversations at the socio-cultural level were found to be very relevant and sustainable by community members. Most of the education activities were aimed at direct support to the individual girl. As indicated by the MTR however, more attention should be given to the underlying root causes of the gender inequality and the environment in which Ethiopian schools operate to broaden the scope of impact of the GPP education component and to make it more sustainable. The GPP has a good partnership with the Government, and works in an open and transparent manner, as required by the national CSO legislation. The institutional sustainability of the programme is high, as activities have not involved the establishment of separate structures, but have fitted in with and strengthened Governmental structures. Table 4. Outputs 2013 Ethiopia Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 - 2015

81.347 52.729

70.850 42.097

158.012 86.282

270

801

270

238.730 625

129.146 723

238.743 2.170

# of frontline staff of Gvt. Institutions trained # of staff of Gvt institutions reached for L&A B4 + A3 Strengthening of civil society (orgs.)

1.646 783

1.444 793

1.484 1.149

# of CSOs, grassroots and media professionals

950

379

# of networks supported or strengthened

B1. Services delivered to girls & boys # of girls and young women reached # of boys reached B2. Sensitisation of communities # of communities reached # of households reached # of traditional leaders reached B3. Influencing national/district/local governments

Fewer girls, young women and boys were reached by the Girl Power Programme in Ethiopia in 2013 than planned. This reflects the increased costs due to inflation of interventions like vocational training and life skills training. The number of communities reached is much higher than planned because FSCE implemented additional media campaigns. More communities were also reached as a result of collaboration on community conversations with Health Extensions, Youth Services and the police. Protection While girls and young women indicated that the prevalence of violence has changed only minimally since the programme started, significant improvements can be seen in adolescent and young women’s ability to say ‘no’ to sexual advances, and an increase in their knowledge of and access to services such as the hotline of ECFA and the national referral system (for which ACPF has been leading the set up). Girls and young women are therefore better protected compared to the start of the programme. These findings reaffirm the effectiveness of GPP’s activities in life-skills training for girls and young women, promotion of the anti-sexual harassment code of conduct (whose development is supported by FAWE), and ACFP’s television programmes on the Child Legal Protection Centres, broadcast on nationwide Ethiopian 24

The programme in Ethiopia started later than planned. The main reason is that the CSO legislation had changed by the time the GPP started. All CSOs had to re-register and all programme activities had to be agreed upon with the relevant line ministries.

Television. Evidence from the Learning Agenda also suggests that GPP interventions led to an increase in the reporting of child abuse incidents (whereas otherwise these cases would have remained unnoticed and unattended). In North Gondar area Zone and Last district of Amhara regional state a withdrawal of arranged marriages has been noted. These examples support the MTR finding that while norms and values of adult men and women on reporting violence and wife beating have changed considerably, the practices themselves however have not yet changed significantly. Next to media sensitization activities, the CSCs therefore decided to scale up and strengthen activities with high potential for actual behaviour change, like community conversations and coffee ceremonies. FSCE organised Training of Trainer (ToT) 25 sessions on community conversation for youth associations, school clubs, iddirs and their coalitions. At the institutional level, professional panels indicated that although the Government is supportive for protection through policies and services, functional services remain mainly concentrated in Addis Ababa and are very donor dependent. The Girl Panels indicated that implementation of legislation and policies has improved considerably, most likely due to GPP results in strengthening of services such as the Children Legal Protection Centre (CLPC). FSCE and ANPPCAN established multi-stakeholder community based child protection structures and work with existing governmental structures such as the Community Care Coalition. To enhance sustainability, the GPP enabled the establishment of the first Child Protection Referral Network at the Federal Level, which consists of 40 government and non-governmental organisations specialized in providing child protection services to children, including GPP partners. The aim of the network is to define the procedures and mechanisms for a qualitative and functional child protection system. Economic participation Although the main focus of the Ethiopia GPP is on Protection, FSCE and ANPPCAN provided life skills and vocational skills training for adolescent girls recovering from sexual exploitation and who remain vulnerable. The aim of these economic participation activities is to equip them to protect themselves against violence and other forms of exploitation. FCSE and ANPPCAN provided training and material support, and connected trainees with Governmental micro enterprise initiatives. To raise awareness on the importance of life skills and economic strengthening of girls and young women among a wider public, Plan Ethiopia, ANPPCAN and the Bureau of Women, Children and Youth Affairs have produced and broadcast regular TV Spots via Ethiopian Television as of March 2013. Education The MTR reported improvements in the level and quality of girls’ and young women’s education in Ethiopia. In 2013, the GPP supported girls and young women to continue education through tutorial classes and direct material support such as bursary support, educational materials and the provision of sanitary pads. This support was much appreciated but the number of girls and young women reached remained limited. GPP programme activities such as MCMDO’s establishment of 13 Girls Advisory Committees, awareness-raising activities on girls’ education barriers by female staff at school, and the formation of girls clubs contributed to the MTR finding that girls and young women have positive values on girls’ continued education. Further, the created safe and improved environment in school and the increase of self-confidence via the girls clubs significantly changed the values regarding access to education after childbirth and/or marriage for adolescent girls. Boys’ and young men’s support of girls’ education remained largely unchanged, whereas the opinions of adult men and women showed a considerably positive change. They particularly agreed that girls and boys should have equal chances to go to school, and a majority indicated that girls should stay in school after childbirth/marriage. At institutional level, the GPP positively contributed to the institutionalization of the Gender Responsive Pedagogy (GRP) methodology developed by GP partner FAWE through the provided trainings to Ministry of Education’s experts on the GRP methodology. The GPP also provided support to the revision of the Girls Education National strategy which directly affected Government policies and practices. The professional panels confirmed the supportive attitude of the Government towards girl’s education, but the challenge lies in implementation. The quality of the schools is particularly below standard due to lack of teaching materials, teachers and other lacking resources. Access to secondary education is also low, especially for 25

Iddirs are community based organizations established with a primary role to deal with the burial ceremony and to create a form of social gathering in the mourning sessions, to share the sympathy of the deceased family.

girls, due to safety issues, gender inequality and poverty by which girls are kept at home or drop out. FAWE and Plan Ethiopia, along with UNICEF and other CSOs, actively participated in regional and national Girls Education Forums highlighting these challenges, strengthening their advocacy capacity to improve services and polices on girls education. Civil society CRA to partner organisations -5C development The 5C self-assessments during the MTR showed that overall GP partners have all capabilities well in place. The exercise identified a trend towards increased capabilities since the start of the GPP, at least for FAWE, FSCE and ANPPCAN. All GP partners expressed strong interest in developing, reviewing or implementing gender policy and strengthening their capacity on M&E. The new partners of Plan particularly need support in this area as well as in financial and administrative training. The MTR recommendation to develop a joint capacity plan was acknowledged and integrated in the MTR follow up. Capacity development of GP partners in 2013 included training on gender, community child protection mechanisms, partnership management, project cycle management, child protection and PME. ECFA conducted a learning visit to Childline Zimbabwe in September and participated in CHI’s Regional Consultation of African child helplines and in the Pan-African stakeholder dialogue in November. In May 2013, the CSC coordinators of Ethiopia, Ghana and Zambia joined a CSC coordinators workshop held by the CRA in Addis Ababa. During the workshop, support was given on PME, management of relationships and lobby and advocacy. The opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas was particularly appreciated. Partners to CSOs – Civil Society Strengthening Within the strict regulation parameters imposed by the Government, GP partners in 2013 provided training on gender and community child protection structures for CBOs. They moreover organised and supported self-help groups of young mothers and held dialogue meetings with women’s associations, youth associations and iddirs. CSOs were supported to strengthen their role in existing Government and community structures for protection. This has resulted in a referral network on psycho-social and legal services and a joint campaign on gender, girls’ education and child protection. Overall, actual strengthening of CSOs by the GP partners has so far been limited and could be strengthened even within the regulated context in Ethiopia. Following up on this recommendation, the CSC agreed during the Annual Reflection Meeting to develop a civil society strengthening strategy, including a mapping of capacity building and networking activities. Learning Agenda The learning agenda has led to harmonisation of efforts as well as sharing of experiences and resources. Examples of these good practices include the collaboration of FSCE and ANPPCAN with the Multistakeholder Child Protection System and the Community Care Coalition (3C) structure, and of FAWE with 26 Tuseme groups. Resources have been shared as well, such as the ’positive child disciplining manual’ from ANPPCAN. These experiences and resources can be applied by other partners and thus ‘scaled up’. Next to this, the CSC developed a synergy matrix which enabled partners identify synergy areas, available resource materials and capacities, best practices of each GPP partner and facilitate joint learning. Partners started to use DEC’s and ADV’s ‘secret box’ methodology for integrated child protection and education activities at schools. This methodology for signalling planned child marriages proved especially effective in combination with Community Care Coalitions, anti-Harmful Traditional Practices (HTP) Committees and Girls Advisory Committees. The combined approach led to an increase in the reporting of child abuse incidents (whereas otherwise these cases would have remained unnoticed and unattended). In North Gondar area Zone and Last district of Amhara regional state it has even led to a withdrawal of arranged marriages. In line with the MTR recommendation, the CSC decided during the Annual Reflection Meeting to recruit a Learning and Communication Officer to systematize learning in order to improve the nd performances of the GPP in Ethiopia. The 2 Global Learning Meeting was organised in Addis Ababa which provided the opportunity for six Ethiopian partners to participate in the meeting.

Tuseme means ‘speak out’ in Amharic. These groups are formed by FAWE.

Harmonisation and alignment Staff changes took place at the Dutch Embassy and consequently the intended mapping of the various Sexual and Reproductive Health initiatives in Ethiopia as discussed in 2012 has not yet taken place. The CSC linked to the Plan International worldwide campaign â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Because I am a Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (BIAAG) and brought CARE International, Save the Children, UNICEF, WFP, WHO, and UNFPA on board.

2.2.2. GHANA CRA member

Plan

CHI FPU ICDI DCI-ECPAT

IV.

Local partner

CAPECS Wa West District Akwapim North Municipality SILDEP Sissala West District CRRECENT The Ark Foundation East Akim Municipality AMPCAN Akwapim North Municipality AMPCAN Akwapim North Municipality Multi TV National N/A N/A Ghana NGOs Coalition on the Rights of the Kwabre and Bosomtwi Districts (Ashanti Region); Child (GNCRC) Wa Municipality (Upper West Region) Kumasi metropolis and Obuasi Municipality DCI Ghana (Ashanti region) N/A N/A

Status GP programme

Table 1. Partner activity Plan GHA 2011 GHA 2012 GHA 2013

CHI

Table 2. Thematic overview Protection against violence GHA

Geographical coverage

FPU

ICDI

DCI-ECPAT

WW GP programme on track 27 Implementation delayed No activities planned

Socio-political participation

Economic participation

(Post-) primary education

Theme present in country programme Theme not present in country programme.

Context of the Programme

External developments The elections in December 2012 were generally calm and peaceful, but the consequent restructuring of Ministries and government agencies in the first half of 2013 made it difficult for GPP partners to work at the institutional level. Functioning of the Domestic Violence Victim Support Units (DOVVSU) for example was hampered by delays in salary payments. The situation led to GP partners taking over delivery of certain social services, such as youth activities in schools, to the appreciation of Government and other stakeholders. At the same time however, GP partners’ role as “watchdog” and driving force became more articulated as they acted upon the increased need to hold Government staff accountable. Government staff generally felt supported by GPP partners’ involvement as it strengthened their case to higher level management for resources and support. As a response to the post-election restructuring and the consequent faltering of government agencies, the GP partners plan to strengthen their efforts in lobbying and advocacy, and to focus more on integration of projects in existing structures. An example in case is the integration of community child protection committees in structures set up by the Government.

Not all CRA members will implement the GP programme in all 10 countries for the full programme implementation period. In this overview only the ‘planned’ programme is referred to for 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Internal developments AMPCAN in 2013 secured funding from Plan Ghana for the preparatory phase of the child helpline which is planned to be launched in 2014. Multi TV aired its first episode of ‘News Generation’ in January 2013. ‘News Generation’ is now viewable twice a week through Multi TV and Viasat1. Plan strengthened capacity for programme monitoring in the remote and extremely poor North of the country. The Country Steering Committee met regularly in 2013. Relationships between the CSC member organisations are positive and open, and they readily share information. As confirmed by the MTR however, there is room for improvement in terms of sharing experiences, best practices and opportunities for capacity strengthening, and in monitoring of progress at the overall country programme level. Contacts with Multi TV need to be strengthened as this partner was only recently introduced in the CSC. The Annual Reflection Meeting (ARM) in November 2013 was attended by representatives from all GP partner organisations and the Dutch alliance partners Plan Nederland, Child Helpline International and Defence for Children–ECPAT. During the ARM experiences from the Coordinators meeting of the three countries were shared.

VI.

Progress Programme implementation

Table 3. Outcome realisation 2013

Ghana Protection

Political participation index 2011

index 2013

target 2015

Individual

100,0

122,2

141,8

Individual

100,0

170,0

181,8

Socio-cultural

100,0

184,7

192,5

Socio-cultural

100,0

304,4

162,1

Institutional

100,0

123,8

165,5

Average

100,0

191,5

203,3

Institutional Average

100,0 100,0

132,3 146,4

Ec. Participation

index 2011

index 2013

target 2015

Education index 2011

index 2013

target 2015

Individual

100,0

108,2

133,1

Individual

100,0

113,6

134,8

Socio-cultural

100,0

89,0

111,8

Socio-cultural

100,0

505,1

607,8

130,2

Institutional

100,0

191,6

233,1

125,0

Average

100,0

270,1

325,2

Institutional Average

100,0 100,0

100,0 99,1

index 2011

index 2013

target 2015

General The MTR concluded that the Girl Power programme in Ghana has been very effective. Engagement of partners with community members contributed to direct and outstanding progress towards expected outcomes. The programme is moreover highly relevant to the needs of girls and young women and well aligned with activities by Government and other actors. Despite differences amongst partners and communities, programme implementation has on the whole been efficient, and its design and implementation process has to a very large extent promoted sustainability. Some community structures will need prolonged support however, and there is need for an overall exit strategy. Progress towards expected outcomes is most marked at the individual and socio-cultural levels; effects of the programme at institutional level are less clear. GPP partners recognised the need for stronger

emphasis on lobby and advocacy, and a joint plan for advanced advocacy for 2014 was formulated during the Annual Reflection Meeting of the CSC. As a general challenge to actual changes in attitudes and behaviour, GPP partners note a strong inclination from communities towards more investments in hardware like school buildings, educational materials and scholarships. There seems to be an overall persuasion that issues like gender and protection cannot be discussed empty handed. GPP partners conclude that a broader change of attitude is needed and see this reflected in the focus on social accountability by the EU and other international donors towards Ghana. Table 4. Output delivery 2013 Ghana Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 - 2015

B1. Services delivered to girls & boys # of girls and young women reached

63.200

99.048

79.990

# of boys reached B2. Sensitisation of communities # of communities reached

56.287

65.846

66.125

250

# of households reached

29.000

63.141

53.000

1.060

1.214

2.060

# of frontline staff of Gvt. Institutions trained # of staff of Gvt institutions reached for L&A B4 + A3 Strengthening of civil society (orgs.)

240 170

263 233

586 430

# of CSOs, grassroots and media professionals

140

162

148

# of traditional leaders reached B3. Influencing national/district/local governments

# of networks supported or strengthened

The Girl Power Programme in Ghana reached more girls and boys in 2013 as a result of media campaigns. Some partners incorporated media campaigns as an alternative and additional strategy to community durbars to increase their reach. This is also reflected in the higher number of households reached. Overall, the delivery of outputs by GP partners was on track. Protection Results of the programme in Ghana in the field of Protection against violence were positive, with progress at the individual and socio-cultural levels particularly significant. Girls in the programme areas indicated that fewer cases of violence against them had been experienced since the programmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception, whilst the MTR identified a marked trend towards reduced acceptance of violence against girls and young women at the socio-cultural level These findings reaffirmed the effectiveness of GPP partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities aimed at girls and young women and communities, such as life skills training, awareness raising, sensitisation activities through traditional leaders and teachers, and promotion and support of community child protection systems. At the same time however, levels of physical and emotional violence remain high, and sexual violence occurs most frequently through family members, school teachers and peers. Particularly effective in addressing prevention of violence against girls were the weekly live broadcasts of interactive discussions on girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rights and protection issues through community information centres in Akwapim North district. For 2014 and 2015, the CSC partners will build on these and other new approaches to community sensitisation. Outcomes at the institutional level were less clear. Activities in 2013 included training of district assembly members, heads of schools and other front line staff on the laws for protection of girls and young women against violence and abuse; collaboration with assemblies to strengthen municipal and district child protection teams; lobbying the Child Protection Network to advocate for improvement of protection services; advocacy to policy makers and local government on specific topics (access to medication for victims of GBV; improvement of youth detention centres, and the linking of community child protection 61

teams to district levels). Professionals perceived increased Governmental support for protection through legislation, policies and services; girls’ panels however perceived less Governmental support. For the GPP partners, these differences in perception indicate a lack of implementation of legislation and policies at the local level, which is more tangible for the girl panels than for the professionals. It moreover underpins their choice for a stronger focus on lobby and advocacy. Socio-political participation The MTR concluded that in Girl Power programme areas, girls and young women were much more involved in socio‐political activities and decision making processes. In 2013, children’s club members of both sexes were trained and supported to speak out on children’s and girls’ rights to, for example, the District Assembly. In Wa West district, children participated in several radio presentations. Girls were supported to take leadership positions within their clubs. With its bi-weekly news programmes for children, News Generation contributed to a favourable climate for socio-political participation, with great potential for including news items on issues affecting girls. There is increased awareness and acceptance of girls and young women’s role in decision making. Women are increasingly taking on positions in Child Protection Committees and other civil society activities, and are willing to stand for elected offices in their communities. Economic participation As an outcome of the programme, more girls and young women in the target areas have access to socioeconomic opportunities, and community acceptance of the economic participation of girls and young women has generally increased. Activities implemented in 2013 included vocational skills training and the provision of business start-up materials in soap making and batik textile techniques. In Wa West, the GPP supported 1.500 female soya producers and VSLA group members. Men are now assisting their wives and other female family members in planting, weeding and harvesting. The number of girls and women perceiving sustainable benefits is however small, and there was little post-training support. GPP partners wish to strengthen the effectiveness of their efforts towards economic participation. Together with the Dutch CRA, options are being explored for practical approaches during the second half of 2014 and 2015. These may include linking with and referral to existing initiatives while focusing direct investments in best practices (life skills training, financial literacy), application of market ‘scans’ and consequent adaptation of activities. (Post-) primary education The GPP supported access to education of girls and young women through community awareness raising, strengthening and support to School Management Committees and Parent Teacher Associations, and inkind scholarships to underprivileged girls. There was an increased level of awareness in the targeted communities on the need for the education of girls and young women. Also, Government support for girls’ education has improved markedly according to the girl panels consulted. In Akwapim North, some communities successfully compelled the local education authorities to build a school while other communities succeeded in building schools by themselves. The high number of teenage pregnancies is a challenge to the education component of the programme. Although it is becoming more and more acceptable, 50% of young men in programme areas do not think that girls should continue their education after child birth or marriage. In 2014, GPP partners will focus their efforts in awareness-raising of girls’ education to young men. There will also be a stronger focus on messages on sexual and reproductive health rights. In this respect, CRRECENT in 2013 successfully liaised with religious leaders in Akwapim North to link SRHR messages to the predominant Christian values. Research is planned to provide insight in the barriers for pregnant girls’ access to education. Civil Society CRA to partner organisations– 5C Capacity support to local partner organisations in 2013 included technical support for direct programme implementation, such as training in community-based child protection systems and CBO support, refresher training on production and interview techniques (Multi TV) and peer-to-peer training in child helpline management (AMPPCAN). Women Win organised a ‘Girl Power through Sports Workshop’, which 62

was attended by all CSC organisations and 10 other NGOs. GNCRC and CAPECS introduced sports activities in their programmes. There was also more general organisational strengthening, for example in financial management, the formulation of child protection policies and strategic planning (DCI-Ghana). DCI-Ghana also participated in peer-to-peer capacity development with DCI-Sierra Leone and DCI-Liberia. Due to their increased capacity, most GP partners are functioning as agents of change with regards to gender equality. Training on gender has especially proved useful. All GPP partners consulted during the MTR 5C workshops indicated a need however for further strengthening in this area, for example in formulating gender policies and mainstreaming gender within the organisation. Other capacity development needs identified included resource mobilisation and M&E. In addressing capacity development needs as identified by partner organisations, the CRA will focus on opportunities for joint and peer-to-peer capacity development strategies. Partners to CSOs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Civil Society Strengthening In 2013, GP partners strengthened and supported CSOs, CBOs, grassroots organisations and CSO networks in the programme districts, including Child Protection Networks in the Ashanti region and Ashanti district. The networks successfully increased collaboration and coordination on gender equality and child protection at the district and regional levels, and met with various duty bearers, including the District Assembly, to increase lobbying for protection of girls and young women. The MTR concluded that civil society in the GP programme areas is active and outspoken. GPP has created an awareness that was not there previously, and many civil society actors are now involved in discussions and programmes related to gender equality. Also, the programme is active in coalitions and networks and uses this to foster its activities. The Child Protection Networks were instrumental in facilitating formal dialogue between Governmental members and NGOs, and are an important building block in strengthening lobby and advocacy by civil society. The GNCRC, as a national coalition of Child Rights organisations, is actively engaging and using its members to promote the rights and position of girls and young women. At the same time GPP partners are using their regional bodies to learn from their experiences and share lessons learnt with other organisations in the country. Learning Agenda Implementation of the learning agenda is well underway. Most noticeable in 2013 was the learning workshop on effective child protection systems and working with boys and men. All CSC organisations presented their learnings and experiences on these learning questions. UNICEF shared its child protection system approach. The child protection model based on and developed from these contributions is now being used by the GPP partners in their project implementation, and has strengthened their efforts in child protection. Learning was also part of the quarterly review meetings of the CSC and the Annual nd Reflection Meeting. The learnings were documented and shared at the 2 Global Learning meeting in Addis Ababa (October 2013) in which two representatives of the Ghana CSC participated. Harmonisation and alignment There were good contacts with the Dutch Embassy in 2013 and the Dutch Embassy is well aware of the GPP. Plan submitted a proposal for funding through the Embassyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maternal health online programme, but continued cutbacks in Embassy budget and staff hampered concrete cooperation between the Embassy and the GPP. The CSC is currently exploring possibilities for cooperation with UNICEF on a project on Child Marriage. There was also cooperation with UNICEF on the learning agenda.

