Human Rights Education Associates

UNFPA, International Medical Corps and HREA Launch Training Program on GBV in Humanitarian Settings

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Medical Corps, and HREA have created a multi-phase global learning program to increase the number of gender-based violence (GBV) specialists with the technical knowledge and skills needed to respond in emergencies, including natural disaster, conflicts, and population displacement, and to lead the design and implementation of GBV prevention and response interventions. The Managing GBV in Emergencies (MGBViE) learning program was created in response to the call from within the humanitarian community for greater attention and expansion of GBV interventions in complex emergencies. It is also complementary to other initiatives recognizing the life-saving nature of GBV work. The increased attention and funding has also highlighted the reality of the human resource gap in GBV specialists. While demands for specialized and high-quality GBV programs increase, too few specialists are available to meet this demand.

With funding from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration, the MGBViE learning program applies the definition of GBV outlined in the revised Inter-Agency MGBViE Learning Program Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines for Integrating GBV Interventions in Humanitarian Action and includes three complementary phases:

Phase I is a free e-learning course developed by UNFPA entitled “Managing Gender-based Violence Programmes in Emergencies.” Available to the public, the course provides essential learning on core GBV concepts and the key elements to consider in GBV prevention and response.

Phase II involves a five-day, in-person training on designing and Phase II involves a five-day, in-person training on designing and managing GBV prevention and response programs. Participants will learn to develop and lead programs that are appropriate to context, timeframes, and organizational capacity and responsive to gender differences. Considerations for program planning include appropriate staff and volunteer profiles, possible service entry points, and potential barriers/risks to service access across different populations.

Phase III is centered on building a GBV community of practice (GBVCOP) and will initially be tailored for Phase II graduates. The GBVCOP will offer a structured space for ongoing, field-centered experiential learning, provide a platform for learners to discuss challenges and troubleshoot solutions, and connect learners with mentors. The GBVCOP will subsequently expand to include knowledge and learning options for the general public.

The e-learning tool is expected for May 2016; the in-person training is anticipated for August 2016; and the application process as well as selection criteria will be widely disseminated in April 2016.

Read the flyer for more information.