Eliminating domestic and gender-based violence in Ukraine

The U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) Democracy Commission Small Grants Program invites Ukrainian NGOs to submit proposals that support the elimination of domestic and gender-based violence in Ukraine. This includes violence against LGBTI individuals. The purpose of the grant competition is to support both experienced and new Ukrainian NGOs to address domestic and gender-based violence, particularly as the issue has worsened during COVID19. Organizations will create awareness about the issues of domestic and gender-based violence, create safe environments for victims to report abuses, and assist victims. PAS strongly encourages proposals to include new and effective communication tools and demonstrate a clear target audience. Due to COVID-19, direct personal contact between project implementers and beneficiaries should be limited. Applicants should use online tools for training and meeting with beneficiaries; and visual tools such as billboards, posters, announcements with QR codes, video advertisements (print materials are discouraged). Proposals must identify the project’s target audience; concrete and achievable goals and plans to measure progress against these goals; a realistic action plan; and a reasonable cost estimate. PAS strongly supports cooperation between different stakeholders and will give preference to projects that engage state and private institutions to implement the project and ensure its sustainability. Organizations should engage men to change attitudes. Organizations with demonstrated success addressing domestic and gender-based violence will be prioritized. Organizations that are new to this issue will be considered but should work with experienced partners. Ten percent of grant funds may be allocated for administrative needs of the organization during the period of project implementation. Proposals will address domestic and gender-based violence by: Promoting a zero-tolerance attitude toward domestic and gender-based violence Conducting education and public campaigns on the rights of victim as well as their children Reducing stigma toward victims Engaging school kids and youth to raise awareness of these issues in creative ways Linking victims and their dependents to available resources to aid their rehabilitation Organizing cultural/outreach events Establishing networks of peer-to-peer assistance for victims of gender-based violence Engaging police officers to take legal action against abusers. If necessary, conducting training on new Ukrainian legislation on gender-based violence Sharing successful cases to inspire other victims to speak-up and ask for assistance Developing capacity in territorial communities to respond to legal and social challenges Mobilizing local and national influencers to serve as champions to share key messages Identifying innovative, community-led initiatives to scale up through local and national policies