2.2.3. LIBERIA CRA member

Local partner

Geographical coverage

CHI

Forum for African Women Educationalist (FAWE) Liberia Education Trust (LET) Care for Humanity (CAFH) Youth United for Development Association (YUDA) Bomi, Montserrado, Lofa, Grand Cape Liberia Children Foundation (LCF) Mount Peace and Development Outreach Volunteers (PDOV) Vahun United for Development (VUD) 29 Association for Rural Development (ARD) Beacon of Hope for the Least Developed (BEHOLD) Ministry of Gender and Development National

FPU

Power TV

Montserrado

ICDI

N/A

Plan

DCI-ECPAT NL DCI Liberia

Montserrado and Bomi Counties

DCI Liberia

Status GP Programme

Table 1. Partner activity Plan

CHI

FPU

ICDI

DCI-ECPAT NL

LBR 2011 LBR 2012 LBR 2013

GP programme on track Programme implementation delayed No activities planned30

Table 2. Thematic overview Protection against violence

Socio-political participation

LBR

II.

Economic participation

(Post-) primary education

Theme present in country programme Theme not present in country programme

Context of the Programme

External developments There were no major external developments affecting programme implementation in 2013. The country remained relatively stable in the process of reconstruction after the civil war that ended in 2003. The overall relatively weak position of civil society remains a challenge however throughout the programme implementation period. In 2013, the low level of organisational capacity of (implementing) partners negatively affected programme implementation and caused delays in output delivery. The number of international organisations working on child protection services is decreasing; UNICEF, for example, has changed its focus to education. While this may slow down the progress made towards protection of children against violence and abuse, it also presents GP partners with an opportunity to take a leading role in child protection.

Contract with ARD was terminated in December 2013 after an investigation by the Counter Fraud unit of the Global Assurance Department of Plan International confirmed allegations of fraud. Further details are provided in section 4.2.3. Sanction Policy. 30 Not all CRA members will implement the GP programme in all 10 countries for the full programme implementation period. In this overview only the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;plannedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; programme is referred to for 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Internal developments At the time of report writing, serious shortcomings in the financial administration of plan Liberia were suspected. As a preventative sanction, payment of MFSII funds to Plan in Liberia was suspended. An audit by the Global Assurance Department confirmed that expenditure of MFSII funds by Plan Liberia in 2013 was compliant with MFSII regulations. A comprehensive package of appropriate measures to address identified weaknesses in the administrative organisation is being set up, including capacity support for Plan Liberia and intensified monitoring (also see paragraph 4.2.3. on Sanction policy). Implementation of the GP programme by Plan had already been negatively affected by the termination of the contract with partner ARD in December 2013 after theft of project funds and materials. Management of the Liberia programme by Plan Nederland was suboptimal as a result of HR issues during 2012 and 2013. Free Press Unlimited in 2013 selected Power TV for the production of a series of informative items by and for girls. Power TV, in consultation with the country steering committee (CSC), will select girls from Girl Power Girls Clubs from the different regions for training and participation in the making of the productions. A coordinator was appointed at Power TV to guarantee the quality of the productions and collaboration between the different partners. Child Helpline International made progress towards realisation of a national child helpline by the Ministry of Gender and Development. Due to lengthy, yet necessary negotiations and lengthy decision-making procedures at the Ministry, the start of the helpline pilot was postponed till mid-2014. Power TV and the Ministry of Gender and Development both joined the Country Steering Committee in 2013. Overall, the CSC is becoming stronger as the added value of cooperation becomes more tangible. All CSC members take part in one or more task forces, including the Child Protection Network (CPN), the Gender Based Violence Taskforce, and the Adolescent Girls Working Group (AGWG) of the Ministry of Gender and Development. The functioning of CSC should be further improved however, to ensure complementarity. During the Annual Reflection Meeting, that took place in December 2013 in Monrovia, areas for improvement identified by the CSC were coordination at national and international level, the development of a joint M&E framework for better CSC monitoring of country programme progress, and collaboration among partners at the county level. III.

Progress Programme implementation

Table 3. Outcome realisation

Protection*)

Political participation*) index 2011

index 2013

100,0

175,0

Individual

100,0

211,4

149,9

Socio-cultural

100,0

141,5

93,3

Institutional

100,0

129,9

139,4

Average

100,0

160,9

Individual Socio-cultural

100,0

Institutional

100,0

Average

100,0

Economic Participation*)

Socio-cultural Institutional Average

index 2013

Education*)

index 2011 Individual

index 2011

100,0 100,0 100,0 100,0

index 2013

index 2011

index 2013

327,2

Individual

100,0

126,7

115,8

Socio-cultural

100,0

120,6

111,6

Institutional

100,0

150,2

184,9

Average

100,0

132,5

*) The Liberia CSC will adjust its programme targets for 2015 as part of the follow-up of the midterm evaluation. General GPP interventions were found to be relevant in the Liberian context and consistent with Governmental policies. Programme effectiveness was notable, especially in the areas of Protection against violence and Socio-political participation. Overall, progress towards outcomes was strongest at the individual level. The general lack of resources for implementation of policies and regulations towards rights and opportunities of girls and young women was reflected in the MTR findings on the programme’s effectiveness at the institutional level. It should be noted however, that the relationship between the Ministry and the programme is encouraging Government to show the necessary political will to promote the rights and welfare of girls and young women in Liberia. In spite of the gains made in the programme, it should be noted that the implementation process is still behind schedule. Delivery of outputs is generally efficient, but challenged by delays in the release of funds to implementing partners. The fact that capacity development of partner organisations and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is one of the programme’s main strategies presents good potential for sustainability of programme outcomes. Other positive factors in this respect are the participation and (financial) commitment of the Ministry of Gender and Development, and the programme’s focus on working with community structures such as Child Welfare Committees. Many of these organisations rely heavily on funding through the GPP however, and without effective resource mobilisation strategies, replication of activities after the programme’s end is unlikely. Table 4. Output delivery

Liberia Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 - 2015

B1. Services delivered to girls & boys # of girls and young women reached

12.500 12.125

16.562 12.630

47.800 18.940

75 1.250

103 8.480

190 23.000

200

234

530

# of frontline staff of Gvt. Institutions trained # of staff of Gvt institutions reached for L&A B4 + A3 Strengthening of civil society (orgs.)

146

550

490

# of CSOs, grassroots and media professionals

175

190

105

# of boys reached B2. Sensitisation of communities # of communities reached # of households reached # of traditional leaders reached B3. Influencing national/district/local governments

# of networks supported or strengthened

Reported output delivery by GP partners was on track in 2013. Partners of Plan expanded awareness raising and community mobilisation activities to an additional 28 communities. The consequent increase in the numbers of households is moreover explained by the implementation of additional media campaigns. There was positive response to planned trainings for frontline staff as well as CSOs, leading to higher numbers of participants. Protection Girls and young women in the GP programme areas indicated that violence against them has decreased since the beginning of the programme. Their knowledge on available protection services has significantly increased, and they are better equipped to resist unwanted sexual activity. These findings reaffirm the effectiveness of GPP’s activities such as awareness-raising in schools and communities through meetings,

advocacy campaigns, media campaigns and street theatre, and DCI’s ‘a walk-around-town‘ . Protection services identified by girls and young women during the MTR included branches of the Ministry of Gender and Development, Child Welfare Committees (CWC), Police Stations, and Legal Aid Offices. This confirms the good working relationship GP partners and these institutions have developed over the last years. At the socio-cultural level, although communities are increasingly regarding violence against girls and young women as unacceptable, half of all men and women however still agreed with the acceptability of men beating their wives or girlfriends. Incidence of (sexual) violence against girls and young women is moreover still rampant. GP partners in 2013 explored activities and strategies with good prospects for actual behaviour change, for example by engaging boys and men through establishing Men’s Action Groups (MAGs) (DCI Liberia). MAGs are proving to be effective agents of change at the community level, where they actively raise awareness on violence against girls and young women and girls’ rights to education by discussing with community leaders/elders and conducting house to house visits. Panels of professionals consulted during the MTR concluded that since the beginning of the GPP, the Government has undertaken necessary and positive steps towards the provision of protection policies and services. GP partners were engaged in various advocacy initiatives, for example through the Liberia Child Rights NGO Coalition (LCRNC), chaired by DCI-Liberia (also see the case below). After submission of an alternative report to the UNCRC, the LCRNC is currently working with the Government on follow-up of the UNCRC’s recommendations on policies and regulations. Girls’ panels consulted during the MTR however, did not think that Governmental support to the protection of girls and young women had improved. This is probably an indication that implementation of policies is still lacking, especially at the programme area levels.

National level action for lobby and advocacy in Liberia: Establishing a Liberia Child Rights NGO Coalition National child rights NGO coalitions exist in many countries with the objective of cooperation and coordination between the member NGOs, including in advocacy and lobbying. Most of these coalitions are active in producing shadow reports for treaty monitoring bodies like the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Such a coalition did not exist in Liberia until 2012 however, when the Liberia Child Rights NGO Coalition (LCRNC) came into being through a joint effort of GP partners DCI - Liberia, FAWE and Plan Liberia. Setting up the LCRNC involved the development of a Strategic Plan 2013 – 2016 through a participatory planning process, capacity building and strengthening of the LCRNC secretariat, the coalition itself and its NGO members through workshops, training and knowledge sharing, developing and implementing a governance structure, including an Executive Committee and Technical Committees. Member CSOs/NGOs include the GP partners DCI-Liberia (LCRNC coordinator), FAWE and Plan Liberia, and other organisations like ANPPCAN Liberia, LIKE (Liberia Institute for Knowledge and Excellence) and the Girls Education Movement (GEM). Since its establishment, the LCRNC has produced two shadow reports, one to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 2012, and one to the African Committee of African Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in 2013. In reaction to the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the recommendations on child protection system strengthening in the shadow report to the UNCRC, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, in her annual message to the legislators in January 2013, announced the decision to submit a bill for the creation of a Child Justice Division at the Ministry of Justice that would have an oversight responsibility for all children’s issues, including data collection and management. The objective of joint advocacy and lobbying is included in the LCRNC Strategic Plan 2013-2016, including on female genital mutilation (FGM).

During ‘a walk around town’, girls and young women learn about protection visits in their community by actually visiting these services and discussing with staff.

Socio-political participation There have been positive changes in attitudes of girls and young women in GP programme areas with regard to their participation in political life and decision-making. Girls are unanimously aware of their right to participate in public decision-making, which is a clear indication that the work of DCI, FAWE and YUDA towards socio-political participation of girls and young women has been effective. Girls and young women report that life skills training, sports programmes and interactive radio programmes through the GPP have helped them to openly discuss gender related issues with peers, and to organise themselves. Community awareness activities resulted in an open environment in which all groups now indicate that girls and young women should be active in public decision-making. In Bomi, females are now serving as town chiefs. In Foya, a traditional rural and male dominated society, a girl has been elected Student Union President for the first time in the school’s history. At the institutional level, there is a general understanding that the Government has developed policies that create space for women’s participation in local decision-making, as effect of the decentralisation process. However, Girl Panels reported quite differing opinions from the Professional Panels, indicating that there is room for improvement. GPP continues its efforts to address the weak implementation of policies through several advocacy campaigns. Economic participation Through activities such as vocational skills training (soap making, cloth weaving, embroidery, carpentry, tailoring), provision of start-up kits and materials and establishment and support of Village Savings and Loan Groups (VSLAs), the GPP aims to support adolescent girls and young women towards economic participation. The MTR confirmed a marked increase in the number of adolescent girls and young women in programme areas that were economically active. The economic activities supported contributed to increased income for the beneficiaries and their families, and to a resulting general shift in mind-sets towards appreciation of women as economic actors. The number of beneficiaries is relatively small however, and the outcomes are hardly sustainable. This is partly due to a lack of post-training support, but also related to the choice of skills – market surveys were for example not conducted at the outset of the programme. In 2013 GP partners started adjusting their interventions on economic participation. Training content was adjusted, and a combined approach of skills training and VSLA applied. The latter proved successful for the soap making group and will be applied also to other groups. At the institutional level, GP partners continued collaborate with, support and advocate the Government for the full implementation of the National Gender Policy, which seeks to promote equal access to economic resources and opportunities. Effects of the programme at the institutional level are ‘mixed’; while professional panels consulted during the MTR concluded that Government support towards economic empowerment of adolescent girls and young women in terms of policies, regulations and services had improved, girl panels contested the opposite; probably indicating a general lack of implementation of policies at the programme area level, which is more tangible for girls than for professionals. Education GP activities to promote girls’ access to (post-primary) education are to a large extent aimed at individual girls. In 2013, the programme supported some 2000 girls with scholarships and educational materials. The programme also worked with girls’ clubs on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights to empower girls to prevent early pregnancies – the main reason for girls dropping out of post-primary education. Groups were also supported to access contraceptives, which can be considered a remarkable development in the predominantly traditional communities in which the programme operates. Even though these interventions contributed to an increased number of girls in programme areas attending secondary schools, the number of beneficiaries remains low compared to the actual needs, which leads to frustration with communities and girls who do not receive benefits – findings confirmed by the MTR. The MTR concluded that in GP programme areas, norms and values are now more positive on girls’ education than at programme start. This is a clear indication that awareness-raising strategies (media campaigns, community meetings) used by the GP partners are proving effective. Training of teachers and Parent Teacher Associations also contributed to a more girl-friendly learning environment at schools in programme areas.

At institutional level, Plan Liberia and partners are in the forefront of advocacy for girl’s education. In collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Development, FAWE is co-chairing the Education Thematic th Working Group which is drafting the 4 Country CEDAW Report. Plan Liberia chaired the Technical Working Committee during the review of the Girls Education Policy which was led by the Ministry of Education. This participatory and open attitude of the Government illustrates its support of equal participation in education, confirmed by the professional panels consulted during the MTR. Resources for actual implementation of policies however are very limited, which probably explains why girl panels during the MTR reported lower appreciation of Governmental support for girls’ education. Civil society CRA to partners- 5C progress During the MTR, all GP partners confirmed that the programme had contributed significantly to the development of their capacity. They are now in a better position to work on issues related to the empowerment of girls and young women. The MTR concluded from the 5C assessment that on average the strongest capabilities were the Capability to Relate and the Capability to Commit and Act. The CRA relates these scores to its capacity building efforts during monitoring visits and technical support. Capacity development of GP partners in 2013 included training on the Goal programme for ‘Girls’ Empowerment through Sports’ and peer-to-peer organisational strengthening within the international network of DCI (DCI-Liberia), trainings, mentoring, coaching and feedback sessions on (financial) administration, programme management and M&E (implementing partners of Plan in Liberia). GP partners also participated in workshops organised by the LNRNC to assist them in the organisation and implementation of their advocacy and watchdog roles. The lowest scoring capability was the Capability to Adapt and Renew. This is mainly connected to the inability of partners to secure their own funds and their high dependence on donor funding, which negatively affects abilities to retain qualified staff, to maintain organisational infrastructure and to adapt to changing circumstances. Scores on the Capability to Achieve were similar for all organisations consulted, and scores on the Capability to Relate generally increased. Good scores on the latter reflect the strong links of GP partners with different national and international networks. During the ARM, CSC members confirmed the need for further capacity strengthening on M&E, financial management, resource mobilisation and gender mainstreaming. The MTR further highlighted the need to strengthen capacities of implementing field staff. Partners to CSOs – Civil Society Strengthening Civil Society Organisations across Liberia are faced with a plethora of challenges which include lack of funds, limited human resource capacity and inability to retain staff. Additionally, the Government does not create enough room for engagement with CSOs. The GPP provides an opportunity to build CSO capacities and assist them develop networks and coalitions that will foster cooperation and collaboration. Important steps were taken by GP partners in 2013 through the formation and support of community based Child Welfare Committees, Men’s Action Groups, Girls’ and Women’s Clubs and Parent and Teacher Associations. However, considering the weak capacity of civil society, the GPP should invest more in strengthening capacities of CSOs. This will be useful especially in the area of ensuring local ownership and sustainability at the end of the programme. Despite these challenges, CSOs are willing to continue working on the thematic areas and are actively and effectively raising awareness at local and national levels. They also put the necessary pressure on Government to ensure introduction and implementation of policies and laws that are essential to the growth and development of girls and young women. Learning Agenda Implementation of the Learning Agenda has been slow, partly due to a lack of clarity on procedures and processes. Despite this, GP partners indicate that the learning agenda has increased and strengthened the quality of their interventions. Activities carried out in 2013 in the context of the Learning Agenda included Focus Group Discussions with girls and young women, review of girl panel reports with girls, quarterly review meetings with key stakeholders, and conduction of expert panel reviews and stakeholders consultations. The learnings acquired have been integrated in the GPP, for example through adjustment of training curricula for girls’ groups/clubs and the engagement of boys and men. Also work with Child Welfare Committees and traditional and religious leaders has been undertaken to strengthen their role in nd advocacy. Two representatives of the Liberia CSC participated in the 2 Global Learning Agenda Meeting in Addis Ababa in October 2013. 69

Harmonisation and alignment Through GP partners' active membership in various national networks and working groups, such as the Adolescent Girls Working Group, the Child Protection Network and the Gender Based Violence taskforce, the Girl Power programme is well aligned with programmes and activities of other (I)NGOs. Collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Gender and Development, for example on the review of the Girls Education Policy, promoted further harmonisation with Government. There was no concrete follow-up on the lead with the World Bank in 2013, but discussions on linking the Girl Power Programme to the World Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work with adolescent girls in Liberia will be further taken up in 2014.

2.2.4. SIERRA LEONE CRA member

Plan CHI FPU ICDI DCI-ECPAT WW

VII.

Local partner

Geographical coverage

Disability Rights Movement SL (DRIM) Forum For African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Community Empowerment & Development Association (CEDA) Youth and Child Advocacy Network (YACAN) Child Help Sierra Leone Concept Multimedia One Family People Defence for Children I-Sierra Leone One Family People

Moyamba and Western Area Moyamba and Western Area Moyamba and Western Area Moyamba and Western Area Western and Northern Areas Moyamba and Western Area Moyamba and Western Area Moyamba and Western Area Moyamba and Western Area

Status GP programme

Table 1. Partner activity Plan

CHI

FPU

ICDI

DCI-ECPAT

SLE 2011 SLE 2012 SLE 2013

GP programme on track Implementation delayed33 No activities planned

Table 2. Thematic overview Protection against violence

Socio-political participation

SLE

VIII.

Economic participation

(Post-) primary education

Theme present in country programme Theme not present in country programme

Context of the Programme

External developments Despite slow economic growth and gains in the development and strengthening of state institutions, Sierra Leone remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Girls and young women continue to be among the groups worst affected by unemployment, illiteracy and lack of access to economic opportunities and decision making processes. Persistent harmful socio-cultural norms on gender, poor infrastructure and connectivity and donor dependency at various levels of society continued to form the most important additional external factors influencing the implementation of the Girl Power programme. On the positive side, CRA organisations observed an upcoming young generation that is determined to build its own country and future. The final trials at the Special Court for Sierra Leone and its formal closure in December 2013 were followed throughout the country but did not impact on programme implementation. Internal developments In June 2013, Free Press Unlimited contracted Concept Multimedia for the production of a series of informative items by and for girls. Concept Multimedia, in consultation with the CSC, will select girls from Girl Power Girls Clubs from the different regions for training and participation in the making of the productions. In November, Child Helpline International established contacts with Child Help Sierra Leone. The NGO is committed to expand its current mobile network-based child helpline. Both organisations were introduced to the Country Steering Committee. 33

Not all CRA members will implement the GP programme in all 10 countries for the full programme implementation period. In this overview only the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;plannedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; programme is referred to for 2011, 2012 and 2013.

The Country Steering Committee met regularly in 2013. Although relationships are positive, and partners readily share information, there is room for improvement in coordination and cooperation between GPP partners to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication. As part of the implementation of the Learning Agenda, the CSC facilitated a Training-of-Trainers on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Engaging Boys and Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for all implementing GPP partners which was originally planned for 2013, but was postponed to January 2014. In Moyamba, a joint mapping of the child protection system was undertaken. The Project Steering Committee (PSC) undertook joint monitoring exercises, including project site visits, but did not meet as frequently as planned. The CSC Annual Reflection Meeting in November 2013 was attended by representatives of all CSC members and Plan Nederland. Meeting outcomes included action plans for advocacy and for improved participation of girls in GP planning, monitoring and implementation. Coordination by Plan Nederland was less intensive in 2013 as a consequence of HR issues (difficulty to fill vacancy and long-term sickness).

III.

Progress Programme implementation

Table 3.Outcome realisation

Protection*)

Socio-political participation*) index 2011

index 2013

index 2011

index 2013

Individual

100,0

131,0

Individual

100,0

321,9

Socio-cultural

100,0

121,8

Socio-cultural

100,0

183,7

Institutional

100,0

125,0

Institutional

100,0

Average

100,0

125,9

Average

100,0

201,9

index 2011

index 2013

Economic participation*)

Education*) index 2011

index 2013

Individual

100,0

Individual

100,0

235,4

Socio-cultural

100,0

245,6

Socio-cultural

100,0

174,9

Institutional

100,0

83,3

Institutional

100,0

Average

100,0

143,0

Average

100,0

205,2

*) The Sierra Leone CSC will adjust its programme targets for 2015 as part of the follow-up of the midterm evaluation. General The MTR concluded that the Girl Power programme in Sierra Leone is relevant given the country context and the needs of its beneficiaries, and in line with the agenda, policies and programmes of the Government. The programme is to a large extent effective as expected outcomes are in the process of being realised. This holds especially for efforts in the areas of protection, (post-primary) education and socio-political participation. In the area of economic participation, the programme has been less successful in the sense that even though the indicators show impressive increase, the absolute figures are still very low. Efficiency of programme implementation was found sufficient but complementarity, economies of scale and monitoring of programme implementation at the overall country level by the CSC should be strengthened. Some aspects of the programme have started showing signs of possible sustainability, especially in the area of socio-political participation. On the whole however, sustainability needs a lot of attention to ensure that the programme benefits are built upon and maintained after 2015. 34

Table 4. Output delivery Sierra Leone Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 - 2015

B1. Services delivered to girls & boys # of girls and young women reached # of boys reached B2. Sensitisation of communities # of communities reached

33.512 11.735

45.066 2.897

108.421 17.837

11.600 236

17.700 289

20.800 736

# of frontline staff of Gvt. Institutions trained # of staff of Gvt institutions reached for L&A B4 + A3 Strengthening of civil society (orgs.)

