Detailed Mechanism Funding and Narrative

Details for Mechanism ID: 11989
Country/Region: Angola
Year: 2010
Main Partner: Not Available
Main Partner Program: NA
Organizational Type: NGO
Funding Agency: USAID
Total Funding: $0

The challenge of HIV/AIDS and gender specific programming in Angola is the nascent and limited capability of civil society, due mainly to the civil war, which decimated this section of society. The issues around capacity affect all areas and make program implementation slow and challenging in general and particularly in terms of gender which is a new concept. The term "gender" is typically equated with women, if considered and/or understood at all. In Angola there is a para-statal OMA, which is the voice for women and gender issues. However, this organization has political interests that do not always address the health needs of women and men in Angola.

Another challenge to programming in Angola is the vast cultural and socioeconomic differences among provinces. There are different religions and cultural factors that influence important aspects of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment for men and women. People report varying rates of male circumcision, risky sexual practices, self-identification as a Commercial Sex Worker (CSW), education and literacy levels and access to HIV/AIDS information. These variables need to be better understood and considered through a gender lens in the design and implementation of programs.

A law against gender-based violence (GBV) has been drafted, but is stalled and yet to be passed in the Assembly. While the development of a law to protect against GBV is admirable, the entire process is slow and does not appear to be a top priority for the government. Once this law is actually enacted, there will be a great deal of work to be done to ensure proper and effective implementation of the law.

Currently, when domestic violence occurs, it is difficult to file a complaint about abuse or sexual violence. Few forensic scientists and social workers trained in GBV exist in the country and charges are often not taken seriously by police. This makes it difficult to build a credible case (especially in cases of sexual abuse/rape). Also there is a lack of referral systems to clinical settings, counseling, and little in the way of support services for GBV either government or civil society. Because of these barriers, women are often unprotected and trapped in abusive relationships and continue to be victims of GBV occurrences with no support and recourse.

Funding for Health Systems Strengthening (OHSS): $0

this TBD will fall into the OHSS budget code, as it is high level policy work to support the implementation of the new law on GBV. This TBD will build, create and support critical linkages to, and between, gender support services and the legal system.

A critical component will be to build the capacity of key stakeholders, especially police. Bringing awareness of the law and its interpretation is critical to the effective implementation of the law. Linkages and systems need to be identified, strengthened and perhaps created to support its implementation. An assessment of the current gender issues and existing gender-based interventions will be conducted in the country when the law against GBV is passed by the Angolan legislators.

This project will coordinate efforts with prevention efforts. A key element will be to influence and help design a national BCC strategy, with emphasis on gender issues. This activity will also create and strengthen linkages with other prevention activities to improve how the government and civil society address gender issues, specific to the GBV legislation.

Implementation of this activity requires a strengthened partnership with the GRA. MINFAMU will be tasked with implementation of the legislation. However, other relevant ministries and stakeholders will also play important roles and the USG will be working together with these key stakeholders to implement this policy. Collaboration is already established between UNDP and MINFAMU along these linkages.

Cross Cutting Budget Categories and Known Amounts Total: $0
Gender: Gender Based Violence (GBV) $0
Human Resources for Health $0