Supporting national response to gender-based violence in Cuba

This project aims to reduce the impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Cuba by working on 2 components: (a) identifying and addressing discriminatory barriers and practices which hinder an effective response and (b) establishing comprehensive and integrated services at national and local levels. To accomplish this UNFPA aims to work in partnership with the Cuban Federation of Women (FMC in Spanish) and other local stakeholders. Project activities include: (1) completing a study of the structural barriers and gender discriminatory practices which perpetuate SGBV and hinder prevention care and protection against it; (2) implementing training for decision makers representatives of local organizations service providers and community members to transform perceptions and practices to promote gender equality; (3) improving the coordination mechanisms at the national and local levels to respond to SGBV; (4) implementing a communication strategy to prevent and respond to SGBV; (5) creating a national helpline to provide immediate assistance to victims of SGBV; (6) conducting a study of the prevalence of SGBV in 40 municipalities; and (7) enabling services in those municipalities to respond to GBV guided by protocols with a comprehensive and integrated approach. It aims to benefit 46 700 people including 30 979 women girls and members of other minority groups vulnerable to SGBV from 40 municipalities in 15 provinces of the country.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) removed discriminatory barriers and practices to promote the prevention and comprehensive response to sexual and gender-based violence; and (2) increased protection of the beneficiary population with emphasis on women and girls against gender-based violence at the national and local level.