103 353

149 142

1.060 1.060

# of CSOs, grassroots and media professionals

101

185

# of networks supported or strengthened

# of households reached # of traditional leaders reached B3. Influencing national/district/local governments

The GP partners only started planning for activities for boys and young men in the course of 2012 and the target set for 2013 proved too ambitious. Fewer government agency staffwere reached for lobby and advocacy, partially because activities were rescheduled for 2014. Protection Girls and young women in the programme areas report that violence against them has decreased since the start of GPP. Communities increasingly recognise violence against girls and young women as unacceptable, indicating that community awareness-raising activities and sensitisation through radio broadcasts and discussions (FAWE, DCI-SL), community rallies, sports activities (YACAN), community session with traditional leaders (DCI-SL) and theatre (One Family People) have been effective. Physical and sexual violence against girls and young women is still persistent however, and continued and specified interventions are needed to address harmful cultural norms. An example in case is the formation of boys’ clubs. Three boys’ clubs initiated by YACAN in 2013 are now actively supporting girls’ and young women’s initiatives in community awareness-raising, especially on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Girls and young women in GPP areas are now more aware of their rights, and their knowledge of agents to access when faced with protection related issues has increased strongly. The important progress made by the programme in these areas can be attributed to life skills training through girls clubs (DCI-Sierra Leone, FAWE, One Family People), sports activities (One Family People), and Mothers’ Led Protection Units (One Family People) and Girls Clubs in schools (YACAN). GP partners in 2013 continued to strengthen linkages between community-based protection structures, formal judicial structures and service providers. This has contributed to easy and frequent referrals between Child Welfare Committees, chiefs and Family Support Units run by local police authorities. DCISierra Leone in 2013 trained law enforcement officials, social service providers and CSOs on the National Referral Protocol on Gender Based Violence, and the Sexual Offences Act, which became effective in 2012. Legal and medical assistance and counselling were provided for 550 victims of violence (DCI- Sierra Leone and One Family People). Overall however, access to justice is limited for girls and implementation of legislation is generally slow. DCI-Sierra Leone lobbied Government to develop a child protection policy (draft policy now developed) and to strengthen implementation of the Sexual Offences Act (draft implementation plan now developed), which had been adopted early 2013 as a result of successful lobbying by GP partners in 2011 and 2012 (see case below). OFP supported lobbying of Government for the implementation of the Persons with Disability Act (several commitments). Despite these achievements, the MTR concluded that programme outcomes at the institutional level were less clear. Since the start of the GPP, girls from programme areas and professional panels have not seen changes in Government actions to ensure the rights of girls and young women to protection against violence. The 73

girls were far more negative than the professional panels, indicating the general lack of implementation of laws and policies at local level, which is more tangible for girls than for professionals.

National level lobbying and advocacy in Sierra Leone: campaign for a law on sexual offences In 2011, GP partners DCI-Sierra Leone, OFP and Plan joined forces with UNICEF, Save the Children International, World Vision, International Rescue Committee, Advocacy Movement Network and other members of the National Child Protection Committee (NCPC) and the Gender Based Violence Committee (GBVC) and launched a joint action to refloat the finalisation and adoption of the draft Sexual Offences Bill – an important step towards increased prosecution of sexual violence against girls and women. After successful lobby towards the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs (MSWGCA) to prioritise the review of the draft Bill, the MSWGCA set up a Technical Working Group, led by the MSWGCA and UNICEF, to move forward the process. In the lobbying, reference was made to research reports and the Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child on UNCRC Report of Sierra Leone 2008. To enrich the draft Bill, the Technical Working Group conducted four regional consultations with Chiefs, police/Family Support Units, NGOs/CSOs, children and other groups. The draft Bill was moreover reviewed by the TWG members and, through them, their networks of partner and sister organisations abroad, such as Defence for Children - ECPAT Netherlands and DCI’s International Secretariat. Consultative workshops were also organized for parliamentarians, followed by several meetings with identified allies in Parliament. After a final review by the NCPC and the NGBVC, the final Bill was submitted by the MSWGCA to the Legal Draftsman’s Office of the Ministry of Justice for legal drafting. To ensure that the Bill was given priority, the TWG had created a relationship with the Draftsman’s Office right at the beginning of drafting of the Bill. With persistent pressure from the TWG, the Bill was drafted and gazetted. In August 2012, the Minister of MSWGCA took the Bill to the Parliament for enactment. During that period, the Technical Working Group gave backup to the Minister and constantly did informal lobbying with individual parliamentarians. The Bill was passed in Parliament in August 2012, and in early 2013, the President of Sierra Leone signed the Sexual Offences Act into a proper and admissible law.

Socio-political participation Awareness-raising activities, leadership skills training and the promotion and support of young women’s and girls’ groups and clubs in schools by the GP partners contributed to positive outcomes at the individual and socio-cultural levels. Girls and young women in GPP programme areas contested that they are now more involved in decision making. Girls are increasingly engaging stakeholders in communities and schools. Through the ‘Empowerment through Sports’ projects by One Family People, so many girl became active champions that OFP is developing a leadership pathway for these girls. The opinions of community member are more favourable and generally in favour of socio-political participation of girls and young women. The GPP is complementary to Governmental activities, like decentralisation and affirmative actions such as the 30% quota for women in terms of political positions. Within this opening for political space for girls and young women, the GPP has made a more positive impact than other community level initiatives. Engagements with community members, especially community leaders, have been instrumental in creating a remarkable willingness, acceptability and desire among male community leaders to support GPP activities and female socio-political participation. Plan in 2013 supported the Sierra Leone Women’s Forum Network to lobby for equal political participation of men and women. Still, outcomes of the programme at the institutional level were not clear. Professional panels did not see any change in Government actions to enhance participation of girls and young women in local governance. Girls’ panels even saw a decline in Governmental support.

Economic participation More girls in GP programme areas benefited from socio-economic services and have had a say in their income spending. CEDA in 2013 supported 2.150 Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) members and 49 VSLAs with life skills training and entrepreneurial skills. One Family People provided vocational training for girls with disabilities through the Dignity Market Centre and supported children and youths with disabilities through the ’Girl Power Music and Art Academy’. Communities increasingly value girls and young women as important actors in economic life. The number of girls reached with training and other economic services by the programme was however small, and there is little post-training support. The provided trainings were moreover not based on market surveys, probably as a result of the programme’s initial focus on the theme of Protection. Outcomes at the institutional level were not clear. Both girl and professional panels saw no change, or even a decline, in Government actions to enhance economic participation of girls and young women, while the girl panels had a far lower appreciation of Government’s role in this area. (Post-primary) education As an outcome of awareness-raising and sensitisation by GP partners through community rallies, radio programmes, sports events, newsletters and the national “Teacher Award for Support to Girl Child Education”, communities in GP programme areas have more positive opinions and values on education for girls and young women. Construction of five schools and the installation of girl-friendly toilets in 20 secondary schools; teacher training, and the promotion and support of school clubs by Plan also helped many girls and young women succeed in accessing education. For many others, secondary education is still out of reach because of a lack of funding (the programme does not provide scholarships). At the institutional level, outcomes are again not clear. While professional panels see Government’s role in supporting (post-primary) education for girls and young women as positive and improving, the girls’ panels are distinctly negative. Civil Society CRA to partner organisations– 5C Capacity support to GP partners in 2013 included technical training for One Family People on the GOAL methodology for ‘Empowerment through Sports’. Plan Sierra Leone undertook training in planning and reporting, internal control systems and identifying issues for advocacy – specifically geared towards the Girl Power programme. More generic organisational strengthening was also provided in the areas of programming, conceptual framework development, communications and lobby strategy development (DCI-Sierra Leone), financial administration and management, M&E, HR and writing skills (OFP). DCI-Sierra Leone also participated in a peer-to-peer capacity development trajectory with DCI-Ghana and DCILiberia. ICDI facilitated training in Child and Youth Development in which ICDI’s GPP partners from six countries participated. This addressed introduction to child development, problems in development including disability, adolescent brain development and sexual development in adolescence. Partners to CSOs – Civil Society Strengthening Representatives of civil society organisations consulted during the MTR indicated that - through technical support and capacity development - the GPP has enabled their organisations to function better. This is a clear indication that capacity strengthening of CSOs and CSO networks by GP partners is effective (Plan, DCI-Sierra Leone). In Moyamba, the establishment of a Child Rights Coalition has united civil society action against child abuse. Monitoring of police and judiciary as well as traditional justice mechanisms by civil society have increased. Referrals and coordination among CSOs have also markedly improved. MTR panellists appreciated the level of internal governance and transparency of civil society organisations in their respective districts. They also had positive perceptions of the impact of CSOs, reflecting active contribution to policy discussions and cooperation with government agencies. Less appreciation was given to the level of civic engagement; CSOs are committed to work for girls and young women but these groups are not yet well represented in CSOs. Overall, CSOs still experience lack of technical and financial capacities, notably in the areas of resource mobilisation, project implementation and management, child protection and lobby and advocacy.

Learning Agenda The Sierra Leone CSC focused on all four learning areas during 2013. All four questions were operationalised into specific learning questions and activities. Activities implemented in 2013 included the documentation of lessons learned and best practices by each GP partner; research on gaps in the child protection system (implementation of the resulting action plan is underway); training for GP partners and nd CSOs on the involvement of boys and men, and financial support to CSOs and participation in the 2 GPP Global Learning Meeting in Addis Ababa in October 2013. At this meeting, the Sierra Leone CSC was awarded for the most inspiring learning. The partners stated during field consultations that they were satisfied with the implementation process of the Learning Agenda and that it is succeeding in promoting interaction and good relationships among the different stakeholders. At the same time, it has deepened the knowledge of the programme and also the needs of the different organisations and GPP beneficiaries. Harmonisation and alignment Contacts with the Dutch Embassy in Accra have so far focused on the GP programme in Ghana; information on the Sierra Leone programme was mainly shared through email. Within Sierra Leone, the GPP is linked with UNICEF, notably through CSC member DCI-Sierra Leone, for example in the organisation of training of medical practitioners on the National Referral Protocol on Gender Based Violence and the co-chairmanship of the working group on the development of a national child development policy.

2.2.5. ZAMBIA CRA member

Local partner

Geographical coverage

Plan

Lifeline/Childline Zambia

CHI FPU

Lifeline/Childline Zambia Muvi TV

ICDI

N/A

Central Province: Chibombo District Eastern Province: Chadiza Luapula Province: Mansa Lusaka Province National National N/A Central: Kabwe Eastern: Chipata, Lundazi Luapula; Mansa, Lusaka: Nchelenge, Samfya Lusaka: Lusaka and Chongwe Central: Litetu, Serenje Luapula: Nchelenge

DCI-ECPAT NL CHIN

NOWSPAR

Status GP Programme

Table 1. Partner activity Plan

CHI

DCI-ECPAT NL

FPU

ICDI

ZMB 2011 ZMB 2012 ZMB 2013

GP programme on track Programme implementation delayed No activities planned35

Table 2. Thematic overview Protection against violence

Socio-political participation

ZMB

II.

Economic participation

(Post-) primary education

Theme present in country programme Theme not present in country programme

Context of the Programme

External developments The political environment became more restrictive due to changes in government and the possible enforcement of the 2009 NGO Act that may seriously threaten the independence and operations of NGOs, especially those working on sensitive issues such as gender equality. Muvi TV reported that the girl reporters of Zkids had been harassed by government officials while critically reporting on Government actions. The launch of the NGO Registration Board, which will register, maintain and approve the area of work of NGOs operating in Zambia, strengthened concern among the CSOs. Partners reported that it has not yet affected their work. Internal developments The coordinator of the Plan GPP was replaced in the last quarter of 2013, which slightly influenced planning and reporting, but had no effect on the implementation of activities. CHIN moved office, underwent some internal staff changes and resolved some project-execution challenges with members. Lifeline/Childline Zambia is growing fast, which calls for review of its organizational structure, and possible 35

Not all CRA members will implement the GP programme in all 10 countries for the full implementation period. Some have activities under GP programme planned for part of the programme implementation period. In this overview only the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;plannedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; programme is referred to for 2011, 2012 and 2013.

expansion of its partnership to manage the growth. Some key staff members left NOWSPAR. The trained reporters of Muvi TV who had worked from the start of the collaboration between FPU and Muvi TV, have now moved to higher positions in the organisation and continue to advocate strongly for the existence of Zkids News. Muvi TV organised the 2013 Kids News Network Summit, where Child Helpline Zambia presented its work. Muvi TV is not yet part of the country steering committee but this will be taken up in 2014. The Country Steering Committee (CSC) has chosen for a structure with a rotating chairmanship and regular meetings. In 2013, LifeLine/Childline Zambia took over the chair position from CHIN. Overall coordination rests with Plan Zambia. This structure resulted in a more embedded ownership and good joint collaboration. Substantially increased use has been made of each other’s experiences and data; for example, NOWSPAR organised gender training to which all CSC members were invited to participate. Increased synergy amongst the partners has also been observed. CSC members took up sports activities after visiting the programme of NOWSPAR and regional alliance members have shared work plans. Furthermore, the CSC agreed and realised four major activities for 2013. This included joint advocacy and increasing the visibility of Girl Power through the development of a GPP leaflet and banner; the full implementation of the learning agenda; improving the monitoring of project activities and programme documentation. CSC members, either through their organisation or jointly, took part in the celebration of events such as the Day of an African Child and International Women’s Day to bring the issues of the GPP to the attention of public leaders. As part of operationalising the learning agenda, ten exchange learning visits between CSC members resulted in increased knowledge on each other’s work, improved networking skills, and sharing and adaptation of relevant methodologies and tools. This process was also beneficial for the programme as some weaknesses in programme implementation were identified that are currently being addressed by the CSC. The CSC is further working on improving its documentation and knowledge management via standardising monitoring tools and quarterly reporting by partners.

III.

Progress Programme implementation 36

Table 3. Outcome realisation 2013

Zambia Protection

Political participation index 2011

index 2013

Target 2015*)

index 2011

index 2013

Target 2015*)

Individual

100,0

139,6

147,5

Individual

100,0

407,7

354,1

Socio-cultural

100,0

146,5

143,4

Socio-cultural

100,0

394,6

378,4

Institutional

100,0

233,3

206,9

Institutional

100,0

200,0

180,0

Average

100,0

173,2

166,0

Average

100,0

334,1

304,1

index 2013

Target 2015*)

Economic Participation index 2011 Individual

100,0

165,1

202,5

Socio-cultural

100,0

153,9

137,1

Institutional

100,0

130,0

Average

100,0

139,7

156,5

*) Review of outcome targets for 2015 will be discussed with the Zambia CSC as part of the follow-up of the midterm evaluation. 36

General The MTR report concluded that the GPP has made considerable progress towards the outcome results on each thematic area, particularly at the individual and socio-cultural levels. Most progress has been made in the area Protection, which also received the most attention and GPP budget. Economic participation activities are not yet considered to be sustainable. GPP has been working in line with earlier and other development programmes in the same geographical intervention areas, which has contributed to the achieved results. The programme is consistent with country needs and Governmental policies, and is well appreciated by stakeholders. The Government is supportive in terms of policy and legislation development, but child protection services, especially at community level are insufficient. The services GPP provides contribute to fill this gap. The CSC members have undertaken several initiatives with the media hereby effectively communicating their message to the community. For example, CHIN used local language radio programmes on girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rights to reach the population in the target districts and surrounding areas, and the CSC jointly produced a video documentary. Reflecting on its experiences, the CSC concluded that working with the media is costly and that partners need to strengthen their capacity to measure both the reach and cost-effectiveness of media interventions. Table 4. Output delivery Zambia Girl Power Programme - country

Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 - 2015

B1. Services delivered to girls & boys # of girls and young women reached

78.312

384.570

261.162

# of boys reached B2. Sensitisation of communities # of communities reached

56.480

206.250

155.500

175

2.248

4.624

5.000

303

306

775

# of frontline staff of Gvt. Institutions trained # of staff of Gvt institutions reached for L&A B4 + A3 Strengthening of civil society (orgs.)

341 235

399 94

980 609

# of CSOs, grassroots and media professionals

140

159

# of households reached # of traditional leaders reached B3. Influencing national/district/local governments

# of networks supported or strengthened

The number of girls and boys reached was much higher than anticipated because Muvi TV broadcasts of the Zambia kids news are viewable without subscription in the targeted areas. Protection GPPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities in skills development, empowerment of girls through sport, capacity building of menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s networks on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and formation of girls clubs have contributed to a positive change towards better protection for girls and young women at the individual and socio-cultural level. There has also been an increased awareness in the non-acceptance of GBV and the existence of child protection services, especially amongst girls and young women. Although acceptance of violence in communities remains high, positive changes in values on protection of girls and young women have been observed, particularly amongst boys and young men. GP partners relate this to the stronger involvement of boys and young men in programme activities; an adaptation to the programme that was made as an outcome of the learning agenda and that will require continued attention. CHIN also started to discuss this issue with traditional leaders with whom they have already established strong relationships. The CSC further jointly produced a video documentary on the role of boys and young men in achieving gender equality. The documentary will be aired on national television. Community values regarding child beating have changed positively, again especially amongst boys and young men. Through for example the community sensitisation meetings on child protection and GBV, community members now know what to do in response to violence, including actions such as reporting to the police or the gender based violence unit of YWCA (partner of CHIN). CHIN also supported the development of community-based referral 79

systems, which is highly relevant as most cases are handled according to customary practices, which are generally less responsive to cases of violence against children and young women. At the institutional level, while the Government is supportive in terms of policy and legislation, implementation is not sufficient and needs more attention. GPP has addressed this by working with local level government staff working within the community, for example by strengthening capacities of law enforcement officers and teachers in the prevention of abuse and harassment of children. CHIN also actively contributed to the integration of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the schools curriculum for grade 6, which was later adopted by the Government. Socio-political participation Activities in life-skills training, leadership trainings, and community meetings to encourage men to support women in decision making have contributed to a significant change towards political awareness and decision taking undertaken by girls and young women. Almost all girls and young women agreed the need for their own physical and political space, for example via girls’ rights clubs, to discuss freely with peers the impact of decisions made by politicians and issues related to their community. Muvi TV addressed this socio-political participation by producing and broadcasting a number of items about the elections, the importance of voting and political developments. Monitoring results revealed that girls are even more interested in politics than boys. The change is very significant. Girls and young women also indicated positive changes in their communities. In comparison to the past, communities are now positive about enhanced socio-political participation and decision making by girls and young women. The community, including boys and young men and to a lesser extent adult men and women, agreed that girls and young women should be active in public decision-making. The Government does not yet actively create conditions for equal political participation by both sexes although its Ministry of Gender Affairs has ensured that girls should be able to actively participate in political life. To hold the Government to its commitment, the alliance jointly undertook action by messaging girls’ views through national platforms such as radio (Sky FM, Pan African radio, Komboni radio) and television (Muvi TV) in celebration of the UN International Day of the Girl Child. Economic participation Community values on economic participation of young women have changed very positively. GP partners related increased appreciation of the importance of girls and young women as independent economic actors, resulting in part from the GPP focus on strengthening traditional leaders’ capacities in women’s rights and their support for women’s participation in economic activities. Young women who were trained in traditional economic activities and business skills have indicated that their economic situation has improved. Some for example now sell mushrooms and vegetables or conduct a small business. Unfortunately however, the market analysis and follow-up for participants has been weak and as a result not all girls have been able to continue with what they have learned. With support from the CRA, the programme will be assessed and strengthened within the possibilities of GPP. Civil society CRA to partner organisations - 5C progress From the 5C assessments the best developed capability is the Capability to Relate. The CRA relates this high score to its efforts in linking the different stakeholders with similar interests to the CSC, which has led to increases in visibility, recognition by other stakeholders and good relationships with Government and civil society. The MTR concluded that the capability to Adapt and Renew receives on average lower scores; specifically M&E systems, learning and documentation were assessed relatively weak despite the capacity development activities undertaken by the CRA. LifeLine/Childline Zambia improved their internal system and even set up a drop-in centre as result of their learning and participation in the 2013 regional meeting held by Childline Zimbabwe in Harare. Partners to CSOs – Civil Society Strengthening The capacity strengthening activities in the areas of gender, project management and monitoring and evaluation undertaken by GPP partners for CBOs have led to overall positive changes in traditions and cultural values, hereby increasing the awareness and recognition of girls and child rights, reductions in early marriage, more access to education and increased reporting of GBV cases. Increased representation of girls and young women in local governance structures and their active engagement in partner 80

organisations could further strengthen this process. High social engagement by community leaders and other stakeholders has also been observed. A tool contributing to this process is for example WW’s storytelling toolkit which improves organisations’ capacities to share the impact of their work within their communities. Further, CSC members were represented in various networks with similar objectives to GPP and who therefore support GPP outcome and impact. These included Child Justice Forums, Network on Orphans and Vulnerable Children, District Aids Task Force (DATF), White Ribbon Alliance, and Sport for Social Change Network (SSCN). The partnerships with Government are considered good and provide an opportunity to advocate for gender equality and increase of services. Learning Agenda nd During the Annual Reflection Meeting and at the 2 Global Learning Meeting in Addis Ababa (October 2013) the CSC confirmed the MTR conclusion that the Learning Agenda has a clear added value to the quality and effectiveness of the GPP in Zambia and has strongly catalysed the engagement of boys and young men. In 2013, the CSC fully operationalised all four learning questions by engaging the Department of Social Development Studies of The University of Zambia (UNZA). UNZA led in the development of tools for data collection, conducted the research and presented the research findings during the stakeholders’ learning conference to facilitate and put the reflective learning into findings. The findings of the ten learning visits were documented and integrated in a learning conference, which was attended by various CSOs. During the learning conference, all CSOs developed action points to take up. In light of the action points, a workshop was organised for the CSC and their partners to strengthen the M&E and the alliance. At the Global Learning Meeting in Addis Ababa in October, the CSC chairperson and the GPP coordinator shared their learning of this process. The report of this meeting has been shared with the CSC members. Harmonisation and alignment CRA members visited the Dutch Embassy in Zambia during field visits in October. The Embassy is interested in the programme but has no opportunity for further linking and networking as result of its phasing out. Building on experiences and expertise gained in the Girl Power programme, Free Press Unlimited explores options to include child protection and gender in training curricula for Muvi TV under the MFSII-funded programme of the HIVOS alliance. CSCs members engaged with the Plan international campaign Because I am a Girl and undertook events at International day of the Girl Child. Various harmonisation efforts were made at the national level; a network meeting with UNICEF is planned for the beginning of 2014, including a mapping of Child Protection System related activities implemented by Zambian child rights organisations. Finally, ChildLine/Lifeline mobilised resources from corporate partners KPMG and SPAR. The CSC already thinking about “how to proceed post-2015”, which illustrates its appreciation of the alliance.

