The Fund is an investment in the power of communication. Success is defined by how rights holders respond by demonstrating an increase in knowledge and awareness so that they can identify SEA risks, respond to threats and report instances of exploitation and abuse.

To tell the story of impact, the research focused on the results of the survey, on a rapid sample group involving community participants in the field and available quality reporting documents to provide evidence of change seen
in community knowledge, behaviour and reporting trends.

Supporting grassroots organisations through the Fund
creates change – Fund recipients report that community awareness about SEA and SEA reporting increased as a result of the projects.

The Fund wide survey confirmed that 84% of organisations reported that there was a significant improvement in PSEA community knowledge because of the project.

Project improved community knowledge about SEA

When asked about changes in their knowledge 92% of rights holders who were engaged in a project implemented by Fundación Lunita Lunera in Ecuador reported that they were confident in knowing their rights because of the project and 96% understood the responsibilities of humanitarian actors. When asked to provide comment on what the programme gave them, participant answers emphasised knowledge, information and confidence.

SME SPOLU, an NGO based in Slovakia, was established in 2015 by Ukrainian refugees who live in Slovakia to assist other Ukrainian refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and victims of war. The NGO organised focus group work which sought to not only test their increased awareness as staff but also as rights holders. In a focus group discussion following their project supported by the Fund, rights holders, staff and volunteers all reported a significant increase in awareness of PSEA.

[As a result of the project] I’m more aware about how my position as a humanitarian worker creates natural power disparity. I have to be responsible.

Focus group participant, SME SPOLU, Slovakia

[…] community members were still sharing stories regarding SEA. Some of the materials produced like billboards are still there to date and people are still accessing the messages. The community radio we worked with, Nyanthepa Community Radio, is still conducting radio panel discussions on PSEA using their own resources. [The] Social Welfare Office and Victim Support Unit of the district report an increase in reported cases of SEA resulting from the awareness created through the project.

Malango Maganga, Executive Director,
Kachere Progressive Women’s Group, Malawi

Of all the Fund-wide survey respondents, 85% indicated that SEA reporting increased either significantly or moderately as a result of the project. Increases in SEA reporting can represent anything from formal to informal reporting but also increased discussions around concerns or questions. There is a wealth of data beneath these initial responses that can speak further to increased prevention and deterrence.

Attribution was more possible in those cases where there were community-based reporting mechanisms, and many projects promoted reporting channels that are managed by other actors.

As a result of the project SEA reporting increased

[We measured the change in reporting through] massive community testimonies and feedback on SEA cases that were reported during community meetings. Community members previously lacked information on where and how to report issues for redress. There is increasing awareness among NGOs to make and enforce PSEA policy. With support from the project, Nebbi District local government has drafted a general PSEA for all NGO operating in the district working with ARUWE and other partners.

Agnes Mirembe, Executive Director,
Action for Rural Women’s Empowerment, Uganda

As a point of learning, the research found that project duration matters. Recipient organisations highlighted that longer project cycles and multi-year grant partnerships could allow campaigns to better target rights holders in ways that increases the Fund’s impact and ensure longer-term outcomes. The below case study of Fundación Lunita Lunera (FULULU) provides a clear example of how building on previous community outreach successes enhances impact and accountability to affected populations.

Cameroon; Society for the Promotion of Initiatives in Sustainable Development and Welfare (SOPISDEW)

The case of Fundación Lunita Lunera (FULULU)

Acknowledgment

ICVA would like to thank UNHCR for its partnership and UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for supporting the PSEA Fund and the research project. ICVA would also like to thank Murrayborn Group for leading on the research project. Furthermore, ICVA would like to express thanks to the members of the Steering Group for their contribution to the Fund and support given to the Fund recipients. Over the last three years, members of the Steering Group included: CARE International, Communicating with Disaster Affected Communities (CDAC) Network, Girls not Brides, ICVA, IOM, Oxfam, Translators without Borders, UNHCR, UNICEF and World Vision International. Finally, ICVA would also like to acknowledge and thank the Fund recipients and the communities they engaged with.