Spotlight Initiative Programme in Guyana Annual Narrative Report 2021

Date:
September 2022
Author:
UNFPA
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The year 2021 marked the first year of actual implementation for the Spotlight Initiative Program in Guyana, following the unprecedented delays in 2020. The program has realized the achievement of many significant milestones that have set the stage for strengthening collective efforts by stakeholders to create an environment for women and girls to live a life free of violence, harmful practices, and intersecting forms of discrimination.

During the reporting period, the continued negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic stymied efforts to accelerate the program as was initially envisioned. Adding to this, Guyana experienced major flooding throughout the country, which disrupted many’s livelihoods. Consequently, the program adopted alternative mechanisms as best as possible to accelerate implementation. Despite this, the program had initiated 77 percent of all its activities by the end of the year. One major accomplishment realized over the period was achieving the 70 percent delivery rate required for the disbursement of the second tranche of funds for Phase 1.

In keeping with the major thrust of the Initiative to leave no one behind, there were engagements with stakeholders through the various governance levels for the program. These are the National Steering Committee (NSC), the Gender Technical Working Group (GTWG), and the Civil Society National Reference Group (CSNRG). The European Delegation (EU) was also involved in the process and participated in many activities held during the year. Through the implementation of activities by the CSOs, new partnerships were fostered with entities such as the Guyana Football Federation and the Guyana Cricket Board. These partnerships were critical in reaching individuals within the sporting fraternity. The program continues to seek opportunities for the establishment of new partnerships and to strengthen those already established.

While, with a program of this nature, the outcome results are not realistically seen within a few months of implementation, several outputs have been realized. These included the provision of psychosocial support to over 2,000 beneficiaries from across the Spotlight target communities; the distribution of several pieces of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials; the convening of capacity-building sessions for health workers, Police and other officers from within the sectors of Health, Social Services, Justice, youths, community and faith-based leaders, parents, teachers in various aspects of GBV related issues relevant to the specific target groups including data collection, analysis and use; the legislative review of the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) and the Sexual Offences Act (SOA); and the development of a GBV Application iMatter.gy.

The Spotlight Initiative in Guyana is moving ahead with its agenda to bring about transformative changes in the lives of women and girls. In 2022, it is expected that the work will continue in legislation. Furthermore, there will be the development of models for the one-stop centers and the remote mobile services, a national database, and other important activities that will contribute to and, over time, reduce gender-based violence in Guyana.

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