2.3. Latin America 2.3.1. BOLIVIA CRA member

Partner

Geographical Area

Plan

FYA (Fe y Alegría – Bolivia)

Chuquisaca –Icla Cochabamba –Mizque y Cochabamba (Distrito 6) Santa Cruz -Asención de Guarayos

CCIMCAT (Centro de capacitación e investigación de la mujer campesina de Tarija)

La Paz – La Paz (Distrito 4) Tarija (Yunchará)

DNI-Bolivia (Defensa del Niño Internacional – Bolivia)

La Paz (Coripata, Sica Sica, Pucarani, Calamarca)

CIPE (Centro de Investigación y Promoción Educativa)

Potosí (Uncía, Chayanta)

CPMGA (Centro de Promoción de la Mujer Gregoria Apaza)

La Paz – El Alto (Distritos 5 y 6)

Chasky Educatic

Oruro – Oruro (Distrito 4)

CDC (Capacitación y derechos ciudadanos)

National (implementation of the learning agenda) Oruro

CHI

Chasky Educatic

La Paz

FPU

Plataforma de Atención Integral a la Familia – Emergencia (PAIF- E) - Línea Gratuita 156 Nicobis

ICDI

N/A

DCI-ECPAT NL

N/A

Women Win

CPMGA (Centro de Promoción de la Mujer Gregoria Apaza)

La Paz (El Alto)

National

Status GP programme

Table 1. Partner activity Plan

CHI

FPU

ICDI

DCI-ECPAT NL

BOL 2011 BOL 2012 BOL 2013

GP programme on track GP programme delayed 37 No activities planned

Table 2. Thematic overview Protection against violence BOL

Socio-political participation

Economic participation

(Post-) primary education

Theme present in country programme Theme not present in country programme

II.

Context of the Programme

External In March 2013, the Bolivian government passed a potentially ground breaking new law (Law 348) with penalties for all those who carry out violence against women. The approved Law 348 is designed to protect women from violence. However, this new law has not yet been implemented at all levels. The reasons for this are numerous: the law and its regulations still need to be promulgated, there is a lack of resources to implement all the measures included in the law, and the Government has a backlog of judicial processes. National elections in Bolivia are scheduled for November 2014. This will have a direct effect on the environment experienced by NGOs in Bolivia, giving political polarisation. GP partners indicated that the upcoming election has not yet affected programme implementation but will probably influence actions in 2014 and 2015. Internal The GPP coordinator in Plan Bolivia was replaced at the end of 2013 which created some delay in reporting. Alongside Chaski Educatic in Oruro, CHI is now working with LĂnea Gratuita 156 in La Paz. CHI hopes that both members in Bolivia will work closely together in the creation of a child helpline in Oruro to fight child trafficking, and also in the strengthening of the child helpline in La Paz. The local government in Oruro has allocated funds for this project of the creation of a helpline in Oruro. UNICEF and World Vision are also interested in supporting the initiative. CSC CSC partners met several times during 2013 to jointly monitor the progress of the Girl Power programme (including the Annual Reflection Meeting with the participation of members of the Dutch Alliance); the development of the learning agenda, and to discuss the findings of the midterm evaluation (MTR). The evaluation was quite critical about the evolution of cooperation between GP partners. There are some concrete examples of alignment and joint learning achieved among partners but in general complementarity and alignment is not yet sufficient. According to the evaluators Planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coordinating role is not yet adequately fulfilled. The financial-administrative control processes take too much time while the local GP programme coordinator has too little time to fully address coordination and alignment challenges. To mitigate this, Plan Bolivia, with the support of Plan Nederland, has developed its partnership policy and procedures. A new partnership officer has been appointed to monitor and strengthen relationships with partners and to coordinate the capacity development support provided to them. Additional capacity has been hired to speed up financial-administrative control processes. III.

Progress Programme Implementation

Table3. Output index Bolivia

Protection

Political participation index 2011

index 2013

Target 2015

index 2011

index 2013

Target 2015

Individual

100,0

123,6

132,3

Individual

100,0

173,2

150,7

Socio-cultural

100,0

148,2

160,2

Socio-cultural

100,0

119,6

114,2

Institutional

100,0

181,2

194,9

Institutional

100,0

175,0

196,0

Average

100,0

151,1

162,5

Average

100,0

156,0

153,6

Education index 2011

index 2013

Individual

100,0

Socio-cultural

100,0

108,5

Institutional

100,0

258,2

Average

100,0

Target 2015*)

*) The Bolivia CSC will adjust its programme targets for 2015 for the theme of Education as part of the follow-up of the midterm evaluation. General The MTR concluded that the GPP had made progress in the three thematic areas: protection, education and socio-political participation. Most progress was made at the individual level in all three themes, but predominantly under the theme of protection. This is highly relevant in a society with high levels of violence against girls and young women, and where there are gender imbalances in leadership positions. The MTR highlighted that girls and young women show a clear understanding of their rights and now know more about gender issues. Also girls and young women indicated that the prevalence of the four categories of violence (economic, physical, emotional and sexual) had decreased significantly since the beginning of the GPP. These achievements can be attributed to the programme and to other factors such as more favourable legislation in the field of protection and education and a more supportive Government; factors which have significantly contributed to changes in the acceptance of violence. The GPPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s influencing efforts has played a role in this process. There is also progress in the socio-political participation of girls and young women. Girls and young women are involved in school committees; and partners and other stakeholders have also created opportunities such as youth municipal committees. The area of socio-political participation requires a more sustained and long-term approach to realise more effect. The levels of enrolment and completion of primary education are similar for girls and boys. The weakest effects of GPP outcomes to date have been observed at the socio-cultural level, despite interesting efforts to involve boys and young men. Strong relationships have been built between partner organisations and local government which has stimulated GPP ownership and sustainability. The institutional networks formed will increase the possibilities for GP partners outside funding government and educational structures to continue their support to the beneficiaries after programme end. It is however still crucial that an exit strategy be developed and the joint capacity plan executed before the GPP ends. Table 4. Output delivery 2013 Bolivia Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 - 2015

B1. Services delivered to girls & boys # of girls and young women reached

32.550

81.160

106.938

6.664

41.223*

52.594

146

269

340

27.356

53.836

29.865

120

205

500

1.016** 242**

1.617 1.036

3.053 1.119

# of CSOs, grassroots and media professionals

258

115

# of networks supported or strengthened

# of boys reached B2. Sensitisation of communities # of communities reached # of households reached # of traditional leaders reached B3. Influencing national/district/local governments # of frontline staff of Gvt. Institutions trained # of staff of Gvt institutions reached for L&A B4 + A3 Strengthening of civil society (orgs.)

*The Girl Power partners in Bolivia worked in additional communities in 2013 and as a consequence exceeded set output targets. 84

** Planned figures for Bolivia for these outputs have been adjusted after the submission of the 2013 annual plan (and are included in the overall planned figures for 2013 in paragraph 1.5 of this report). Protection Protection against violence is the most important theme of the GPP in Bolivia. Girl Power partners apply a holistic approach towards the prevention of violence: empowering girls and young women, creating awareness and involvement of communities, men and boys, supporting civil society to monitor state response and strengthening state institutions. According to the MTR this approach seems to generate positive results. Girls from all targeted age groups (10-13, 14-17 and 18-24) now experience lower prevalence levels of physical, economic, sexual and emotional violence compared to two years ago. In particular the levels of physical and economic violence amongst the age groups of adolescent girls (14-17) and young women (18-24) have decreased. Overall levels still remain too high however; on average girls indicated that they experienced all sorts of violence at least ‘sometimes’ while this tended to be ‘often’ at the start of the programme. At the individual level there have been several positive changes that have contributed to reduced levels of violence reported by girls and young women. Firstly, regarding girls’ awareness about violence, a smaller fraction of the targeted girls and young women now believe that adults are entitled to use physical violence to discipline children. Only in the youngest age group (10-13 years) do more than 20% of the girls still ‘approve’ such behaviour; in the other age groups the percentage has decreased to approximately 10%. Secondly, the knowledge of girls has increased: the MTR showed that the percentage of girls and young women that knows how to act and where to go to in situations of violence has increased to 70% for girls and 90% for young women. Compared to the baseline situation, the target group has more knowledge nowadays on the formal and informal institutions that provide services to victims of violence (approximately 80% of the respondents). When asked whether they had actually demanded services from the public institutions such as the municipal offices for children and adolescents (DNA) and the municipal legal support office (SLIM) and the police, the percentage turns out to be a bit lower (approximately 60%). The fact that most girls know of the available services but do not always want to make use of them after experiencing violent situations seems to be caused by the lack of belief in their quality and effectiveness. Thirdly, girls have a higher capacity to act and prevent violence. On the indicator related to the percentage of girls and young women who feel able to say ’no’ to sexual activity, the MTR found a higher proportion of respondents who affirmed an increased ability, especially among young women (46% to 81%). The gains in girls’ and young women’s awareness, knowledge and behaviours related to the prevention of violence can be partly attributed to the outputs of GPP. The Kids News Programme Pica, developed by the Bolivian partner NICOBIS with the support from FPU, has played a key role in creating awareness on and denouncing cases of violence. Other partners, like DNI, Chaski Educatic, Gregoria Apaza, CIPE and CCIMCAT have raised awareness and increased knowledge through their popular education activities, human rights workshops and the use of peer-to-peer training methodologies. There are innovative activities which are generating promising results. Examples of such innovative activities implemented during 2013 include:  Use of non-traditional sports to stimulate girls’ empowerment such as Naikum workshops by Gregoria Apaza and Biodanza workshops by CCIMCAT. These actions increased girls’ self-confidence and gave them more tools to prevent violence occurring. Another example is the trainings on self-protection for 812 adolescent girls and boys by Chaski Educatic (partner of CHI and Plan). During 2013 a total number of 14.280 girls and young women received some sort of protection service from the Girl Power partners.  Implementation of innovative awareness campaigns involving girls, boys and adult community members. GPP partner in Tarija, CCIMCAT, developed a public campaign titled ‘vacunación contra la violencia’. In community gatherings, children, youth and adults symbolically received a ‘vaccination’ against violence, suggesting that violence should be considered as a disease which can and needs to be wiped out, as with other diseases. During 2013 CCIMCAT reached out to 329 persons in 16 rural communities. Another example is the brigades of youth promoters who sensitize their peers on the prevention of violence between young people who are betrothed. These ‘Brigadistas en Noviazgos sin 85

violenciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are trained by Gregoria Apaza, the partner of WW and Plan. During 2013 the total number of communities that were targeted by awareness-raising actions amounted to 120. Compared to the strong results at individual level of the GPP so far, progress on the socio-cultural and institutional levels is less convincing. On the socio-cultural level the MTR demonstrated a slight improvement in the number of boys, adult men and women who believe that violence should always be denounced. The percentage of adult women remains relatively low however, with around only 50% of the women (> 24 years) thinking that it should always be denounced. More progress has been achieved in the group of adolescent boys, which is now almost entirely in favour of always denouncing violence. The same value applies to the group of adult men but they already showed an almost 100% commitment at the moment of the baseline measurement. The evaluators concluded that interventions targeting the sociocultural level needed strengthening. The programme has done too little so far to reach the adult population in the communities and cities where Girl Power is implemented. At institutional level outcome results are also mixed. While members of the GP programme panels, experts, girls and young women themselves, gave a predominantly positive opinion on protection policies and services provided by the Bolivian State, their coherent application and implementation was still very weak. The MTR mentions the remaining challenge of regulating the new Law on protection against violence, the absence of DNA and SLIM in some of the Bolivian municipalities and the persistent weaknesses of the ones that do exist (technical capacities, lack of sufficient human resources, high staff turnover amongst others). While a lot of the Girl Power partners are engaged in (local) policy influencing and in strengthening local service provider capacities, the results of these actions were not yet visible at the time of the MTR. During 2013 a total number of 1.559 staff members of State institutions providing protection services received capacity building support. All partners maintained close links with the relevant local institutions in the area of protection: the municipality (DNA and SLIM), the police, the office of the Public Defender and the decentralized offices of the ministries of health and education and health centres. The support provided during last year to these institutions focused upon the capacities needed to implement the new law No. 348. Gregoria Apaza trained 40 police officers of the Fuerza Especial de Lucha contra la Violencia a nivel nacional (FELCV) which is supposed to play an important role under the new Law. The partner also trained staff from the legal services department of the municipalities of El Alto, Viacha, La Paz and Cochabamba to raise their abilities to integrate gender in their service delivery practice as well as to raise their knowledge on the new inter-institutional protocol pertaining to the Law No. 348. Plan partner organizations CIPE and FĂŠ y Alegria focused their capacity building efforts on staff in the educational institutions. In addition to the capacity building efforts, partners realized a total number of 41 initiatives of local policy influencing. After two years of advocacy, the partner Chaski Educatic achieved signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Departmental Government of Oruro on the public funding for the development of the child helpline. Chaski also launched a public campaign on how children are treated by adults. A very concrete result of the advocacy work done by Chaski has been the decision of the Government of Oruro to th declare September 20 as a special day that will be organised annually to advocate for the protection of girls, boys and youth. Other interesting initiatives were launched by CCIMCAT and Gregoria Apaza. During 2013 CCIMCAT trained 100 girls and boys to conduct social audit controls at local service providers while Gregoria Apaza mobilised (young) former victims of violence and supported them as agents of change in using their own experience in promoting better service delivery. Socio-political participation Girl Power programme partners aim to increase the levels of socio-political participation of girls and young women. The MTR revealed that a huge majority of the beneficiaries and of the target group adult men and women believe that girls and young women have the right to participate in public and political decision-making. Girls and young women also indicated that they have nowadays more opportunities to organize themselves and exert influence in decision-making processes at community level, schools and at 86

home. An analysis of the percentage of management positions occupied by girls and young women in local civil society organisations shows that female participation is rather high, although in many boards the director position is still occupied by men. In the past few years the Government has passed laws to promote youth and women’s political participation. However, according to the members of the Girl Panel, the spaces at local level that have been opened for adolescents are not taken seriously by local authorities. During 2013 all partners implemented actions to foment girls and young women’s participation at local and departmental levels. These efforts are mainly focused on ‘invited spaces’, such as law and policy making processes around the new Law on Protection against Violence, the dissemination of the Law on the political participation of women, the development of the Autonomy Statutes (Cartas Organicas) at municipal and departmental levels and around the Law on Youth issues. (Post-) primary education On the goal of increasing girls’ and young women’s access to post-primary education, the MTR revealed an increase in the conviction of girls and young women on their rights to continue their studies after marriage and/or pregnancy than at the time of the baseline. According to the beneficiaries, secondary school attendance of girls is now equal to that of their male peers. Although drop-out because of early marriage and early pregnancy is still a problem in (mainly) rural municipalities. In the thematic area of education, the achieved progress can also be attributed to the positive educational policies of the Bolivian Government, such as the school fee programme (Bono Juancito Pinto). Probably the most interesting achievement in the Girl Power programme so far is the increase in the percentage of adolescent boys who believe that girls should have equal access to secondary education and that marriage and pregnancy should no longer be accepted as reasons for drop out. Civil society level and capacity development of partners Partner organisations are in general very well positioned and form important reference points on GPP themes in their municipalities, so creating opportunities to influence local policy development and service delivery. Advocacy from civil society, including GPP partner organisations, has led to the adoption of favourable legislation, including the newly passed law 348 against violence against women, the law against trafficking, a law against bullying, the legislation on the political participation of women and the law on youth and the reformulation of the children and adolescents legal code. As part of the MTR three CIVICUS analyses were conducted of three municipalities. The report showed that progress has been achieved regarding the level of coordination between civil society organizations and the local state. Girl Power partners have utilized opportunities to involve girls and boys in local policy making processes. Child and youth participation is however not a social widely accepted value and still needs to be institutionalized, not only within the State apparatus but also within civil society itself. Capacity development within the Girl Power programme is still not on track. Although there have been efforts to strengthen administrative capacity of partners and their technical competences related to service delivery, a coherent and systematic approach has so far been lacking. Recently, with the appointment of a new partnership officer at Plan Bolivia, new capacity development plans have been developed. The MTR emphasised the belief of all partners of the extensive valuable experience within the Alliance and the willingness that it be made more productive for all its members. The capacity development support implemented during 2013 consisted of the development and mainstreaming of internal child protection policies; trainings and support to establish stronger administrative control systems, and international exchanges between WW partners on the utilization of sport as an instrument for girls’ empowerment. Child Helpline International with local support from Plan organized training on call-responsive systems for Chaski Educatic and Linea Gratuita 156. Another interesting example of capacity development is the study that was conducted by Child Helpline International with the regional office of Plan Americas Regional Office, exploring the role that child helplines play in national child protection systems. Bolivia has been one of the countries of research. In 87

September 2013, a representative from the child helpline from La Paz presented the initial findings of the study at Child Helpline International’s Policy Dialogue in Santiago de Chile, Chile. The study, which will be finalized, translated and disseminated in 2014, has already assisted the child helpline better position itself in the national protection system. Learning Agenda The Learning Agenda in Bolivia addresses all four research learning questions. All CSC members were involved in the development of the learning agenda from the beginning with the aim of improving the results of partners and other organisations working in the same thematic areas. Together they developed the methodology for the four learning questions and set up the systematization and dissemination of good practice to the municipalities. Over 2013, local partner CDC conducted the four researches which were based on secondary sources and interviews with municipal authorities, managers of schools, indigenous leaders, children aged 12 to 18 years as well as women and men 19 to 25 years. They expect to have the initial findings ready and translated into three booklets at the beginning of 2014. Based on this, they will organise a forum to discuss initial findings with experts and a wider audience. The CSC is particularly interested in the two life stories of female community leaders as these can be used as an example to girls and young women to increase the (currently very low) participation of women in municipality decision-making bodies. Harmonisation and alignment During a field visit of CRA members to the GP partners in Bolivia, we exchanged information with the Dutch Embassy (gender advisor) on the actual context regarding violence, the progress of the GP program and the exit process of the Dutch bilateral cooperation in Bolivia. After the meeting with the Embassy, we established the first contact with the Emancipation Fund (el Fondo de Emancipación), administrated by Hivos and funded by the Dutch and Canadian embassies.

2.3.2. NICARAGUA CRA member

Local partner

Geographical coverage 39

Plan

CHI FPU ICDI DCI-ECPAT WW

Asociación TESIS Instituto de Promoción Humana (INPRHU) Casa Alianza AMNLAE Movimiento de Mujeres NIDIA WHITE Centro de Derechos Humanos, ciudadanos y Autonómicos (CEDEHCA) Fundación MARIJN Ministerio de la Familia – Linea 133 PROMEDIA Asociación La Amistad (AA) N/A Fondo Centroamericano de Mujeres (FCAM)

RAAN (Bilwi) Managua Managua Chontales RAAN RAAN RAAN National National Matagalpa N/A León, Rivas (Ometpe Matagalpa, Managua

Island),

Status GP programme

Table 1. Partner activity Plan

CHI

FPU

ICDI

DCI-ECPAT

NIC 2011 NIC 2012 NIC 2013

GP programme on track Implementation delayed No activities planned40

Table 2. Thematic overview Protection against violence

Socio-political participation41

(Post-) primary education Theme present in country programme Theme not present in country programme

NIC

II.

Economic participation

Context of the Programme

External developments Law 779 (Ley Integral contra la Violencia hacia la Mujer- Integral Law against Violence against Women) continued to be topical for Girl Power partners in 2013. Girl Power partners contributed to the lobby which led to the passing of the law in 2012. The law is an important achievement in the fight against violence towards girls and women as it explicitly criminalises all forms of violence against them. The law is however under siege from conservative and religious groups, and there is debate on specific provisions of the law (e.g. on mediation). In 2013, FCAM and partners organised campaigns to promote the law’s uptake, and PROMEDIA dedicated several broadcasts of kids news “De Humo” to the law and its implications for girls and young women.

Contract with TESIS was terminated in the first half of 2013 after an investigation by the Counter Fraud unit of the Global Assurance Department of Plan International confirmed allegations of fraud. Further details are provided in section 4.2.3. on Sanction policy. 40 Not all CRA members will implement the GP programme in all 10 countries for the full programme implementation period. In this overview only the ‘planned’ programme is referred to for 2011, 2012 and 2013. 41 In the Girl Power Annual Report 2012, socio-political participation was by mistake included as a theme in the Nicaragua GPP. The GP partners in Nicaragua do include messages on socio-political participation of girls and young women in their awareness raising activities but this is not considered as a substantive theme.

