TRAINING FOR TRANSIP

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION

AND RESPONSE

Trainees’ Note

Addis Ababa City Roads Authority

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

by
DAB Development Research and Training PLC

September, 2022
Contents
Background and Introduction......................................................................................................................1
General Objective of the Training Programme............................................................................................3
Module 1: GBV Related Concepts...............................................................................................................5
Session 1: Gender vs Sex......................................................................................................................5
Session 2: Definition of GBV/SH and its types and forms.....................................................................5
Session 3: Cause and contributing factors...........................................................................................6
Session 4: Consequences of GBV/SH...................................................................................................7
Session 5: Perpetrators and survivors..................................................................................................8
Module 2: Assessment of GBV Risks and Mitigation Planning...................................................................9
Session 1: Ecological framework for the assessment of GBV...............................................................9
Session 2: GBV prevalence at the global, national and sectoral level................................................11
Session 3: International, Regional, and National Legal frameworks..................................................12
Session 4: Multinational/Multi-sectoral interventions and service mapping.....................................14
Session 5: Meso and micro level (organization, community, and individual).....................................16
Session 6: Identification of GBV level of risk and mitigation planning...............................................17
Module 3: Prevention and Response........................................................................................................17
Session 1: Overview of preventive measures of GBV/SH...................................................................17
Session 2: Anti-GBV/SH policy, Code of Conduct, and GRM........................................................19
Session 3: Overview of Response Mechanisms to GBV/SH.........................................................21
Session 4: Services to survivors: Coordination, Collaboration, and referral................................21
Session 5: Monitoring and Evaluation of GBV/SH responses.............................................................22

ii
Abbreviations
BPfA Beijing Platform for Action
CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against
Women
DEVAW Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women
EWLA Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association
FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
GBV Gender-Based Violence
GM Gender Mainstreaming
GR General Recommendation
GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism
HTPs Harmful Traditional Practices
HRD Human Resource and Development
MOWCYA Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs
OSJE Organization for Social Justice in Ethiopia
PIU Project Implementation Unit
PR Participatory Research
SH Sexual Harassment
SEA Sexual Exploitation and Assault
SPSS Statistical Package for Social Science
TNA Training Need Assessment
VAWC Violence against Women and Children
VAW Violence against Women
WA Women Affairs
WCYAD Women, Children, and Youth Affairs Directorate

iii
List of Key Words
A) Gender-related key words
Gender: It refers to the social, behavioral, and cultural attributes, expectations and norms
associated with being male and female. Gender equality refers to how these factors determine
how women and men relate to each other and the resulting difference in power between them.
Gender Mainstreaming: is a process that systematically integrates gender perspectives into
legislation, public policies, programs, and projects. This process enables making women’s and
men’s concerns and experiences to be made an integral dimension of the design, implementation,
monitoring, and evaluation of policies and programs in all political, economic, and societal
spheres to achieve gender equality.
Gender Friendly: Norms, customs, beliefs, and codes of behavior in an organization that
support gender equality: how people relate; what is seen as acceptable ideas; how people are
expected to behave; and what behaviors are rewarded in terms of gender.
Sex/gender disaggregated data: refers to every data that is cross-classified by sex and gender,
presenting quantitative information separately for women and men, boys and girls as well as
gender based qualitative data.
Gender gap: refers to the difference that exists between males and females in access to benefits
based solely on their gender difference (a difference almost always in favor of men).
Empowerment: is a basic concept of human rights and development that refers to the process
through which people individually and collectively become conscious of how power relations
operate in their lives and gain the necessary confidence and strength to change inequalities and
strengthen their economic, political and social position.
Gender analysis: is an assessment of the roles of, and relations between, women and men, girls
and boys. It recognizes that all individuals’ lives, and therefore experiences, needs, issues and
priorities are different.
Gender Based Violence (GBV): An umbrella term for any harmful act that is perpetrated
against a person’s will and that is based on socially ascribed (i.e., gender) differences between
males and females. The term ‘gender-based violence’ is primarily used to underscore the fact that
structural, gender-based power differentials between males and females around the world place
females at risk for multiple forms of violence. As agreed in the Declaration on the Elimination of
Violence against Women (1993), this includes acts that inflict physical, mental or sexual harm or
suffering, threats of such acts, coercion, and other deprivations of liberty, whether occurring in
public or in private life.

