Women and Girls First


In Myanmar, the pandemic and military coup have increased the risks for gender-based violence (GBV) and deep-rooted gender inequality. Through the Women and Girls First programme, Switzerland supports women, girls and young people to realise their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and fulfil their potential. It does so by strengthening community-based and ethnic systems to be more responsive to needs related to GBV, SRHR and mental health.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Myanmar
Health
Gender
nothemedefined
Primary health care
Reproductive health & rights
Sexual & gender-based violence
01.05.2023 - 31.12.2026
CHF  5’500’000
Background Women and girls in Myanmar carry extraordinary burdens as poverty and gender discrimination are compounded by armed conflict and inter-communal violence. UNICEF reported that incidents of GBV in Myanmar increased by approximately 32% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period The military coup which took place early February 2021 had a significant impact as conflict, increased displacement (1.4 mio internally displaced persons and reduced access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights services has led to higher rates of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions and maternal morbidity and mortality. Since the military coup, there have been heightened concerns about the occurrence of sexual violence by armed actors across Myanmar. Along with that, increased stress at the individual and household levels makes the need for Mental Health and Psychosoical Support (MHPSS) even greater. Switzerland brings comparative advantage from its Nexus approach and its experience working with ethnic service providers (e.g. Karen, Mon and Shan health and education departments).
Objectives Women, girls and young people who are the furthest behind in conflict-affected areas realise their sexual and reproductive health and rights and fulfil their potential through improved gender equality and prevention of gender-based violence.
Target groups

-    ca. 800’000 women, girls and vulnerable people (incl. conflict affected people, IDPs, GBV survivors, LGBTQIA+, elderly and persons with disabilities) accessed SRHR/GBV/MHPSS information and services;

-    ca. 20’000 frontline workers trained on prevention and response services;

-    120 men/boys groups (currently 97) engaged in prevention of GBV and SRHR promotion;

-    115 facilities supported to deliver multi-sec-torial services (incl. static and mobile clinics, Safe Houses, Youth Centres, etc.)

-    Key community influencers engaged (incl. religious and village leaders).

Medium-term outcomes

1)    Actors’ strengthening - actors are more responsive to the needs of women, girls and young people regarding SRHR, the right to safety from violence and safety in emergencies in line with the international standards.

2)    Improved access to a quality, comprehensive, rights-based package of integrated sexual reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence and mental health and psychosocial support services.

3)    Enhanced community resilience and social cohesion towards realization and localization of sexual reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence and mental health and psychosocial support outcomes.

Results

Expected results:  

1.1)    Policies/guidelines/SOPs responsive to the needs of women, girls and young people regarding SRHR, MHPSS, the right to safety from violence and safety in emergencies are adopted;

1.2)    Strengthened capacity of national and sub national partners to plan, implement and monitor SRHR, MHPSS and GBV policies/guidelines/SOPs;

2.1)    Increased availability of integrated quality SRHR, GBV and MHPSS services delivered by nongovernmental service providers (through Women and Girls Centers, Shelters, Static and Mobile health teams);

2.2)    Increased demand for SRHR, GBV and MHPSS information and services through awareness raising and empowerment of women, girls and young people;

3.1)    Positive coping strategies, social norms and nonviolent behavior reinforced through individual, family and community level engagement

3.2)    Improved capacity of civil society organisations and communities to advocate and participate in decision-making processes to prevent GBV and improve access to SRHR/GBV/MPHSS services.


Results from previous phases:  

-    Designed as a nexus programme, which enabled WGF to adapt quickly to changing environment;

-    Strengthened integration of GBV, SRHR and MHPSS with disability inclusion;

-    336’396 persons accessed integrated SRHR, GBV and MHPSS services (110% progress against target);

-    86% of GBV survivors referred (target was 66%);

-    Community awareness strengthened by activities such as Engaging Men through Accountable Practice and Peaceful Family Initiative;

-    Strengthened coordination for SRHR, GBV and MHPSS both at National and State/Region levels;

-    Increased investment in localization (increase of sub-grantees; 3 out of 8 GBV coordination groups co-led by national partners).


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • United Nations Population Fund


Other partners

-    Contribution to UN Population Fund (UNFPA)

-    UNFPA does not engage with the de facto authorities (DFA) as per UN engagement principles.

Coordination with other projects and actors

Within Swiss portfolio, synergies at 3 levels: with other projects of the Health portfolio (Primary Health Care and Access to Health fund);

With other key bilateral projects such as the Direct Action and Vocational Skills Development Programme (VSDP);

With other Swiss multilateral partners (ICRC, UNHCR, Myanmar Humanitarian Fund).

WGF will continue to coordinate with other key actors in the SRHR partner coordination group, UN partners (UNICEF, UNHCR, UNWomen) through the clusters as well as other inter-agency forums.

Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    5’500’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    3’894’250
Project phases Phase 2 01.05.2023 - 31.12.2026   (Current phase) Phase 1 01.05.2020 - 30.04.2023   (Completed)