Political polarization and tension are marked and tangible in all aspects of society. Partners contest that effectiveness of interactions is to a large extent determined by political signature, and that governmental attempts at control and regulation affect their work. Internal developments A new Country Steering Committee coordinator started at Plan Nicaragua in 2013 and has actively taken on the overall coordination of the country programme. Relationships between the CSC members are positive and open, and - although there is still room for improvement in terms of communication, exchange of information and coordination -, positive steps towards joint capacity development were taken in 2013 with the facilitation of an applied gender course for all CSC members and implementing partners, peer-to-peer capacity support in quality service delivery between INPRHU and NIDIA WHITE (Plan) and training in girls empowerment through sports (FCAM). CHI in Nicaragua works through the Ministry of Family Affairs, which runs the national child helpline Linea 133. The joining of the CSC by the Ministry of Family Affairs in 2013 was positively valued by the other GP partners. The contract with Plan partner TESIS was dissolved in the first half of 2013. Further details are provided in section 4.2.3. (Sanction policy). Implementation of activities for the Girl Power programme in the RAAN region has been taken over by the other partners of Plan. The Annual Reflection Meeting in November 2013 was joined by all CSC members and their partners, representatives from local governments and colleagues from Plan Nederland and CHI.

III.

Progress Programme implementation

Table 3. Outcome realisation

Nicaragua Protection index 2011

index 2013

Target 2015

Individual

100,0

128,7

137,2

Socio-cultural

100,0

150,2

160,8

Institutional

100,0

133,3

141,2

Average

100,0

137,4

146,4

General The MTR concluded that the Nicaragua Girl Power programme is relevant given the country context and the needs of its beneficiaries, and in line with the agenda, policies and programmes of the Government. The programme is to a large extent effective as interesting outcomes have been realised, especially at the individual and institutional level. The number of beneficiaries reached in the Nicaragua GPP is relatively low compared to other countries. This is related to the fact that an important part of the programme is built on shelter-based work with victims of violence against children, which requires time intensive and specialised interventions. The geographic dispersion and remoteness of communities within programme areas as well directly affects the programmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scope in terms of (direct) beneficiary numbers. Considering these facts, and taking into account the programmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s late start, efficiency of programme implementation has been high. Sustainability of programme results has been challenged by a serious lack of human and financial resources on the part of government agencies and will need attention in the remaining programme period. Capacity strengthening of CSOs and frontline staff through the GPP is an important contribution to sustainability. Perspectives are moreover positive because most GP partners have long records of working on gender and girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rights issues and will continue to do so after the current programme. 42

Table 4. Output delivery 2013 Nicaragua Planned 2013

Realised 2013

Planned 2011 - 2015

B1. Services delivered to girls & boys # of girls and young women reached

32.565 35.295

31.784 29.807

89.095 75.260

# of households reached

62 891

59 6.090

104 2.800

# of traditional leaders reached

393

438

1.129

385 180

436 163

945 825

2.750

238

# of boys reached B2. Sensitisation of communities # of communities reached

B3. Influencing national/district/local governments # of frontline staff of Gvt. Institutions trained # of staff of Gvt institutions reached for L&A B4 + A3 Strengthening of civil society (orgs.) # of CSOs, grassroots and media professionals # of networks supported or strengthened

The GP partners in 2013 reached slightly less girls and boys than planned. This is explained by the fact that kids news ‘De Humo’ is broadcast by a small independent TV station with less viewers than anticipated. The number of households reached is higher however, as a survey reported that ‘De Humo’ is viewed by entire families (rather than children by themselves). The deviance in the number of CSO, grassroots organisations and media professionals reached is explained by inadequacies in the original planning submitted by ICDI – the number was adjusted in a later planning. Protection Girls and young women in the GP programme areas reported that various forms of violence against them have decreased since the beginning of the programme. In addition, they feel better able to say “no” to sexual activities and know where to go to if they need protection services. Staff of the municipal Comisarías de la Mujer, la Niñez y la Adolescencia (the police unit responsible for handling cases of violence against children and women) confirmed that available services had been used more frequently by girls and young women. Considering also their active participation in the programme, it can be concluded that girls and young women in GP programme areas are increasingly becoming the actors of change envisaged by the programme. Violence against girls and young women is increasingly regarded as non-acceptable by community members. In the GP programme areas, 10% of young men now think that a man can beat his wife or girlfriend; two years ago, the majority of men were of this s opinion. The Girl Power programme has according to the MTR report unmistakably contributed to these positive developments. External factors, such as more favourable legislation, have also played a role but these were, in turn, influenced by lobby and advocacy by the GP partners. Despite observed decreases, levels of violence against girls and young women continue to be high. GP partners recognised the need to strengthen the involvement of boys and men as a condition for the prevention of gender based violence, and have been taking steps towards this. Joint sports events for boys and girls, for example, proved a positive strategy to involve boys in discussions on gender-related issues (Asociación La Amistad). CEDECHA in 2013 tapped into locally available knowledge and expertise by initiating cooperation with CEPRESI and REDMAS, organisations with experience in working with boys and young men and concepts of “new masculinity”. Girls and young women in the programme areas report that protection services in their communities have improved since the beginning of the programme. This is an indication that efforts by GP partners in 43 strengthening Comisiones Municipales de la Niñez y la Adolescencia , and promoting peer-to-peer support groups of girls and young women (Asociación La Amistad) are effective. In rural areas especially, 43

Local multi-stakeholder platforms for child protection, led by the Municipality.

access to services remains low however, and there is an overall gap in the availability of legal services. Municipal agencies responsible for protection have very little resources, and there is little cooperation between these agencies and local organisations. Despite these challenges, the GP partners have established important links with (local) institutions (for example in Boaco, where AMNLAE provides technical training for law enforcement officers), and between (networks of) CSOs and local institutions. As awareness increases and the demand for protection services grows, the need to address the lack of these services becomes more and more pressing. The implementation of Law 779 presents the programme with powerful leverage to advocate for allocation of Government priority and budget for protection services. While the main focus of Nicaragua GPP is on the theme Protection, the MTR observed that, through awareness raising, life skills training and other work with girls and young women, the programme has also had a positive influence on attitudes regarding girls’ Education. Civil Society CRA to partner organisations– Capacity Development Girl Power partners are generally strong and have solid expertise and experience on Gender and Protection The programme contributed to the further strengthening of technical capacities but progress towards organisational strengthening has been limited due to the initial start-up delay and a lack of capacity development plans both at individual organisations and at CSC levels. Capacity development of CSC members and implementing partners in 2013 included technical training on life skills training through sports (FCAM); call response and data management for helplines (Linea 133); social media and digital communication (PROMEDIA), and creating non-violent environments for children and their communities (Asociación La Amistad). In Boaco and Chontales the Public Ministry received technical training and support on gender and protection themes by AMLAE and Red de Mujeres Chontaleñas. Some partners took up new strategies as a result of technical capacity development through the GPP, for example Asociación La Amistad joined a workshop on ‘girls empowerment through sports’ facilitated by FCAM and is now working with the GOAL sport and life skills methodology. More generic organisational strengthening took place in the form of a university gender course that Plan supported for all CSC member and implementing partners. Further strengthening on gender mainstreaming and gender sensitivity is needed, especially for those GP partners who are not women’s organisations. Partners to CSOs – Civil Society Strengthening Civil Society in Nicaragua is characterised by strong and active organisations at the national level. This is however in contrast with rural areas, where civil society is very weak and often hardly organised. The GP partners have played an instrumental role in fostering civil society in Boaco, Chontales and Matagalpa. In 2013, Asociación La Amistad continued its work with informal local groups, which are being trained and supported to become NGOs. FCAM in 2013 continued implementing its ‘girls empowerment through sports’ programmes through four women’s NGOs, and also included several other NGOs in said trainings. In Boaco, Puntos de Encuentro has intensively trained 13 local community-based organisations including young men and women on organisational strengthening and capacity building. Overall however, the Nicaragua GP partners cooperate more intensively with Government-related institutions that with civil society organisations. Learning Agenda The Learning Agenda focused on all four learning questions. The most important activity under the Learning Agenda in 2013 was the Gender course for CSC members and implementing partners. The course was well appreciated, and as a result, partners have started developing gender policies. The Annual Reflection Meetings of the CSC were also seen as opportunities for learning, exchange and reflection. Other activities in 2013 included peer-to-peer capacity strengthening by INPTHU and NIDIA WHITE as outlined above. NIDIA WHITE is revising its protocols for case management, based on the knowledge gained through the exchange. Also in 2013, research was initiated into the situation of girls and young women in Nicaragua, in cooperation with the University of Central America. Three representatives of the nd CSC participated in the 2 GP Global Learning Agenda meeting in Addis Ababa in October 2013.

Harmonisation and alignment Colleagues of the Dutch CRA visited the Dutch Embassy in Managua during field visits held in November 2013. The current regional programme on Human Rights funded by the Embassy does not link to the GPP, but opportunities are being explored on cooperation on the Access to Justice components. MFSII Alliance Kind en Ontwikkeling and ICDI in 2013 reached agreement on co-funding of an organisational strengthening trajectory for Asociaci贸n La Amistad, focusing on gender policy development and implementation. The trajectory will start in 2014.

2.4. Cross-country and regional activities The cross-country component of the Girl Power programme refers to activities that contribute to the achievement of Girl Power Programme objectives in more than one country. Activities categorised under this component include:  Capacity support to organisations with a regional scope  Trainings and workshops for capacity strengthening of partner organisations from multiple countries  Mutual learning and exchange  Strengthening networks and linkages of partner organisations  Lobby and advocacy on the four thematic areas of the Programme  Programme implementation support to all Girl Power countries  Research on gender based violence and child protection The midterm evaluation concluded that the two regional partners in the Girl Power programme were delivering high levels of relevance and effectiveness towards Girl Power objectives. One is the Consultation of Civil Society Coalitions and National Action Coordinating Groups (NACGs) under the South Asia Initiative to End Violence against Children (SAIEVAC), an inter-agency group of UN agencies, INGOs and other actors engaged in child protection at the regional level. Strong governmental commitments to 44 regional SAIEVAC and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) initiatives are leading to high likelihoods of result sustainability. In 2013, Plan continued its support to the South Asia Coordinating Group on Action against Violence against Children (SACG), notably for the organisation of the third Regional Consultation of the National Action and Coordinating Group against Violence against Children (NACG) that was organised in December in Colombo, Sri Lanka. CHI also is an active member agency in the SACG and supports the South Asian Association of Child Helpline (SAACH), which is now an apex body of the SAARC. High relevance and effectiveness was also observed in the research and policy influencing efforts of the second regional partner in the GPP, the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF). There is however room for increased regional relevance and coordination of ACPF in relation to the Girl Power programme across the East African and West African contexts. Capacity support to ACPF was organised by Plan during the first two years of programme implementation in close cooperation with the Dutch MFSII alliance Investing in Children en their Societies (ICS). The main focus was on gender and M&E, especially with regard to rd lobbying and advocacy. In 2013, support to ACPF focused on the development and promotion of the 3 African Report on Child Wellbeing, which was launched in Addis Ababa in November 2013. Regional organisations and networks can provide a strong added value in helping create an enabling environment for successful lobbying and advocacy of regional government and institutions, with subsequent potential impact at national level. However, effective advocacy and campaigning at the regional level is only achievable when coordinated and supported by a regional organisation. Such advocacy work therefore requires a formal regional structure; a role the regional Plan offices are well placed to fulfil. Partners indicated however that, apart from activities and projects run by or aimed at regional organisations and agencies such as ACPF, SAIEVAC and Plan’s regional offices, more attention should be 44

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an intergovernmental body of eight South Asian Countries.

paid to other regional and cross-country possibilities with high potential to contribute to overall regional objectives. The various exchange visits, trainings and workshops for capacity strengthening of partner organisations from multiple countries organised under the cross-country component for example, were considered highly relevant and highly appreciated. For example in 2013, CHI local partner Lifeline Zambia was able to utilise knowledge gained from participation in the Regional Child Helpline Consultation (November) as well as a field visit to Zimbabwe, together with child helpline partners from Ethiopia and Liberia (September). Peer exchange also took place between CHI partners CWIN from Nepal and Madadgaar from Pakistan (March), and between Linea 133 from Nicaragua and Kids Help Phone from Canada (July 2013). DCI organised several cross-country exchanges and learning visits between and within organisations facilitated by DCI partners, including a peer-to-peer capacity strengthening trajectory for partners in Ghana, Sierra Leone and Liberia and a study visit for GP partners to various relevant organisations and institutions in the Netherlands. ICDI also organised a week-long study visit to NL in September for its GP partners from six programme countries, with focus on specific topics, including visits to relevant girl focussed projects in the Netherlands and knowledge exchange between partners. Cross-country knowledge and learning exchanges took place between and within organisations, especially those that are members of international networks, such as the DCI-ECPAT partner network in West-Africa. GP partners made increasing use of learning and exchange events organised or facilitated by each other’s networks, including those organised by the various Dutch CRA members. Plan Bolivia for example took part in CHI’s policy dialogue and regional consultation in the Americas, together with CHI members from Bolivia and Nicaragua. Various GP partners from Ghana participated in training on ‘Girls’ empowerment through Sports’ by Women Win in Accra in April. ICDI organised a two-day Child and Youth Development training for all GP partners in Nepal in December, and a similar training for GP partners in Sierra Leone in March. There is however still much to gain from seizing opportunities for joint learning and exchange at cross-country level. Other conferences and events supported under the cross-country component in 2013 focused more on strengthening networks and linkages of partner organisations. DCI-ECPAT supported its partners FSCE, CHIN and GNCRC to participate in the ECPAT International African Consultation in Addis Ababa in August. CHI members from eight Girl Power programme countries participated in CHIs Regional Consultations in Addis Ababa (November 2013), Hanoi (October) or Santiago de Chile (September). Partners of FPU from Nepal, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ghana and Zambia participated in the Kids News Network Summit in Zambia in November 2013. Topics covered included Code of Ethics in working with children and resource mobilisation. The summit was also an important opportunity for members of the Kids News Network to strengthen their linkages with World Kids News. World Kids News is a jointly managed international news and current affairs programme for children, serving as a motor and mainstay for the substantive and financial continuity of the broader network. Dutch alliance member organisations in 2013 contributed to various international conferences and events by presenting and sharing information on Girl Power related topics and experiences, and by lobbying for Girl Power causes. CHI engaged in various global and regional advocacy activities to raise the issue of child protection and present child helpline data, including lobbying the African Union and the European Commission. Active advocacy for inclusion of child protection in the post-2015 agenda was also organized around CHI’s tenth anniversary and the publication of ‘Voices of Children and Young People’, based on data collected by child helplines over the past years. The publication was launched in close coordination with the UNSRSG on VAC, Ms Marta Santos Pais and the UNICEF Child Protection Division New York. 95

DCI-ECPAT and Plan Nederland jointly organised a conference on the occasion of the tenth annual Zero Tolerance Day against FGM on 6 February 2013. The event at the Kinderrechtenhuis in Leiden was attended by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Public Health, and by migrant, youth and child rights organisations involved in the fight against FGM. DCI Sierra Leone delivered a presentation on practices and policies on FGM in Sierra Leone, linking these to the situation on FGM in the Netherlands. Two international events organised under the cross-country component were specifically aimed at strengthening Girl Power programme implementation. In October, the second Girl Power Learning Workshop was organised in Addis Ababa. The workshop was attended by representatives of Country Steering Committees from nine programme countries, and was facilitated by ACPF and the Girl Power Learning Support Group (see chapter 3). The Country Steering Committee coordinators from Ghana, Zambia and Ethiopia met for a three-day workshop in Addis Ababa (May), facilitated by Plan, to strengthen alignment, M&E and financial management of their GP country programmes. In the Netherlands, programme staff from all Dutch CRA member organisations attended Alliance Days in June and December 2013. At Alliance Day in June, ICDI facilitated a one-day workshop on psycho-social development of adolescent girls. Alliance Day in December featured a presentation by DCI-ECPAT on Lobbying and advocacy, follow-up on the CRA Partnership Review and initial findings of the Girl Power midterm evaluation (see also chapter 4). Finally, the midterm evaluation of the Girl Power programme, undertaken in 2013, is one of the first examples of a joint monitoring and evaluation initiative facilitated by cross-country and regional collaboration. The evaluation was conducted between May 2013 and January 2014 and brought together CRA organisations and their partners in ToR development, selection of lead consultant, review and approval of methodology documents, information gathering, logistical arrangements for data collection, and review of approval of draft country and global reports.

3. The Child Rights Alliance Learning Agenda During 2013 the Country Steering Committees further operationalised their learning agendas around the four overarching learning questions stipulated by the CRA. All countries have at least developed a learning trajectory around questions 1: ‘Child Protection Systems’ and 4: ‘Effective Alliance Building’. The following table shows which learning questions are being addressed by which countries: BGD

NPL

PAK

ETH

ZAM

BOL

NIC

GHA

LIB

SLE

1. What is needed for effective child protection systems

2. How to engage boys and men in empowering girls and young women

3. Critical conditions for girls to mobilise and organise themselves 4. Effective alliance building

In October GP country representatives (2-3 per country) were invited to a 3 day ’Global Learning Meeting’ in Addis Ababa to exchange and discuss learning experiences. The meeting was organized by the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) and facilitated by the Learning Support Group (composed of staff from CRAmember organisations in the Netherlands) and the Learning Reference Group (composed of CSC members from selected countries). Pakistan could unfortunately not participate because visas could not be obtained in time. The Addis meeting brought into the open many common as well as individual learning experiences. The meeting helped participants feel more confident about their learning trajectories, to gain inspiration from other countries’ experiences and to strengthen their own country programmes through the incorporation of insights gained from others. Interestingly, during the meeting it became apparent that specific learnings related to the third learning question (Critical conditions for girls to mobilise and organise themselves) were increasingly being incorporated under question 1 and question 2. Therefore, in the table below that synthesizes the meeting’s conclusions, the findings relating to learning question 3 are not reported in a separate column. Table: Main preliminary findings from the GP Learning Agenda

Collective Gains

1. What is needed for effective child protection systems (CP-systems) Involvement of communities in the building of CP-system.

4. Effective alliance building

NGOs and government may join forces to establish a functional CP-system.

2. How to engage boys and men in empowering girls and young women The insight that the rationale to engage boys and men is not always clear. We need a ToC and a logic for their engagement. We need to be clear about our assumptions.

Coordination between key actors is essential.

Communities are gradually opening-up to discuss gender issues.

Joint learning and joint advocacy are themes that quickly show the added value of an alliance

Work on both prevention and response go hand in hand.

Our interventions are gradually moving from “gender aware” to “gender transformative”

Operating through inter-agency networks, including government agencies and private sector, to establish effective CP systems may work very well

GP alliances mostly cover different levels of action –from local to

international Success Factors

Capacity at community level to contribute to a strong CP- system is essential Building upon existing (traditional) CP practices and linking these to the formal structures enhances success rates. Use mapping to understand what is already there. Using schools as an entry point seems to work well Use of (local) media can be very supportive

Success inhibitors

There is no common understanding about CP systems Poor knowledge of existing CP systems and mechanisms inhibits effective action Poor coordination and collaboration between actors in child protection Poor law enforcement practices Child protection workers may face strong opposition when trying to change attitudes, norms and values

Future challenges

The use of families and schools as key entry points for change works well. Including topics such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;culture of peaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, building respect between girls and boys, gender in school curricula works well.

Sharing of knowledge between alliance members is very important

Building larger alliances between government and civil society to include boys and men in activities leads to greater results. Use of media can be highly effective. However, media may also be in the way of change. Involving media is not always positive. The sector is dominated by men often with no knowledge nor regard for gender issues. Behaviour and attitudes are not easy to change. Change often takes much more time then foreseen. Without showing clear benefits and advantages, boys and men may not be very supportive. CP systems are often not gender friendly, especially hybrid systems which may include male biased traditional customs and domestic legislation.

How to ensure full stakeholder involvement and strengthen their collaboration and coordination

School teachers need to be targeted more intensively. They are very instrumental in gender change.

How to strengthen L&A to ensure sustainable funding

Media need capacity building on gender issues in general, and how to involve boys and men effectively in womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s empowerment processes in particular.

How to integrate many CP-practices and services into one system. How to work together with government (Africa has some good examples)

Alliances need to elaborate a shared vision and an agreed upon modus operandi before they can become effective

The high diversity within the alliance may cause problems Within the alliance many may commit but only few may act Governments may restrict opportunities for alliance building, especially around policy advocacy (Zambia, Ethiopia) Resources may not be sufficient to keep the alliance active There may be too many alliances already. In that case it may be more effective to link up with existing ones.

We need to deliver better. The demand for change and information is higher then what we can supply.

How to make effective use of media in building CP systems (good examples Latin America) How to ensure strong involvement of boys and girls themselves (Asia has some good examples)

Learning is perceived by programme staff as highly important for their work under Girl Power. The learning agenda provides a platform to discuss and jointly solve bottlenecks and setbacks, scale-up best practices and try-out new approaches and strategies. It is seen as a major instrument for collaboration, 98

knowledge sharing and is appreciated as a mechanism to create synergy and enhance programme efficiency and effectiveness. The link between the learning agenda and GP programme quality was also acknowledged in the mid-term evaluation report. The evaluators noted that the ‘learning by doing’ principle is highly effective and cited examples of how learning has led to new approaches and influenced programme planning (Ethiopia). At the same time, however, the evaluators pointed to the fact that some countries (Zambia) have externalized the learning agenda to a certain extent by involving external knowledge institutes, which may inhibit or complicate the internalisation of learning points by GP staff and jeopardize the learning agenda’s potential as an innovative force. Countries have inspired each other and have started to make use of each other’s best practices. Exchange of knowledge takes place through programme meetings such as that held in Addis, but countries have also organized exchange visits to fellow (neighbouring) GP countries (example: Bangladesh and Nepal), or planned to do so in the near future (Ghana and Sierra Leone). Other platforms for exchange are the Country Annual Review Meetings that take place on a yearly basis but are limited to partners within countries, and annual regional meetings, such as the March 2013 Addis Ababa event, where Zambia, Ethiopia and Ghana exchanged views on many issues, including some related to learning. We may conclude that in 2013 the learning agenda has developed into a real thriving force in the creation of synergies both within as well as between country programmes. The issues noted in 2012 (related to coordination and knowledge exchange) have been effectively addressed but further improvement is expected during the remainder of the programme.