iv
Violence against Women (VAW): is any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely
to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such
acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.
Sexual Exploitation: Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential
power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially,
or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
Sexual Abuse: Actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or
under unequal or coercive conditions.1
Sexual Harassment: Any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favor, verbal or
physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature, or any other behavior of a sexual nature that
might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offense or humiliation to another, when
such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating,
hostile or offensive work environment.
Types of Sexual Harassment: include verbal, non-verbal, visual, and physical harassment.
Forms of Sexual Harassment: include specific actions to the types e.g., verbal – insult; non-
verbal whistling; physical- forced kisses; and visual – sharing visual or auditory records of
sexual activity.
Survivor-Centered Approach: this is an approach, which aims to create a supportive
environment in which the survivor’s rights are respected and prioritized, and in which the
survivor is treated with dignity and respect. The approach helps to promote the survivor’s
recovery and ability to identify and express needs and wishes, as well as to reinforce the
survivor’s capacity to make decisions about possible interventions.
One Stop Center (OSC) for GBV/VAW response: is a model for attending to survivors of
violence against women and girls /GBV and an approach to facilitating comprehensive and
ethical care for them. It is a multi-sectoral approach that links the sectoral responses within a
standalone program where health, psychosocial, police, and legal assistance are available in one
location. It provides a full array of response services within health institutions in the Ethiopian
context.
B) Working Definitions related to the transport sector
Urban transport system
The Addis Ababa transport system comprises elements and their interactions, which look to
satisfy the demand for travel within the city and the supply of transportation services. Urban
transit, mass transit, or public transportation systems are available for use by all persons who pay
the established fare. These modes usually operate on fixed routes and with fixed schedules and
include bus (formal and informal), light rail transit, metro, regional rail, and other systems.
1
UN Glossary on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse 2017, pg. 5
v
Road transport infrastructure
Urban road infrastructure includes all physical assets within the road space used to deliver
transport including the paved and unpaved area, including streets, walkways, over and under
pedestrian crossings, on and off-street parking, etc. transport infrastructures that this assessment
will focus on.
Road transport facilities
In the context of TRANSIP, the transport facilities include public areas with road aside seats and
sanitation facilities at the roadside, terminals, bus stations/shelters, and public transport depots
that have maintenance, fuel, administrative areas, and the like.
Transport services
The services that the transport sector delivers are typically categorized by the means /modes of
transport such as motorized transport (buses, taxis, non-motorized transport (i.e., motor carts),
and intermediate means of transport (i.e., bicycles). In this project context transport services
include Anbessa City Bus Service, Sheger Mass Transport Service Enterprise (SMTSE), Higher
(midi bus), and Minibus taxis.
Transport operations
This includes the processes that ensure the delivery of services and may include transport
planning, operational design, staffing, tariff management and fare collection, service
implementation, performance appraisal, monitoring, service quality (including marketing and
customer satisfaction), periodic reporting and evaluation. In transport operation processes this
assessment will focus on examining the organization systems, procedures, manuals/Acts of the
main operators (ACBSE and SMTSE) and the daily experience of the workers (drivers, ticketer,
and assistants) in regards to GBV risks, prevention methods and response mechanisms.
Transport users
All users of transport services, namely: pedestrians, drivers, and passengers. The users can be
classified by type of transport like buses, midibus, and minibus taxis.
Transport workers
Those working to deliver transport services (not including construction) such as drivers and
cashiers of Anbessa City Bus, Sheger Bus, Higher bus, minibus, and minibus taxi are the target
transport workers.
Transport service providers/operators
These include public and private sector players that deliver transport services to the public. For
example, ACBSE and SMTSE midibus and minibus taxi service providers.

vi
Background and Introduction
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most prevalent and life-threatening issues facing
women and girls globally, as an estimated 30% of women experience some form of physical or
sexual violence in their lifetime2. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious, life-threatening global
concern, and it affects disproportionately the health and well-being of millions of women and girls
worldwide.3,4
GBV in Ethiopia has decreased over time, yet, GBV continues to be a pervasive national issue 5. The
Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (2016) shows that 23% and 10% of women ages 15-49
have experienced physical and sexual violence, respectively. In addition, an assessment of Violence
against Women and Girls on cases investigated, prosecuted, and adjudicated in Addis Ababa and
Dire Dawa City Administrations showed that the highest recorded case in Addis Ababa out of the
GBV types is sexual violence that is 78.6%.6
Low levels of awareness of legal rights, limited access to legal services, and the existence of
patriarchy, as well as deep-rooted traditional values and attitudes, are believed to be major causes
behind the continuation of violent acts against women. However, due to various complex and
multi-faceted social, cultural, and economic reasons including whether or not existing mechanisms
to report, the majority of women victims do not usually tend to report the incident and seek justice,
leaving the issue highly under-reported.7
In recognition of this, the Ethiopian Government has taken the necessary legal, and policy measures
to guarantee equal rights and mitigate the problem of GBV. Despite the effort and intervention,
GBV/SH/SEA is still among the serious human right issue in the country and similarly in Addis
Ababa. Different researches also show that GBV/SH is evident both in private and public spaces
including in and around public transport.
Public transport is an essential service that provides individuals with access to all of life’s
opportunities. Yet, the access of many women and girls to safe public transport options is threatened

