PFPPA-NRO
Reducing Gender Based Violence (GBV) and encroachment of youth and women’s rights regards their SRH&R within the Jerusalem Governorate
The PFPPA, with the generous funding and support of the Norwegian Government through the Representative Office of Norway, has been implementing the project since 2008 through two phases, targeting youth (15-25 years old) from both sexes, women and men in the areas of: Abu Dis, al- Eizariyeh, as-Sawahreh a-Sharqiyeh towns, Arab el-Jahaleen, at-Turr, Shu’fat and the Old City of Jerusalem. The main objectives of the project were to strengthen the role of youth and women’s Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) concern SRH rights and gender equality in addition to increasing access and practice to information and counseling services among youth and parents in sexual, reproductive health and rights (SRH&R) and gender-based violence and to contribute to increase the access to SRH and family planning services and information in the targeted areas in the West Bank.
The project was designed and implemented based on several calls from the local CBOs in concern of the deteriorating situation of the population in the area. Statistics showed the impact of the construction of the segregation wall and restriction of movement on the Palestinian people regarding all living aspects including the provision of health care services. The socio-demographic profile of the surveyed population indicated low level of employment and low rate of income, beside living in a very constrictive environment with the growing lack of geographic continuity that have made dramatic changes in their lives. This growing problem resulted in high rate of endogamy with lack of knowledge to the necessity of pre-marriage tests, early marriages which also resulted in a high rate of divorces, violence against women and children, and the erosion of human rights in particular women rights to decisions affecting their own lives and future, not to mention the spread of sexually transmitted infections and the lack of knowledge in regards to all issues related to SRH&R.
Through this project the PFPPA aimed to contribute in reducing social and family problems and to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive rights in the areas, therefore from the beginning PFPPA sought for a strong partnership with many CBOs working in the area with special emphasis to develop their capacity and maintain the essential material resources to enable them to participate in the implementation process, in addition to strengthen their role and enhance their commitments toward their communities
The project was able to strengthen young people’s skills and commitment towards the community which was considered as a success and asset for improving young people’s attitudes toward being socially healthy.
The project was also able to reach a number of isolated areas that are deprived of basic services, namely as- Sawahreh a-Sharqieh and Arab el-Jahaleen, which was found to be very successful and of great need. It has also become evident of the importance of reaching isolated areas such as “Arab al-Jahaleen” where basic services are scarce and little attention is given to the importance of increasing the people’s awareness and information on SRH topics and issues. Providing free medical campaigns including medical check-ups, consultancy and the opportunity to have free pap smears and mammography examinations was successful in contributing to reduce health and social problems in the targeted locations particularly in remote and marginalized areas, it was encouraging for the community to receive medical services of great importance, and even at times considered life saving that otherwise would not have been done.
Under this project PFPPA established a women clinic in Abu-Dis area in 2010 where it provides many services to clients and beneficiaries.
The project is continuing for a third phase 2012-2013 with the following main objectives in mind:
1. To strengthen the participatory approach with local partners (youth, women, religious leaders/or educational institutions) and utilize their human and material resources concerning Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRH&R) and gender equality in the targeted area
2. To coordinate with educational, health, social, and legal institutions in the project areas to have coordinated efforts on health care, counseling, and referral and follow up toward violated people
3. To enhance the capacities of youth (18-25) to be advocates and community mobilizers for SRHR and gender equity
4. To contribute in sustainable and consistent SRHR and GBV information, awareness and counseling to school students in the target areas
5. To contribute and continue to increase the access to SRH and family planning services and information in the targeted areas.
6. To improve the situation of victims of GBV in the targeted areas
7. To promote awareness and utilization of IEC materials related to SRH&R and gender to the general public, particularly in the targeted areas
New areas have been added to be covered by the project since its activities and services provided are needed.
The project’s locations for its third phase are:
Center Jerusalem: the Old City, at-Tur, Jabal el-Mukaber, al-Isaweyeh, Beit Hanina and Shu’fat Camp
East Jerusalem (West Bank areas): Abu Dis, al-Eizariyeh, Arab el-Jahaleen and as-Sawahreh a-Sharqieh,
West Jerusalem (West Bank Areas): Beit Anan, Iqbaiba, Beit Iksa and Beit Dikko
The project in its third phase will focus on involving the partnering CBOs in implementing the project’s activities and adopting them as part of the general frame work of their institutions to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the services provided and activities implemented in the targeted areas after the end of the project.
The project is generously funded by the Representative Office of Norway