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4. Organisational aspects of the Child Rights Alliance The final objective of the CRA is to strengthen the capacities of civil society organisations through the joint capacities and different kinds of expertise of the social actors involved in The Netherlands and in the programme countries. In order to achieve this, the alliance assessed and measured in 2013 its ensemble of capacities, improvements and learnings. A number of organisational aspects is monitored through the CRA Monitoring Protocol of the organisation. Developments on these aspects during 2013 are described in section 4.1. Organisational aspects related to control mechanisms and risk management are monitored through the CRA financial monitoring system and are described in section 4.2 ( Statement of internal control and risk management).

4.1. Organisational monitoring protocol The organisational monitoring protocol forms part of the broader monitoring protocol which the Child Rights Alliance prepared to measure the progress and impact of the Girl Power programme. It describes the organisational aspects that require monitoring and assessment to ensure operational quality. For each aspect, intended outputs, yearly milestones, progress indicators and means of verification have been defined. The organisational monitoring protocol was submitted to the Ministry on 1 March 2011, with elaborated and updated information for specific indicators on 11 January 2013. The main indicators of CRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own performance were included in the organisational monitoring protocol. In the next paragraph we briefly touch upon the progress in each of them. In addition, the CRA monitors the compliance of the regulations regarding the management of relationships with Southern partners. This is presented in section 4.2. In 2013, the CRA monitored the organisational aspects of its functioning through an internal organisational audit. The process of internal auditing entailed a self-assessment by all Dutch alliance members. The outcomes of the internal audit are used for steering and accountability notably.

4.1.1. THRESHOLD CRITERIA : OWN INCOME & REMUNERATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT All Dutch alliance members indicated that in 2013, at least 25% of their income is derived from sources other than the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that they fully complied with the salary norm set out by the 45 Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the DG-norm or Code Wijffels . These findings are confirmed by the Dutch alliance membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual financial reports and the reports on factual findings by their external auditors. Performance of the alliance on these criteria is described in more detail in chapter 5.

4.1.2. EFFICIENCY The CRA monitors the efficiency of its operations by monitoring the yearly alliance costs and costs for control and administration, and by optimising time- and cost-saving measures at alliance level. The 45

The internal audit confirmed that in 2013, all Dutch alliance members fully complied with the other threshold criteria set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: all Dutch alliance members are legal personalities according to Dutch law, registered in the Netherlands as non-profit organisations committed to structural poverty reduction in DAC countries. The Girl Power programme has a duration of 5 years (1 January 2011 - 31 December 2015) and does not support commercial services, investments or other commercial activities.

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functioning of the Country Steering Committees in the 10 programme countries is another indicator for the efficiency of the Child Rights Alliance. Alliance costs and costs for control and administration The CRA has been awarded 2% of its annual grant income for coordination. This allocation was used in 2013 to maintain the Girl Power Desk, including a coordinator, a financial officer and PME. Costs for control and administration in 2013 amounted to 10,20% of CRA total expenditure. Including the 2% allocation for coordination, this is well in line with the norm the alliance has set for itself in the Girl Power MFSII stage 2 application. Time-saving and cost-saving measures Time-saving and cost-saving measures implemented at alliance level in 2013 include the operation of the Girl Power Desk, the organisation of joint capacity strengthening trajectories for programme staff of CRA organisations and partners, the use of a Terms of Reference for Annual Reflection Meetings of the Country Steering Committees, pooling of funds for specific projects and activities and co-operation in monitoring and management of relationships with partner organisations. Combining monitoring (visits) for joint partners also led to more efficiency. Efficiency measures at alliance members’ level included savings on operational costs by critical review of suppliers of office supplies and air travels, promoting and facilitating working from home and IT outsourcing. The external midterm evaluation that was conducted between May 2013 and January 2014 at the overall programme level was another example of efficiency through cooperation at alliance level, as compared to separate evaluations by each alliance member of their specific programme component. Functioning of Country Steering Committees In 2013, Country Steering Committees (CSCs) were operated in all 10 programme countries by the local partner organisations of the Dutch alliance members. All 10 CSCs held regular meetings and played an instrumental role in the implementation of the Girl Power programme. All CSCs reported to the GPD on the progress of their Girl Power country programme. The operational capacities of CSCs differ per country. Some CSCs in 2013 made marked progress towards joint programming, lobby and exchange of knowledge and expertise. Other CSCs faced considerable challenges to meet the planning and reporting requirements. The midterm evaluation concludes that internal coordination by the CSCs remains a challenge in most countries due to the ‘forced marriage’ between civil society organisations created by the GPP. Overall, partners do work towards the same GPP objectives, but often more as individual organisations and less in a coordinated effort. Some challenges in this regard include the difficulties in coordinating and exchanging information between country coordination by Plan Country Offices and non-Plan CRA partner organisations; the hierarchical culture in Plan; the changing role of Plan country offices from direct implementer to facilitators of development processes, and the separate streams of funding to individual partners and not through the CSCs. Varying national and internal contexts affect the functioning of CSCs as well. In some countries, fierce competitiveness among NGOs makes the process more difficult than in others. Coordinating a national steering committee also proved to require different capacities than what was anticipated. The new coordinators in Ghana, Nicaragua and Zambia brought new momentum to the cooperation between partners in these countries in 2013. In April 2013, coordinators of the CSCs in Ghana, Ethiopia and Zambia attended a workshop in Addis Ababa. The workshop focused on PME, financial management, implementation of the Learning Agenda and partnership management, and provided opportunity for exchange. In Zambia and Bolivia, departure of CSC coordinators in 2013 caused delay in reporting and follow-up of action points.

4.1.3. QUALITY OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANISATION In accordance with Annex 4 Financial Regulations of the MFSII Grant Decision, Plan Nederland ensures a proper administrative organisation, including measures for internal control policies regarding local partner organisations involved in the Girl Power programme. All CRA members have been assessed for the quality 102

of their administrative organisation during the Girl Power – MFSII stage 1 application (November 2009). Follow-up assessments were conducted in April 2010 for the stage 2 application. All CRA members indicated in the CRA internal organisational audit 2013 that they maintained the quality of their administrative organisation throughout Girl Power’s third year of implementation. As part of the follow-up on the internal and external audits from 2013, procedures for partner assessment and contracting, monitoring of internal control, allocation methods of salary costs and internal policies and regulations have been strengthened where relevant. Procedures Submission of planning and narrative and financial progress reports by the alliance members in 2013 was generally on time. Partner satisfaction An online survey was conducted early 2014 to assess the satisfaction of Southern partner organisations (not including the Plan Country Offices) on their cooperation with the alliance (members) in 2013. Out of 75 partner organisations approached, 33 replied. The survey considered programme support and funding, understanding, and working practices. Almost 75% of the responding partner organisations think that support by the CRA adds value to their projects and activities for the Girl Power programme. Almost half of the responding partners agree that the support by the CRA strengthens all their work. Partner organisations in Latin America are considerably less positive on all aspects of their cooperation with the alliance members. The majority of partner organisations in Latin America for example does not think that the alliance members understand their organisation, or the external context in which they operate whereas partner organisations in Asia and Africa are unanimously positive in this respect. The difference is probably to a large extent explained by language barriers and the fact that templates and general communications are not always readily available in Spanish. The alliance members and the Girl Power Desk will follow up on these and other practical issues that emerged from the survey, and will include the findings in the strategic programme review. For more details on the strategic programme review, see section 1.5 on Strategic Programme Review. Partnership review In 2013, Plan Nederland engaged with Women Win and an independent consultant to carry out an assessment of the CRA partnership. The methodological approach included a desk study, surveys, feedback meetings and interviews with stakeholders in the Netherlands (face-to-face) and programme countries (telephone and skype). The partnership review report that was presented in June includes the following main findings:  Partners are mostly satisfied with the functioning of the CRA. Their involvement in the CRA adds value for them as organisations, as well in the successful realisation of shared and individual objectives. Empowering girls and young women is seen as a strong joint driver.  Alliance building within country is a unique feature of the CRA partnership and offers great opportunities to jointly fight the injustices that girls and young women experience worldwide.  The diversity of the partners in particular makes it possible to execute programmes and influence at different levels and therefore creates greater impact.  The combination of knowledge exchange and programme implementation is also quite unique. The Learning Agenda and learning in general are highly valued and appreciated. The review also concludes that the potential of the partnership is not yet fully realised. Areas identified for further development include:  Stronger emphasis on knowledge sharing and exchange to exploit the untapped potential of skills and expertise. Face-to-face meetings and events are highly appreciated and recommended as an outlet for knowledge sharing and exchange. Face-to-face meetings, joint field visits and exchange visits moreover encourage mutual understanding, shared responsibility and a collaborative mind-set.  Although diversity is considered as a core value, differences in approaches also bring challenges. Greater flexibility, a collaborative mind-set, a shared vision on collaboration and fit-for-purpose 103

 



mechanisms to address concerns and differences of opinion would help to address these challenges and to strengthen leverage and added value from diversity. Operations could be eased by more explicit structures in relation to communication, finances, partner selection and conflict resolution. Leadership roles need to be clarified and agreed upon. Many partners see Plan as leader, based on the fact that Plan holds and controls the overall budget (intrinsic to MFSII). The partnership was however set up with a shared leadership model in mind, based on shared responsibilities and joint decision-making. Similar issues affect collaboration at programme country level. Sustainability: clear strategies need to be developed to seize opportunities to capitalise on progress made after 2015, including joint fundraising by Dutch CRA members as well as by Southern partners.

The partnership review findings were presented and discussed during several alliance meetings, in The Netherlands as well as in programme countries. A shortlist for action was formulated, based on brainstorm sessions with alliance members’ staff. Concrete follow-up actions thus far include the nd organisation of the 2 Global Learning Meeting and several exchange visits and joint workshops, and the allocation of budget for additional capacity for communication at the Girl Power Desk. Further follow-up will be integrated in the strategic programme review. For more details on the strategic programme review, see section 1.5 on Strategic Programme Review.

4.1.4. PROGRAMME BUDGET Overall, programme expenditure of the CRA in 2013 amount to €13.223 mio against €13.675 mio budgeted. This is in line with the expectation that, after an intensive first year of implementation, partnership building and adjustment of country programmes, implementation of country programmes would in 2013 retain the momentum that was gained in 2012. Further details are provided in chapter 5 (Financial Report of the Child Rights Alliance). Programme expenditure on the four thematic areas In 2013, 55,4% of programme expenditure was allocated to protection, 12,6% to socio-political participation, 14,5% to economic participation and 17,5% to (post-primary) education. This is in line with the target percentages set in (updated) monitoring protocol of 55%, 10%, 15% and 19% respectively.

Programme expenditure on intervention strategies Programme expenditure was divided over the three intervention strategies as follows:

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MFS-II Expenditures Direct Poverty Alleviation

Civil Society Development

Policy Influencing

Socio-political Participation

3,65%

5,94%

3,00%

12,6%

€ 10.975.739

Protection

12,53%

26,76%

16,07%

55,4%

(Post-Primary) Education

6,37%

7,37%

3,81%

17,5%

Economic Participation

4,58%

7,84%

2,08%

14,5%

27,1%

47,9%

25,0%

27,1%

47,9%

25,0%

This is in line with the programme budget milestones set in the updated organisational monitoring protocol of 25-30%, 45-50% and 20-30% respectively. Quarterly financial monitoring system All CRA members submitted four financial reports on their progress on the Girl Power programme in 2013 to the Girl Power Desk. These reports were aggregated into four alliance-level financial reports (January – March, January – June, January – September and January - December). The alliance-level financial reports included percentages of over- or under spending per alliance member and at alliance level. All alliancelevel financial reports were presented and discussed at the CRA Board of Directors (the January – December financial report is presented as part of the annual reporting process in April 2013). Programme expenditure in partner countries 46 Programme expenditure in partner countries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs amounted to 60% of the CRA programme expenditures in 2013.

4.1.5. PARTNERSHIP POLICY Partnership policies of CRA members were assessed for the Girl Power stage 1 and 2 applications as part of the assessment of the quality of their administrative organisation as described in section 3.2.3. In the development of the Girl Power programme, the CRA adopted some general principles for a common partnership policy. Selection of partners remains the responsibility of each alliance member but should at least adhere to these agreed principles. Selection of partners Twenty new partnerships were formed between CRA members and Southern partner organisations for the Girl Power programme in 2013. Of these organisations, 16 were newly selected – 4 were already collaborating with other CRA members for the Girl Power programme. As a follow-up on the 2012 CRA internal and external audits, compliance with agreed partner selection procedures was carefully monitored by CRA members in 2013. CRA downward accountability towards CSCs The CRA is committed to transparency on its goals and strategies towards its partner organisations and the Country Steering Committees. In 2013, these were discussed during Annual Reflection Meetings of Country Steering Committees in all programme countries, attended by CRA members. CSCs in other countries had at least one meeting in which in which CRA members have shared their intended goals and strategies of the Girl Power programme. In almost all countries, alliance members have combined their field visits to attend and support the CSC meetings.

As per the Girl Power MFSII stage 2 Application, the Girl Power programme is implemented in the following partner countries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Pakistan and Zambia.

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Participation of girls’ and young women’s organisations Of the 96 southern partner organisations participating in the Girl Power programme in 2013, 18 (19%) 47 were girls’ and/or women’s organisations . This is slightly below the milestone set in the CRA organisational monitoring protocol for a minimum of 20% of girls’ and women’s organisations. The relative decrease compared to 2012 is mainly linked to the joining of 3 media organisations to the programme in 2013.

4.1.6. HARMONIZATION AND COMPLEMENTARITY For the Girl Power – MFSII stage 2 application, the alliance identified opportunities for harmonisation and complementarity with Dutch embassies, multilateral agencies and Dutch MFSII alliances. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with like-minded MFSII alliances were signed: with the “Child and Youth Rights 48 Initiative” , with Together4Change and the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF), and with the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance and the IMPACT Consortium. Objectives for harmonisation and complementarity for 2013 have not been fully realised. This can partially be attributed to the need to focus on management and implantation of our own programme during the past three years. CRA representatives visited Embassies during field visits in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Ghana, Zambia, Bolivia and Nicaragua (currently Costa Rica). There is active exchange of information, and especially the coordinating role of the Embassy in Bangladesh is appreciated. Developments at Dutch Embassies make concrete harmonisation with Dutch bilateral development difficult. At the same time however, we see increasing alignment and harmonisation with development actors at country level taking place. In Nepal, Zambia and Sierra Leone, mapping of Child Protection Systems is undertaken in collaboration with UNICEF and other (I)NGOs, and in Bangladesh, UNICEF provides technical and practical support to the child helpline. In Liberia, Through GP partners' active membership in various national networks and working groups, such as the Adolescent Girls Working Group, the Child Protection Network and the Gender Based Violence taskforce, the Girl Power programme is well aligned with programmes and activities of other (I)NGOs. Collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Gender and Development, for example on the review of the Girls Education Policy, promoted further harmonisation with Government. As confirmed by the midterm evaluation, the Girl Power programme is in most countries GPP well aligned with Government policies and priorities. However, practical harmonisation and alignment with Government programmes and actions leaves room for improvement. Harmonisation and complementarity in the programme countries and with multi-lateral agencies will remain a point of attention in 2014. We will also continue our dialogue with RNEs in all relevant programme countries and with multilateral agencies in all 10 program countries. The CRA is active in two working groups established in 2011 after the first meeting of the “Child and Youth Rights Initiative, organised by Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS) and Plan in 2011: the working 49 50 group on Child Protection Systems and the working group on Child Participation and Empowerment . No activities have been reported for both working groups in 2013. Alignment with other MFSII alliances in programme countries is starting to take place in some countries now that programmes have reached a stage where internal alignment requires less focus. In Nicaragua for example, the Child Rights Alliance member International Child Development Initiatives reached agreement with MFSII Alliance Kind en 47

The Child Rights Alliance considers civil society organisations as girls and/or women’s organisations if they meet 3 out of 4 of the following criteria: 1. (Co)-funded by girls and women 2. Rights and empowerment of girls and women are central to the mission and objectives of the organisation 3. Girls and women are well represented in the organisations’ board, management and staff 4. Constituency and target group of the organisation are to a large extent formed by girls and women 48 Alliances and organisations included in the MoU “a Child and Youth Rights Initiative”: Together4Change, Child Rights Alliance, Word en Daad & Red een Kind, ICCO alliance, Connect4Change, Conn@ct.Now, Dutch Consortium for Rehabilitation, Child and Development, IMPACT, Urban Youth Alliance and The United Entrepreneurship Alliance. 49 The “Child Rights Initiative” working group on Child Protection Systems is chaired by ICS. Participating organisations include Plan Netherlands, Terre des Hommes, War Child, UNICEF, DCI-ECPAT NL, Child Helpline International, Save the Children Netherlands and International Child Development Initiatives. 50 The “Child Rights Initiative” working group on Child Participation and Empowerment is chaired by Save the Children Netherlands. Participating organisations include Plan Netherlands, ICS, International Child Development Initiatives, Young in Prison, Vereniging Jeugd- en Kindzorg, SOS Kinderdorpen and Aflatoun. .

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Ontwikkeling on co-funding of an organisational strengthening trajectory for a mutual partner organisation. In 2013, the Child Rights Alliance and Together4Change continued to align their support to their joint partner, the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF). In other countries, geographical dispersion and thematic differences between alliances make practical alignment difficult. A mapping exercise to promote linking and cooperation with other MFSII alliances in programme countries has not been carried out because of lack of capacity but is on the agenda for 2014.

4.1.7. LEARNING CAPACITY Multi-disciplinary teams at CRA level Two platforms in the CRA are directly involved in learning: the Learning Support Group and the country teams consisting of programme staff involved in the management and monitoring of partners’ projects. As described in chapter 3, the Learning Support Group, with the support of the Learning Reference Group, in nd 2013 has played an active role in the facilitation of the 2 Learning Agenda Meeting (October, Addis Ababa). During this meeting, representatives of 9 Country Steering Committees shared learning experiences and outcomes, and further steps were prepared towards continued and intensified learning within the context of the Girl Power Programme. The country teams maintained in place during 2013, and were instrumental in the coordination of CRA members’ intended interventions towards local partners and in providing inputs and feedback to the programme’s Midterm Evaluation. Combined field visits have further strengthened mutual relationships and knowledge of each other’s programmes and strategies. The Girl Power Desk undertook more active coordination in the planning of joint field visits and other meetings for review and exchange in 2013. For 2014, an active role of the country teams in supporting the CSCs in the follow-up of the MTR findings is foreseen. Feedback mechanisms The Girl Power Desk produces quarterly financial reports which are presented to the Board of Directors. This continuous financial monitoring allowed for timely detection of delays in specific countries and led to appropriate follow-up. Results of the CRA internal audit over 2013 were analysed by the Girl Power desk and shared with the Board of Directors. The CRA Partnership Assessment in 2013 provided CRA members, their partner organisations and other implementing organisations involved in the Girl Power Programme with space to reflect and feedback on the partnerships within the Girl Power Programme. The CRA Partnership Assessment was implemented by an external consultant, facilitated by Women Win The final report was shared within the alliance and forms one of the pillars for the strategic review process that will be rolled out in the second half of 2014.

4.2. Statement of internal control and risk management In accordance with Annex 4 Financial Regulations of the MFS2 Grant Decision, Plan Nederland ensures proper internal control policies regarding local partner organizations involved in the Girl Power programme. These policies include assessment of (financial) management capacities of local partners by the alliance members, a fraud and anti-corruption policy and a sanction policy. Below, an outline is presented on the design and operation of these policies throughout the CRA.

4.2.1. ASSESSMENT OF MANAGEMENT CAPACITIES OF LOCAL PARTNERS In line with the principle for a joint partnership policy for the Girl Power programme, all CRA members conduct assessments of local partner organisations’ (financial) management capacity as part of their partner selection procedure. A standard clause to all contacts with local partner organisations involved in the Girl Power programme is included in the CRA operational manual. The clause binds local partner organisations to maintain sound financial administration systems which ensure transparency and accountability.

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The Plan country offices conduct regular programme and financial audits of the local partner organisations of Plan in the Girl Power programme. The country offices themselves are regularly audited by the internal audit department of Plan International. Findings are reported bi-annually to the Plan International Audit Committees. Plan International is subject to an annual external audit by PwC UK. Projects and programmes funded by Plan Nederland under the MFSII programme are also subject to an annual external audit by PwC NL. Findings are reported to the Plan Nederland Financial Audit Committee. The CRA internal and external audits on 2011 concluded that assessment of partner organisations was not always formalised and/or systematically documented by the Dutch CRA members. Measures to address this have been taken by the CRA members. For Plan, this entailed in 2013 continued monitoring of contracts with partner organisations in all ten programme countries.

4.2.2. FRAUD AND ANTICORRUPTION POLICY To avoid improper use of MFSII funds, Plan Nederland adheres to the anti-fraud and anti-corruption policy, and the procedure on reporting fraud of Plan International’s Field Operations Book. This policy is leading for the entire CRA. Plan Nederland as well as all members of the international organisation of Plan and the entire CRA maintains a zero tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. The director of the internal audit department of Plan International periodically reports to the Financial Audit Committee of Plan Nederland on cases of proven fraud and the disciplinary measures taken. In addition, Plan staff has an obligation to report any allegations of fraud and corruption. Four cases of fraud were reported in 2013 regarding MFSII funded projects and follow-up in line with the sanction policy as described in the section below. Anti-fraud and anti-corruption policies of all CRA members have been assessed by Plan Nederland for the Girl Power – MFSII stage I application (November 2009). A follow-up assessment was conducted in October 2010. The CRA internal organisational audit on 2013 concluded that the fraud and anti-corruption policy of all alliance members is up to standards. To avoid improper use of MFSII funds at the level of local partner organisations, a standard clause to be added in all project contracts between CRA members and their local partner organisations has been included in the CRA operational manual. Corruption will be ground for the annulment of the contract or part thereof. Fraudulent activities by the partner organisation, its employees or subcontracted agencies will be investigated by the CRA member involved and procedures or working practices may be changed to minimize the likelihood or opportunity of recurrence. In cases of proven fraud, the CRA member involved will take appropriate measures in line with its sanction policy, which might result in termination of the contract.

