As a leading agency for the prevention of and response to violence against women and girls (VAWG) in humanitarian settings, we contribute to the development of global guidance and best practices for protecting women and girls and for supporting survivors. In this role, we have supported the development of important resources and standards, are a core member of relevant groups in the Global Protection Cluster, and serve on a number of leading steering committees and technical teams. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, we coordinated with other organizations to play an integral role in developing new resources for VAWG programs to adapt services and meet new needs.
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Our Response

Managing VAWG Programs in Humanitarian Settings

This learning program is designed to build a community of competent, informed, connected and well-supported VAWG specialists to lead VAWG programs in humanitarian settings. Together with the United Nations, we piloted learning materials between 2011 and 2012; since 2016, the US Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration has helped us lead the multi-phased learning program, which includes:

  • Phase I: Self-guided e-learning introductory course available in four languages (English, Spanish, French and Arabic)
  • Phase II: Face-to-face training workshop for graduates of Phase I
  • Phase III: Continued learning and support through a mentorship initiative and the virtual GBV AoR Community of Practice

The MGBViE program introduces emerging VAWG specialists to current standards and evidence, and prepares them to manage VAWG programs in different emergency contexts. MGBViE further connects VAWG program managers with other specialists, fostering an environment of continuous support and learning to strengthen retention and the quality of interventions.

The GBV AoR Community of Practice (CoP) provides a virtual space for field-centered, experiential learning, and a platform for GBV practitioners across the world to discuss challenges, share information and support one another. International Medical Corps launched the GBV AoR Community of Practice in 2018 through the MGBViE program. It has since grown into an active community of more than 900 members who exchange information daily.

International Medical Corps has trained more than 200 emerging VAWG specialists through all phases of the MGBViE learning program.

In surveys conducted six months after the in-person training, 100% of graduates rated the usefulness of the training as high or very high, while more than 95% reported increased preparedness to manage a VAWG program in an emergency setting.

Through the program, 89 emerging VAWG specialists have been paired with expert mentors for continued professional support.

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