Combatting gender based violence in migrant communities

This project addresses the needs of Venezuelan migrant women and girls in Guyana impacted by Gender-Based Violence (GBV). It seeks to improve the quality and availability of gender-based violence services and to raise awareness of their existence in collaboration with the government and other civil society organizations. Project activities include: (1) training law enforcement officers immigration officers and health care workers in three regions of Guyana to provide high-quality dignified care and services to GBV survivors; (2) conducting a campaign to effect changes in beliefs attitudes and behaviours around GBV and ensure that migrants know their rights and the services available to them; (3) providing legal and administrative services in clinics in 2 regions and psychosocial support in 4 regions for GBV survivors; and (4) training partners and service providers on referral pathways and monitoring and coordinating the delivery of GBV support services in 6 regions of Guyana. This project is part of the Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF) that supports civil society and local organizations across the Caribbean to implement initiatives that respond to local needs and advance the aims and strategic objectives of Canada’s Caribbean Regional Development Program.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) strengthened coordination of an inclusive and accessible system of high-quality GBV support services in Guyana; (2) increased utilization of GBV support services by migrant women and girls in Guyana; and (3) improved advocacy to address GBV and for the rights of GBV survivors.