4.2.3. SANCTION POLICY Plan Nederland’s revised sanction policy (2011) is embedded in the Plan International overall fraud and anti-corruption policy (2008) and is leading for the entire CRA. Sanctions may be applied in four different situations: Fraud and corruption; Partners’ non-compliance with one or more conditions stated in the contract (including noncompliance with the code of conduct agreements in the contract: gender equality, child protection, cooperation between partners); Non-compliance with reporting obligations; Serious cases of non-performance (realized activities and outputs are much less than planned activities and outputs). The policy describes measures to be taken in all these cases. First step is often to stop money transfers, followed by an investigation into the actual facts. Discontinuation of the project and recovery of transferred funds are the last steps in this process. Monitoring the policy involves regular monitoring of local partners, internal and external audits, financial quarterly reports and narrative annual reports on project progress and regular field visits. 108

The sanctions register of Plan Nederland for 2013 includes six incidents reported related to MFSII funded projects which have all been followed up in line with the sanctions policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed of the following cases of fraud: 1. Following up on a case that was already mentioned in the Annual Report 2012, the contract with a partner organisation in Nicaragua was terminated in the first half of 2013 after an investigation by the Counter Fraud unit of the Global Assurance Department of Plan International confirmed allegations of fraud. At the time of report writing, Plan is preparing a criminal case against the former partner organisation. A substantiated estimation of the amount of fraud (of the total € 76.781 of MFSIIfunding transferred to the partner) will be provided in July 2014 by the audit department of Plan International after investigation of all available documentation. 2. A second case of fraud was confirmed in December 2013 by an investigation by the Counter Fraud unit of the Global Assurance Department of Plan International into a partner organisation in Bangladesh. The contract with the partner has been terminated. The investigation confirmed that a total amount of €272 of MFSII-funding has been unduly spent by this organisation. 3. The Plan office in Liberia in December 2013 reported the theft of cash and project materials with a total value of €7.794 by the (former) director of a local partner organisation. The contract was terminated and the case is handled by the Liberian police. Furthermore, the following cases are included in the sanctions register of Plan Nederland for 2013: 4. In May, an investigation by the internal audit department of Plan confirmed unauthorised spending of MFSII funds by a partner organisation of Plan in Bolivia. Payment of MFSII funding to this partner organisation was suspended. Transfers were resumed after the funds were reallocation to the Girl Power programme and the partner organisation had demonstrably improved its measures for internal control. 5. The contract with a partner organisation of Plan in Ethiopia was terminated in January 2014 due to a conflict over unfound claims for refunding of additional expenditures by the partner organisation. 6. A case of non-compliance was reported in July 2013, whereby serious shortcomings in the administrative organisation and project management by another partner organisation of Plan in Ethiopia were identified. An investigation by Plan Ethiopia confirmed that there was no fraud. Necessary steps have been taken to address the identified issues. An action plan including capacity building and close and ongoing monitoring by Plan Ethiopia is being implemented. Finally, one preventative sanction was imposed in connection with MFSII funding granted in 2013. At the time of report writing, serious shortcomings in the financial administration of plan Liberia were suspected. As a preventative sanction, payment of MFSII funds to Plan in Liberia was suspended with immediate effect. An audit by the Global Assurance Department confirmed that expenditure of MFSII funds by Plan Liberia in 2013 was compliant with MFSII regulations. A comprehensive package of appropriate measures to address identified weaknesses in the administrative organisation is being set up, including capacity support for Plan Liberia and intensified monitoring. Secondment of additional local capacity for more direct monitoring of (financial) management of MFSII-funds is being considered as an option. As per 31 December 2013 the confirmed fraudulent amount is set at € 8.066. In line with consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this amount will be deducted from the 8th tranche of MFSII-payments to the alliance.

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4.2.4. RISK MANAGEMENT In 2013, the CRA identified the following risks and necessary actions for avoidance and/or mitigation: Risk

Mitigation

Result

The MFSII requirements for reporting on programme activities are complex; are all participating organisations able to comply with these requirements?

1. Adjustment and fine-tuning of monitoring protocol and reporting formats, including opportunities for more qualitative information sharing

All mitigation measures implemented; further support to country teams of Dutch CRA members programme staff is necessary to achieve optimal quality of financial and quantitative reports.

3. Capacity strengthening of local partners is part of the Girl Power programme 4. Development of a PME system with punctual moments of (financial) monitoring and evaluation.

The strength of the Girl Power programme lies in intensive cooperation between local partners. What if this cooperation does not work, and expected results are not likely to be (completely) achieved?

1. All local partners will be responsible for specific activities in the overall country programme. The CSC (coordinator) monitors general progress of the country programme. Local partners report delays to the CRA member as well as the CSC. The CRA member will follow-up according to its project management procedures. 2. If the CRA member is not able to mitigate properly, the GPD will follow up, according to the sanction policy

Strengthening relationships and operationalizing cooperation between local partners has proven a time-consuming but rewarding process. Monitoring and support remains necessary especially in cases of reshuffling of partnerships as a result of CRA membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decisions.

3. If a local partner is not cooperating according to the agreements made under the Country Programme, a complaint can be filed to the CSC. If the CSC is not able to mitigate, the GPD will take measures according to the procedures set out in the Organisational Manual. The overall PME of the Girl Power programme requires intensive monitoring of country programme activities by the CRA members. Are they sufficiently trained to provide data that can be aggregated in a verifiable way?

1. Tools and guidelines are provided in the Operational Manual. 2. Country Teams have access to extra support from the Girl Power Desk. 3. The strict reporting cycle will provide the GPD with timely information on the progress of activities in programme countries.

Consistency in annual budgets and programme structure. Timely information on progress of activities in programme countries. Gaps in baseline information addressed by MTR for the formalisation of adjustment of the monitoring protocol. Inconsistencies in output monitoring must be addressed.

4. The Annual Budget and Annual Activity Plan are structured in the same way as the 110

Risk

Mitigation

Result

Report templates, in order to maintain consistency in the structure of the programme and division of terms as output, outcome and impact. 5. Adjustment of the overall Girl Power monitoring protocol to reduce the challenges from high levels of detail 6. Face to face annual reporting sessions with country teams rather than additional templates. 7. Bring forward the Girl Power MTE to address gaps in baseline information and align with adjusted monitoring protocol 8. Integrate follow-up on MTR and Partnership Review, finalisation of MP adjustment and improvement of output monitoring into a Strategic Programme Review, including practical and capacity support, facilitation and clear guidance. CRA members no longer comply with MFSII regulations (including the threshold criteria), particularly the Code Wijffels and the 25% own contribution criterion.

1. All CRA members have signed the Partnership Agreement and the Addendum to the Partnership Agreement.

All mitigation measures implemented; all CRA members comply with MFSII criteria.

2. All CRA members are regularly (at least once a year) monitored on their financial administration, through periodic internal (GPD) and external operational and financial audits. 3. The GPD provides all CRA members with relevant templates and guidelines to comply with the Ministryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regulations.

Not receiving reports on time (from the programme countries).

1. The GPD provides clear timelines on reporting and templates.

Reports were generally submitted on time.

2. Technical support and guidance to partners on financial reporting 3. Quarterly tracking of submission of reports (peer pressure). 4. CRA members can propose an adjusted planning through the Child Rights Alliance 111

Risk

Mitigation

Result

Complaints procedure No common language, leaving too much room for interpretation and deviation regarding the Girl Power programme.

1. All correspondence, planning and reporting documents and other written documents are in UK English. 2. All parties involved use the same terminology (organisational manual is leading).

All mitigation measures implemented; no serious misinterpretations at CRA-level. Achieving uniform communication at the level of local partner organisations will take prolonged effort in 2013.

3. Whenever doubt regarding terms and definitions, contact your Country Team or the GPD Due to the numerous local partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; involved, complex division and transference of funds and pressure to start projects to minimise delays in programme implementation, the CRA might risk improper use of funds.

1. CRA members are responsible for selection of and relationship management with their own local partners. All local partners have to comply with the minimal critical standards though. 2. If a case of fraud or corruption is suspected, the GPD is informed as soon as possible and the Fraud and Corruption procedure is put to practice.

Sanction, fraud and corruption policies are embedded in partner contracts and relationships, corrective measures are planned and implemented where necessary.

To minimise the occurrence of the above risks, the Child Rights Alliance has formulated specific Minimal Critical Standards applicable to all implementing organisations. Plan moreover monitors the internal control of partner organisations by the Plan Country Offices by means of an annual check on partner assessments, partner contracts and partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; compliance with contractual agreements. Outcomes of internal control monitoring are kept in a risk matrix.

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5. Financial report of the Child Rights Alliance 5.1. Accounting Principles General The financial statements of the Child Rights Alliance are the result of the combined accounts of the programme of the six Alliance members. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Annex 4, Financial Regulations of the MFSII Grant Decision and VFI model C (Richtlijn 650). Foreign currencies Budgets and contractual agreements are drawn up in euros and converted at the exchange rates prevailing at the inception of the obligation. Transactions in foreign currencies are converted at the exchange rates prevailing at the time of the transaction. Project spending at Plan Nederland in U.S. dollars is converted to the Plan International delivered monthly exchange rate applicable at the time of transfer. Project fundings Project fundings are related to the contractual commitments per project and included in the statements as the contributions are paid to third parties. Contributions that have not been paid to third parties are represented as to be justified (per project) by the implementing organization. Contractual commitments are recorded in financial years for Plan Nederland and in calendar years for the other alliance members, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Overhead (costs for control and administration) In line with Annex 4, Financial Regulations to the MFSII Grant Decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, overhead has been set at a maximum of 9% of the subsidy grant received. The Child Rights Alliance considers the overhead as coverage for operating costs and as a primary tool to measure efficiency. A maximum of 2% has been set, on top of, for the coordination costs of the alliance. These contributions have been used to set up and maintain the Girl Power Desk, including a coordinator, a financial officer and PME-support for the benefit of the whole alliance.

5.2. Combined Income and Expenditure Statement for the year ended 31 December 2013 amounts in â&#x201A;Ź x 1.000

Reserve per 01 January 2013

2013 Actual 582

2013 Budget 826

Income MFSII

13.144

Interest

1.341

1.282

Total Income

15.148

15.271

Programme expenditure MFS II

11.719

12.393

Programma expenditure Co-funding

1.325

1.282

Overhead and Alliance costs

1.488

1.471

Co-funding Plan

Interest spent Total Expenditures Per 31 December 2013

179

125

14.711

15.271

437

0 113

Income Income received according the approved Activity Plan 2013. Interest Total interest incurred for the Alliance. for the year ended 31 December 2013 amounts in € x 1.000 Plan Nederland Child Helpline International Defence for Children - Ecpat Free Press Unlimited Int. Child Development Initiatives Women Win Total interest incurred Interest spent Interest to be allocated

2013 44 3

2012 98 3

1 32 1 81

6 6 113

2011 62 5 3 8 4 4 86

PTD 204 11 3 9 42 11 280 179 101

Plan Nederland made its interest incurred on MFSII funding in 2012 available to the Girl Power programme as a whole. In 2013 for a total value of € 179K interest was spent within the programme. Co-Funding Plan The total budget of the Child Rights Alliance in the 10 countries over a 5-year period, is € 57 Mio. The MFSII subsidy will finance € 52 Mio from the period January 2012 until December 2015. Plan Nederland will provide co-financing of € 5 Mio for that period. Plan has raised in total from corporate and private sponsors for the programme: for the year ended 31 December 2013 amounts in € x 1.000 2011 2012 2013 Total

Actual YTD 900 927 1.341 3.168

Programme expenditure In section 5.8 (Explanation of Programme Expenditure), programme expenditures are specified per alliance member, per country and per intervention strategy. Expenditures have not been audited by the alliance members’ external auditors. Plan has spent € 1.3 Mio co-funding on the programme. Expenditures show a € 6K differences with 5.2 (Combined Income & Expenditure Statement) and 5.5. (Expenditure Allocation).This is a result of actual liquidated expenditures vs remitted expenditures at Defence for Children - ECPAT. Overhead and Alliance costs (control and administration) and Ratios Costs reported in 5.2 are on a cash base, it contains a € 136K correction at Plan in 2013. Actual overhead and alliance costs booked in 2013 were € 1.352K, as specified in section 5.5.

114

5.3. Combined statement of changes in fund balances amounts in € x 1.000 Fund balances . Programme liabilities MFS II . Pre Financed received by Alliance . Interest to be allocated / spent . Designated funds Result per 31 December 2013

2013 660 188 71 919

2012 866 96 199 43 1.204

Programme liabilities MFSII Total liabilities as per 30-6-2013 for Plan Nederland were € 36 mio as stated in the Year End Report 20122013. For all Alliance members separately the liabilities were progressively: amounts in € x 1.000 Project liabilities ended 31 December 2013

2013

2012

New project liabilities Pl a n Nederl a nd Chi l d Hel pl i ne Defence for Chi l dren - ECPAT Free Pres s Unl i mi ted ICDI Women Wi n Total liabilities

866 8.659 35 472 981 519 141 11.673

1.710 7.100 64 413 1356 452 159 11.254

Payments on liabilities in 2013 Pl a n Nederl a nd Defence for Chi l dren - ECPAT Chi l d Hel pl i ne Free Pres s Unl i mi ted ICDI Women Wi n

8.951 472 0 958 475 157

8.279 413 48 1001 480 167

11.013

10.388

660

866

Total payments Result per 31 December 2013

In accordance with the financial regulations commitments are each year formally extended in writing for a maximum of one year. Allocated Co-financing Plan Total value allocated to the programme in 2013 is € 1.3 Mio. Pre financed – Alliance member Funds received above budget not yet spent and/or committed. Interest to be allocated All interest income will be spent within the programme. Designated funds Programme funds allocated to programmes but not yet committed through obligations.

115

5.4. Combined statement of financial position for the year ended 31 December 2013 amounts in € x 1.000 The table below shows the liquidity position per Alliance member on the MFS II account, excluding cofunding from Plan. MFSII Account ended 31 December 2013 Opening balance Income

Plan Nederland Child Helpline 508 111 13.144

Interes t recei ved Subtotal

781

DCI/Ecpat 95

ICDI 117

Women Win 21

Free Press Unlimited -254

734

764

466

1.271

13.696

895

829

913

488

1.018

Di s burs ement Al l i a nce CRA

4.016

Progra mme expendi tures

8.247

700

717

794

464

976

Overhea d cos ts

1.224

13.487

786

783

866

499

981

209

109

-11

Subtotal Closing balance MFSII account

5.5. Expenditure allocation for the year ended 31 December 2013 amounts in € x 1.000 Expenditure MFS II (excluding own funding Plan) Transfers Publicity and communication costs Staff costs Housing costs Office costs Depreciation and interest Total % Spending rate % Direct Programme management costs % Control and administration*) *) Including 2% alliance costs

Programme Management 37 1.467 44 96 2 1.646

Control and Programme Transfers Administration 10.252 70 847 83 299 53 10.252 1.352

Total 2013 10.252 107 2.314 127 395 55 13.250 89,80% 12,42% 10,20%

Programme management and programme transfers Transfers and programme management costs are all expenditures spent on programme activities financed through MFSII contribution, excluding co-funding Plan. Control and administration. Costs of the Girl Power Desk (2% coordination costs) are part of Control and administration. Costs per cost category are staff and office costs increased with depreciation, publicity and housing as a percentage. This cost allocation method is in accordance with annual accounts guideline 650 made by the “Raad voor de Jaarverslaggeving” Council for Annual Reporting.

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5.6. Own Contribution For the year ended 31 December 2013 Amounts in € x 1.000 Alliance Income

2013

2012

2011

Total

Income MFSII Child Rights Alliance

13.144

8.095

10.640

31.879

Pl a n Nederl a nd CHI Defence for Chi l dren - ECPAT

47.904 1.969 2.814

47.892 1.925 2.892

44.993 1.719 3.050

140.789 5.613 8.756

Free Pres s Unl i mi ted ICDI Women Wi n

14.710 1.424 2.022

13.495 1.397 1.620

11.077 1.404 1.428

39.282 4.225 5.070

Total organizational income Income to be excluded from the own contribution calculation:

70.843

69.221

63.671

203.735

. Interes t i ncurred from a l l MFS2 i ncome (i ncl udi ng other a l l i a nces )

144

323

8.172 4.948 44 1.202

7.211 3.853 87 1.020

7.016 1.701 71 1.157

22.399 10.502 202 3.379

Total income not identified as own contribution

14.452

12.315

10.038

36.805

Net i ncome for ca l cul a tion of own contri bution

56.391

56.906

53.633

166.930

Ava i l a bl e i ncome for ca l cul a tion of the orga ni za tions own contri bution

43.247

48.812

42.994

135.052

3.086

2.916

2.833

8.835

40.161

45.896

40.161

126.217

71%

81%

75%

76%

. Income MFSII s ubs i dy other a l l i a nces tha n the CRA . Other non MFSII s ubs i di es or i ncome from MFA . Income or contri butions from a l l i a nce pa rtners outs i de MFSII . Fi na nci ng i ndi rectly comi ng from BuZa (excl . i ncome from mul til a tera l entities )

Own contri bution a s s i gned to other MFSII a l l i a nces Ava i l a bl e net own contri bution for the MFSII Chi l d Ri ghts Al l i a nce % own contribution for the Child Rights Alliance =>25%

5.7. Remuneration of key management Gross salary of employees from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013 Plan

CHI

DCI-Ecpat

ICDI

Di rector ful l time 2013

94.352 7.548

79.133 5.714

83.693 6.781 7.802

60.293 4.870

101.900

84.847

98.276

65.163

Na me & pos i tion

FPU Di rector

Women Win Di rector

Women Win Founder

Type of contra ct Peri od

ful l time 2013

32 hours 2013

78.121

71.769

77.760

14.420

6.250

5.742

6.221

1.154

84.371

77.511

83.981

15.574

Pos i tion Type of contra ct Peri od Remuneration: Gros s a nnua l s a l a ry Hol i da y a l l owa nce Yea r-end a l l owa nce Va ri a bl e i ncome

Remuneration: Gros s a nnua l s a l a ry Hol i da y a l l owa nce Yea r-end a l l owa nce Va ri a bl e i ncome

In accordance with the Financial Regulations, all Alliance members adhere to the “Code Wijffels” threshold for remuneration of staff of € 126.975,31 for 36 hours per week. 117

5.8. Explanation of programme expenditures for the year ended 31 December 2013 Amounts in € x 1.000 Expenditures per Country – Alliance member* Expenditures per partner, per country including co funding Plan Nederland Period 2013 Plan Nederland CHI DCI-Ecpat Actual Global Program

Budget

Actual

Budget

Actual

Budget

Free Press Unl. Actual Budget

ICDI Actual Budget

701

751

348

393

154

163

Ghana

771

983

144

152

Non partner countries Liberia

631

663

154

Sierra Leone

986

899

154

152

116

Partner countries Ethiopia

985

904

105

120

Zambia

788

1.094

Partner countries Bangladesh

754

712

Pakistan

592

772

1.307

1.066

Women Win Actual Budget

2013 Actual Budget

Total Actuals

Total

PTD

Budget

exhaustion

101

1.413

1.496

3.908

5.953

66%

995

1.190

2.768

4.728

59%

942

917

2.330

4.249

55%

101

1.313

1.252

3.217

5.029

64%

1.259

1.161

2.589

4.609

56%

1.120

1.437

2.899

4.732

61%

1.331

1.220

2.614

4.187

62%

734

911

1.995

3.042

66%

1.588

1.387

3.161

4.859

65%

West Africa Partner countries

East-Southern Africa

182

198

295

255

Asia

Non partner countries Nepal

148

153

157

110

109

147

108

Latin America Partner countries Bolivia Nicaragua

0 1.087

1.170

970

1.077

100

151

Diff. actual vs bank

100

1.245

1.278

2.751

4.923

56%

101

1.289

1.424

3.205

5.032

64%

-6

5.032

0% 56%

-6

Total

9.572

10.091

700

716

668

976

1.095

795

750

464

353

13.223

13.675

31.431

56.375

Partner

5.947

6.712

248

228

345

342

685

654

483

487

265

198

7.973

8.622

18.821

31.254

Non Partner

3.625

3.379

452

488

371

326

291

441

312

263

199

155

5.250

5.053

12.610

20.089

Total

9.572

10.091

700

716

668

976

1.095

795

750

464

353

13.223

13.675

31.431

51.343

% Partner

62%

67%

35%

32%

48%

51%

70%

60%

61%

65%

57%

56%

60%

63%

60%

63%

% Non Partner

38%

33%

65%

68%

52%

49%

30%

40%

39%

35%

43%

44%

40%

37%

40%

37%

* Expenditures have not been audited by the alliance members’ external auditors.

118

The summary provides an overview of expenditures, based on the conditional obligation per year, per Alliance member to determine the 60% threshold to be spent in partner countries in 2015. Plan Nederland has financially committed itself to the Girl Power programme for € 5 mio in 5 years. Plan has allocated € 34K to Women Win for the implementation of the Partnership Review. Expenditures per Year – per intended result as per 31 December 2013. Amounts in € x 1.000 Expenditures per intended result including co-funding Plan Nederland

2013 Actuals

Budget

2012

2011

Total

PTD

Actuals

Budget

exhaustion

Output Child Rights Alliance: 1: Management relationships with Southern Partners

1.201

1.220

1.060

1.250

3.511

4.918

71%

2: Capacity support to Southern Partners

959

1.302

838

368

2.165

4.849

45%

3: Creation/promotion of grassroots organisations

417

793

457

497

1.371

3.364

41%

4: Linking and networking among Southern Partners (incl. the Country Steering Committees) 5: Research and learning (on issues of girl's rights and empowerment)

344

620

287

290

921

2.302

40%

158

595

135

221

514

2.221

23%

6: Alignment and coordination (with other NGOs, donors etc. to enhance complementarities)

314

327

193

549

1.384

40%

3.393

4.857

2.970

2.668

9.031

19.038

47%

3.634

3.211

4.009

1.066

8.709

11.905

73%

1.711

1.942

2.098

764

4.573

7.369

62%

892

1.353

1.235

219

2.346

4.941

47%

(institutional level) 4: Strengthening of civil society (organisations) by partners (civil society level) 5: Increased coordination and learning among partners (level of Country

965

1.770

889

549

2.403

5.763

42%

129

170

217

686

32%

Steering Committee) 6: PME Southern Partners

251

372

146

300

697

1.642

42%

7.582

8.818

8.452

2.911

18.945

32.306

59%

Total spent allocated

10.975

13.675

11.422

5.579

27.976

51.344

54%

Total remitted

13.223

11.488

6.720

31.431

Total pre financed Southern Partner

-2.248

-66

-1.141

3.455

Subtotal Output Southern Partners: 1: Services delivered by partners to young girls and women (individual level) 2: Sensitization of communities (men and women) by partners (sociocultural level) of national/district/local governments by partners 3: Influencing

Subtotal

The Alliance programme budget was approved and confirmed by the Ministry in writing 23 December 2011. The revised budget as presented here influences the cash flow and expenditures which have been subsequently adjusted and approved by the Ministry on 19 February 2013.

119

Amount pre-financed is mainly determined by Plan programmes due to timing differences between allocation and liquidation. As per February 2014 the total Plan unliquidated value has decreased by € 1.3 Mio. Expenditures per Country – per intended result per as per 31 December 2013 Amounts in € x 1.000

Expenditures per country per intended result including Co-Funding Plan Nederland

Global

Ghana

Liberia

Sierra Leone

BangEthiopia Zambia ladesh Pakistan Nepal Bolivia

Nicaragua

Total spent allocated

Budget

Output Child Rights Alliance: 1: Ma na gement rel a tions hi ps wi th Southern Pa rtners 2: Ca pa ci ty s upport to Southern Pa rtners 3: Crea tion/promotion of gra s s roots orga ni s a tions 4: Li nki ng a nd networki ng a mong Southern Pa rtners (i ncl . the CSC) 5: Res ea rch a nd l ea rni ng (on i s s ues of gi rl 's ri ghts a nd empowerment) 6: Al i gnment a nd coordi na tion (wi th other NGOs , donors etc. to enha nce Subtotal

374 39 99 71 24 249 856

88 99 1 16 5 21 230

100 145 36 15 23 8 327

72 80 27 13 4 4 200

96 49 20 27 2 6 200

119 152 24 11 31 1 338

95 124 7 38 26 9 299

36 108 0 16 10 3 173

140 40 194 36 11 9 430

26 85 2 82 7 2 204

55 38 7 19 15 2 136

1.201 959 417 344 158 314 3.393

1.220 1.302 793 620 595 327 4.857

Output Southern Partners: 1: Servi ces del i vered by pa rtners to young gi rl s a nd women (i ndi vi dua l l evel ) 2: Sens i tiza tion of communi ties (men a nd women) by pa rtners (s oci o-cul tura l 3: Infl uenci ng of na tiona l /di s tri ct/l oca l governments by pa rtners (i ns titutiona l 4: Strengtheni ng of ci vi l s oci ety (orga ni s a tions ) by pa rtners (ci vi l s oci ety l evel ) 5: Increa s ed coordi na tion a nd l ea rni ng a mong pa rtners (l evel of CSC) 6: PME Southern Pa rtners (4% of total CSC budget) Subtotal

20 103 166 0 0 0 289

285 177 60 110 11 21 664

311 82 45 21 23 9 491

546 269 23 73 15 14 940

206 144 197 128 5 38 718

470 53 59 6 2 12 602

292 286 90 80 16 31 795

295 29 25 15 10 19 393

292 196 15 204 7 9 723

246 200 154 202 18 44 864

671 172 58 126 22 54 1.103

3.634 1.711 892 965 129 251 7.582

3.211 1.942 1.353 1.770 170 372 8.818

1.145

894

818

1.140

918

940

1.094

566 1.153

1.068

1.239

10.975

13.675

Total spent allocated 2013

Section 4.2.3 (Sanction Policy) contains explanatory notes on the detected fraud cases within the Alliance in 2013 and the follow up on fraud cases from previous years. Depending on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ruling concerning the detected fraud cases, amounts spent may be adjusted. As per 31 December 2013 the confirmed th fraudulent amount is set at € 8K. In line with consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this amount will be deducted from the 8 tranche of MFSII-payments to the alliance.

120

Annex

121

122

Country Cases 1. Asia 1.1.

BANGLADESH

Annual Karate Competition for Girls Country Bangladesh CRA member Women Win Country partner Nari Uddug Kendra (NUK) Level Individual/socio-cultural Theme Protection against Violence NUK organised an Annual Karate Competition in Kishoreganj district on 23 December 2013; a challenge in itself as NUK faced resistance to the event from guardians, teachers and district administration who had questioned the relevance of the girls’ display in a public space and had doubted their taking up a sport like karate at the start of GPP already. By organising bi-lateral meetings and discussions, NUK convinced the district administration of the competition’s complementarity with the Government’s mission and vision on gender equality. They also emphasised that the competition would respect the socio-cultural norms of Bangladesh. Seventy five karate graduates finally participated in the day-long competition. The winners’ group took part in an award giving ceremony in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, sports organisations, NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, schools and colleges. Participating girls told of their pride after the competition, as illustrated by Shuborna: ‘During the competition, I felt powerful, confident and strong. And I was very excited to show off my skills in front of the community. Over a thousand people attended from the seven districts! In the end I won a trophy and certificate and I was very proud.’ By showcasing the girls’ skills and achievements in public, NUK raised awareness among community members, public servants and representatives about karate being a valuable tool for girls to develop their self-esteem and confidence, and enabling them to use the skills as a means of self-protection. It also encouraged other girls to learn karate. The following feedback gives a good illustration of the competition’s effect: ‘Before the event, the neighbours were saying that karate was only for boys, not for girls. If you play karate, you will not get married, they said. But after they saw the competition and our trophy, they said we made the community proud!’ Jannatul. ‘Competitions like these help girls come to the forefront and show their talent and potential! We can also combat eve-teasing through these events because then we are publically seen as strong and empowered!’ Shurma. Child Marriage Free Villages Country Bangladesh CRA member Plan Nederland Country partner Sanjai Unnayan Praskikshan Kendra (SUPK) Level All Theme Protection against Violence 123

[1]

Early and forced marriages still frequently occur in villages in Bangladesh , despite the Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance which makes it illegal for males under 21 and females under 18 to marry. Communities are often unaware of the consequences of early and forced marriage, and enforcement of the law is weak. With its Child Marriage Free Villages concept, Plan intends to halt this phenomenon. The Child Marriage Free Villages concept is a comprehensive multi-stakeholder approach that includes awareness-raising activities and intermediation between community members, religious leaders, matchmakers, government agencies, local authorities and the police. With the support of teachers, school management committees as well as education departments, district level alliances raise awareness at high school level hereby reaching thousands of students. Further, district level alliances make Union Parishad, match makers, marriage registrars and religious leaders more accountable in the prevention of child marriage. This approach finally leads to the proclamation of Child Marriage Free Villages, signifying a moral obligation among community and duty bearers to ban child marriages from their village. After declaration as a Child Marriage Free village, communities and duty bearers collaborate with Child Protection Group, Ward Committee, Union Parishad, UNO and police authorities on information sharing and support seeking. Girls and young women monitor in close communication with local government authorities the child marriage situation in their villages. Bashbari for example was declared a Child Marriage Free village one year ago; previously it had a child marriage rate of two to seven marriages per month. Now, as reflected by a member of the community ‘As long as we are here, no child marriage will take place in Bashbari’.

1.2.

NEPAL

From cooperative to a cosmetic shop Country Nepal CRA member Plan Nederland Country partner Plan Nepal Level Individual/socio-cultural Theme Economic Participation Following the positive effects of the formation of women-led registered saving and credit cooperatives on women’s empowerment in the Makwanpur district, Plan Nepal scaled up and enriched this approach by including specific activities for girls and young women under the Economic Participation component of the GPP. The aim of the saving and credit cooperatives is to strengthen women’s economic participation, which positively affects their self-esteem, improves their children’s circumstances and often leads to reductions in violence. At the same time, the cooperatives provide a platform for social mobilisation and other development activities. Through community gathering and mediation, awareness activities and an exposure visit to Makwanpur to showcase the effect of the saving and credit cooperatives on the community, Plan created an enabling environment to explore interest in the business opportunities resulting from the market survey, followed by business skill and leadership training for (young) women. As 80% of the Nepali population lives in rural areas, vegetable farming, animal rearing, livestock and beekeeping are the predominant small businesses set up by the women’s cooperatives. By empowering girls through the ‘Better Life Option Programme’ (BLOP) and engaging young women early in the process, new groups and initiatives are explored. An example is Sahara, 19 years old and living with her parents in Raigaun-9 (Makwanpur district), who was offered the opportunity to take part in the business training organised in association with Rural Women [1]

According to UNICEF, 74% of Bangladeshi girls are married before the legal age of 18 in Bangladesh (www.unicef.org/bangladesh).

124

Service Center and Pragatisimahila SACCOs-Raigaun. During the training, a new savings and credit group was formed of which she became the secretary. Next to her study, Sahara decided to set up a combined cosmetic cum grocery shop with a total loan of 19,000 rupees (equivalent 144 Euro), and now provides her products at the local market twice a week to extend her business. At the moment, she has a turnover of 7,000 rupees a month of which 3,000 is allocated as her salary. Setting up and managing the cosmetic shop has helped Sahara boost her confidence, and provided the stimulus to continue her education next to income generation activities.

1.3.

PAKISTAN

Fast Track Learning Centre – Providing adolescent drop-out girls a second chance for post-education Country Pakistan CRA member Plan Nederland Country partner Plan Pakistan, Bureau for University Extension and Special Programme of Allama Iqbal Open University (BLUESP-AIOU), Mountain Institute for Educational Development (MIED) and National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) Level Individual/socio-cultural Theme Education Lack of education and violence against women are the two main obstacles to women’s empowerment in Pakistan. The worsening security situation in Pakistan, socio-cultural norms and religious intolerance disadvantage girls’ and young women’s access to (post-primary) education. Parents prohibit girls from travelling to far located schools, and after a certain period adolescents are even unable to re-enroll due to age restrictions. Even though the Pakistani Government guarantees educational rights for all children up to the age of 16 and has policies in place at federal and provincial levels, the country ranks second on the world's school drop-out list, mostly with respect to girls and young women. To address these high number of (female) drop-outs, Plan developed the Fast Track Learning Centre (FTLC) concept. The aim of the FTLC is to prepare adolescent girls in an accepted socio-cultural and safe environment to be admitted to any post-education system for further studies. Through technical facilitation and accreditation from BUESPAllama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and with support from Plan Pakistan, and district partners Mountain Institute for Educational Development and National Rural Support Programme for Chakwal and Vehari (for implementation and monitoring & evaluation respectively), the high quality of education at FTLCs is ensured. Basic life skills training included in the intensive curriculum increases the self-confidence of participating girls, as confirmed by the MTR. Compared to the baseline study, girls and young women seem more open, mature and understand the importance of their personal development. Through community mediation, awareness-raising and the establishment of Village Education Committees, FTLCs become embedded in the community and stimulate community support for girls’ attendance at school. The change in behaviour is evident as there are now many married girls attending FTLCs. Despite the slow start of the GPP Education component (due to intensive and thorough preparations), there are currently over 9,229 students enrolled in 276 established FTLCs in Chakwal and Vehari, already exceeding targets set for 2015.

125

2. West- Africa 2.1.

GHANA

Community Sensitisation to Parliamentary Questions Country Ghana CRA member DCI-ECPAT Country partner DCI-Ghana Level All Theme Protection As part of community sensitisation on gender equality and protection of girls and young women against violence, DCI-Ghana embarked on intensive public sensitisation at the community information centres in the project communities in Kumasi metropolis. With this increased awareness, community members notified DCI-Ghana on the location in their regions of trafficked girls (some of them below the age of 10) and young women from the Northern part of Ghana. Visits by DCI-Ghana to these locations revealed that these girls were living under very deplorable circumstances and were subject to physical, psychological and sexual abuse. This information strengthened DCI-Ghana advocacy’s efforts via radio, television and a video documentary on the plight of girls and young women, which caught the attention of a Parliamentarian Member of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. She contacted DCI-Ghana to arrange a meeting with the girls and young women. The situation alarmed the Parliamentarian to such extent that she demanded proactive measures from the Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Protection to address the problem. In support, the chairman of the Parliament summoned the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection to brief Parliament on steps taken by the Ministry to effectively deal with the issue of migration of females from the Northern region to Accra and Kumasi. After this, a committee will be set up that will investigate the issue. DCI-Ghana will continue its monitoring and advocacy to hold the Government to its commitments.

2.2.

SIERRA LEONE

Forum Theatre to address Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Country Sierra Leone CRA members Women Win and International Child Development Initiatives Country partner One Family People (OFP) Level Individual/socio-cultural Theme Protection OFP organised awareness-raising sessions on child protection mechanisms, social inclusion and Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in seven communities in the Western Area District and in six communities in Moyamba District using the method of ‘Forum Theatre’, which enhanced dialogue for community development and social change. OFP contracted the most popular Sierra Leonean dramatist (One Pot Group) to hold meetings and build drama plays with community members and members of the service provider network; Mothers Led Protection Units (MLPU); Men’s Support Groups (MSG), and V-Girl Girls Clubs in each community for six days. Orientation sessions were conducted during the first two days to identify prevalent SGBV issues affecting the girls and young women. Based on this information, volunteers 126

from the community were asked to participate and cast in the plays. The other three days were used to develop the plays. On the sixth day, the play was performed in an open community ground. The performance was followed by an open discussion on the issues covered. In one of the plays in Moyamba, community participants had a lengthy discussion during the orientation days on how to address the high prevalence of early pregnancy among young girls. They were questioning whether the performance should include the ‘protective’ role of the parents or the type of life skills that a girl needs to protect herself. Child protection authorities such as prison and police officers also performed some scenes showing how they would handle such cases if reported. The girls and young women appreciated the events very much. According to them the ‘Forum Theatre’ succeeded in raising awareness on the causes, effects and consequences of SGBV on the lives of women and girls, including the disabled, and how girls and young women can have access to quality protection services provided by the Community Welfare Committees (CWCs), service provider’s network and MLPUs. The programme further encouraged the Vgirls to organise the campaign ‘Rise4Justices. Ending violence against girls and young women in Sierra Leone’ as part of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign which takes th th place annually from 25 November to 10 December.

2.3.

LIBERIA

Men’s Action groups serving as agents of change Country CRA member Country partner Level Theme

Liberia DCI-ECPACT DCI-Liberia Individual/Socio-cultural Protection

In the protection component of the GPP, Community Based Organisations (CBO) known as ‘Men’s Action Groups’ were established in the project sites to include men and boys to serve as agents of change, given the perception that men are the major perpetrators of violence against women. DCI has strengthened the capacities of Men’s Action Groups in women's rights, access to justice, Gender Based Violence (GBV), conflict management & resolution and child rights & protection - essential capacities in promoting and protecting the rights of girls and young women. One of the ways men are included in the programme is by letting them lead local campaigns on sensitisation messages on gender equality, promoting women's rights into formal awareness programmes at county and local levels, and helping women claim their rights by enabling their access to socio-legal protective services provided by DCI-Liberia. Also, they assist programme intervention by countering the resistance of boys, men and community leaders to participate in DCI training and awareness sessions or raising awareness on children’s right through house-to-house visits. To ensure recognition of the Men’s Action Groups, DCI-Liberia engaged the Women and Children Protection Section (WACPS) of the Liberia National Police to conduct periodic meetings with Group members to join forces in their response to cases of violence against girls and young women. For example, Men’s Action Group members can accompany and assist girl victims to report their case to the police, hereby serving as link and increasing collaboration between the police and the community.

127

3. East & Southern Africa 3.1.

ZAMBIA

School and community outreach enhanced child helpline services Country Zambia CRA members CHI and Plan Nederland Country partner Lifeline/Childline Zambia Level Individual/Socio-cultural Theme Protection Lifeline/Childline implemented a project in one community in Kapiri Mposhi which was jointly funded by Plan and Save the Children. Plan provided the funds for the school and community outreach and Save the Children supported the mobile phone pilot. Through school and community outreach, including weekly class-meetings, drama, broadcasts via radio, television and using community platforms such as assemblies, girls, young women and community members have been sensitised on issues like sexual reproductive health, child rights and protection. To promote greater participation and awareness in protection of children, in child protection, Lifeline/Childline Zambia employed sign language interpreters to also reach children with disabilities, which have been very much appreciated, as said by a teacher after a session at her class: ’The input was very informative and handled sensitively, considering the population of pupils with disabilities and the issues being discussed. We would definitely recommend this to other schools and will aim to request another visit.’ These awareness-raising activities, combined with Lifeline/Childline’s 24-hour SMS & Online chat counselling, including chatting via Facebook, and the pilot of distributing mobile phones to a child protection committee and two schools in the community enhanced the child helpline services for children marginalised through disability and increased the use of Lifeline/Childline services enormously.

Girls returning to school after giving birth Country Zambia CRA member Plan Nederland Country partner Plan Zambia Level Individual/Socio-cultural Theme Education/Protection Prior to the introduction of the Ministry of Education’s policy to facilitate the re-entry of pregnant girls back into the school system after giving birth, pregnancy marked the end of a girl’s enrolment in the education system. In a country with a high number of teenage pregnancies and early and often forced marriages, this resulted in a huge gender gap in education. To ensure communities and girls are aware of the Governmental re-entry policy, Plan includes information on the policy in its community sensitisation meetings, where issues such as education, protection and child rights are discussed. The effectiveness of these community outreach activities has been demonstrated by the high numbers of girl school drop-outs returning to school. For example, a grade eight pupil of Kapachi Basic School got pregnant and was socially pressured to leave school. Subsequent attendance at Plan’s sensitisations meetings encouraged her to return to school. With the support of her parents, who had also received information on the re-entry policy, she recommenced her grade eight (8) year at school. As the girl noted ‘These meetings have made me realise that I still have a chance to go back to school’. 128

3.2.

ETHIOPIA

Community outreach to strengthen local child protection structures Country Ethiopia CRA members DCI-ECPAT and Plan Ethiopia Country partner Forum on Sustainable Child Empowerment (FSCE) and Enhancing Child Focuses Activities (ECFA) Level Socio-Cultural/Institutional Theme Protection Specialised community facilitators are using community conversation sessions and coffee ceremonies for community outreach, and stimulating the active participation of local government representatives as a major strategy to strengthen local child protection structures. After training, the special community facilitators are assigned as ‘child protection agents of the community’ in their respective Kebeles. They hold regular community sessions and coffee ceremonies to raise awareness on child protection issues and to mobilise communities in creating employment opportunities for former child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation as part of their rehabilitation. They also use these occasions to advocate for police referral of migrated and trafficked children. The increased understanding of gender issues and the protection needs of girls and young women enables the local government representatives to strengthen the local child protection structure. The result of this outreach approach is that nowadays participants in community conversations report gender based violence cases to the Kebele’s child protection structures. These include both cases of child abuse and domestic violence against women. In addition to the practise of reporting, participants in Community Conversation and Child Protection agents have also become mediators in solving minor (family or community) issues concerning the violation of girls’ and young women’s rights.

4. Latin America 4.1.

BOLIVIA

Socio-political decision making in Bolivia Country Bolivia CRA member Plan Nederland Country partner Centro de Investigación y Promoció Educativa (CIPE) Level All Theme Social-political Participation In Chayanta, CIPE strengthened a youth organisation with no previous experience of political participation, on advocacy; including communication, leadership and networking, and gender to enable them translate their needs into gender-sensitive demands to local Government representatives, and hold them accountable for their promises. At the same time, CIPE advocated municipalities and local protection services to work jointly on reducing the levels of violence in communities. These advocacy efforts resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the municipality, which partly consisted of information sharing, and coordination workshops and exchange visits amongst the involved institutions. Through CIPE’s facilitation, representatives of the youth organisation participated in these 129

events, which made local Government officials open up to representatives of girls and young women and willing to work on female inclusion in socio-political decision-making spaces. CIPE’s youth organisation was successful in becoming an officially recognised stakeholder in socio-political decision-making spaces such as meetings with local authorities on annual municipal plans. This participation has already resulted in budget allocation towards the needs of Youth. CIPE continues to work with the youth organisation, in particular supporting their interactions with municipal authorities.

4.2.

NICARAGUA

Communication training for children, adolescents and young women Country Nicaragua CRA member International Child Development Initiatives Country partner Asociación La Amistad Level Individual Theme Protection Asociación La Amistad held communication workshops for girls and young women to enable them express their concerns and needs by using different ways of communication. These workshops contributed to the girls’ and young women’s personal growth, hereby increasing their self-confidence to share their thoughts and ideas on mutually relevant issues. They also started to feel the need to change the negative attitudes towards girls and young women. The workshops included visits to local radio stations, which offered opportunities to discuss topics of most concern and to put the learning immediately into practice. Participants were supported in this process by teachers and community leaders who had been sensitised on gender and trained in facilitation methods. In Siuna for example, adolescent girls chose to talk about sexual abuse hereby using the techniques and materials that were provided in one of the workshops. After this experience, the girls and young women felt more confident to speak openly about their concerns related to sexual abuse and they expressed the wish to continue with the training to learn more and/or duplicate the learning into the community.

Virtual Activism for women’s sexual and reproductive rights Country Nicaragua CRA members

Free Press Unlimited

Country partner

PROMEDIA

Level

Individual

Theme

Protection/Socio-political participation

PROMEDIA dedicated several broadcasts of Kids news ’De Humo’ to the Law 779 (Ley Integral contra la Violencia hacia la Mujer- Integral Law against Violence against Women) and its implications for girls and young women. The reports of these broadcasts were shared through a digital platform and will be included in a geographical referenced database so that instances of gender violence can be recorded for public information and protection. In this framework PROMEDIAN organised a workshop on Virtual Activism in order to support girls and women to address and defend sexual and reproductive rights in a safe, rights-based and effective manner. This has already led to some cases of teenage girls demanding their sexual right, as stated by 16 year–old Jorlenis: ‘We, girls, often get harassed by boys and men when we walk in the street, violating our rights. Another form of discrimination is that men do not value our opinions because they do not think men and women are equal and have the same rights’. 130