2
World Health Organization. Violence against Women Prevalence Estimates, 2018: Global and Regional Estimates of Violence against
Women, Prevalence and Health Effects of Intimate Partner Violence and non-Partner Sexual Violence. WHO 2021
3
World Health Organization, Violence against women: intimate partner and sexual violence against women: intimate partner and
sexual violence have serious short-and long-term physical, mental and sexual, and reproductive health problems for survivors: Fact
sheet, World Health Organization, 2014.
4
The Global Protection Cluster (GPC)’s Task Team on Law and Policy Gender-Based Violence Area of Responsibility,
https://www.globalprotectioncluster.org/themes/gender-based-violence/
5
Social Impact, Advancing Development Effectiveness, (2018). Systematic Literature Review of Gender-Based Violence in Ethiopia
Magnitude, Policies, and Interventions
6
Attorney General and UN Women. Assessment of Violence Against Women and Girls Cases Investigated, Prosecuted and
Adjudicated in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa City Administrations. July 2020
7
(Strategic Plan for an Integrated and Multi-Sectoral Response to VAW and Child Justice in Ethiopia, MoWCYA, 2013)
1
by the potential of being assaulted or victimized. 8 The threat of violence in public remains a key
limiting factor to women’s mobility and engagement in the processes of development.9
Transport Systems Improvement Project (RANSIP) is a project that aims to improve mobility along
selected corridors in Addis Ababa and the effectiveness of road safety compliance systems
throughout Ethiopia.10 This is to be achieved through system modernization and capacity building,
traffic control, and management, as well as improving road and pedestrian facilities and public
transportation. However, this objective cannot be achieved without addressing gender related issues,
especially GBV. Recognizing the magnitude of the problem in the transport sector, the project has
initiated A Comprehensive GBV Risk Assessment undertaken by DAB-DRT. The scope of this
Comprehensive GBV Risk Assessment includes Capacity Assessment, preparation of an
Implementation Action Plan, A GBV Prevention and Response Guideline, and Good Practice Note
(GPN).
The finding of the GBV Risk Assessment showed that even though Ethiopia has adopted and
ratified almost all gender-oriented international and regional legal instruments and put in place
conducive legal frameworks and other response mechanisms, the prevalence of GBV is still high by
all standards. This is also true in the transport sector where the risk of GBV arises from various
factors. The risk of GBV mainly comes from a lack of adequate transport, gender friendly transport
facilities; awareness about GBV, its causes, and consequences; awareness, knowledge, and skill on
GBV prevention and response; awareness about the existing legal frameworks and response
mechanisms. The level of awareness is limited at organizational, community, and individual levels,
and encouragingly, the level of awareness about the concept of GBV and the existing legal
frameworks is better at the organizational level.
In line with this, the findings of the Assessment showed that there is a high GBV prevalence and
incident due to the existing negative societal attitude toward women and girls and their rights. In
contrast to the high rate of prevalence, there is a low reporting rate of GBV incidents. This is due to
a lack of awareness about the existing legal frameworks and reporting mechanisms. Another major
reason for non-reporting is a lack of trust in the legal system. There is almost no awareness about
the referral system and one-stop centers.
On the other hand, the findings of the Capacity Assessment indicate that there is a significant share
of staff from IAs with commendable awareness, knowledge, and skill in GBV/SH/SEA. The data
also indicates that the knowledge, skill, and awareness of GBV/SH/SEA vary between men and
women respondents as well as those in managerial and expert positions. A higher share of women
respondents reported having knowledge and skills in GBV concepts and issues, sexual harassment,
and organizational policies and procedures on GBV/SH/SEA. On the other hand, a higher share of
men respondents claim GBV/SH/SEA are not relevant to them. This indicates lack of ownership of

8
ITF (2018), Women’s Safety and Security: A Public Transport Priority, OECD Publishing, Paris
9
Flone Initiative Trust & UN Habitat, 2018. Report On Gender Equity Assessment Of Nairobi’s Public Minibus Transport Services
10
WB, 2016. International Development Association, Project Appraisal Document (PAD1293)

2
the GBV/SH/SEA issue among men respondents. There is also evidence of knowledge difference by
position and type of employees. Specifically, gender experts and gender focal persons in IAs have
demonstrated better awareness, knowledge, and skills in GBV/SH/SEA issues compared to
technical experts.
Based on the self-reported knowledge and information from key informants, the training need of
TRANSIP IAs employees was identified. Employees at managerial positions need some skills in
GBV/SH/SEA concepts, while those in expert positions, especially non-gender experts, need some
awareness creation, skill, and theoretical knowledge on GBV/SH/SEA concepts, organizational
policies, and procedures, and sexual harassment types and consequences. The Training Needs
Assessment (TNA) indicates the majority of the respondents prefer participatory training (instead of
lecturing) for 3 days in Addis Ababa. Especially, women respondents prefer training in Addis
Ababa, instead of outside Addis Ababa. Men respondents prefer a higher number of training days
than women and the employees in expert positions need more training days than those in managerial
positions.
Training Methodology
In alignment with the TNA, this manual is prepared to enable trainers to use an adult/participatory
training methodology. Adult learning is reflective learning as a sense-making process that enables
learners/participants to activate prior knowledge and experience and to construct, deconstruct and
reconstruct their knowledge. Reflective learning builds on the notion that people learn from
experience and build new knowledge based on practice. 11 Adults want both to receive new
knowledge and to share their knowledge and experiences. Therefore, reflection sessions and group
works included/designed in this manual will give the trainees a chance for sharing experiences and
insights and create an opportunity to draw out the key lessons.
Duration of the training
As suggested in the TNA, the total number of days for the training is an average of two. However, it
could be adjusted depending on the target group and objective of the training.

General Objective of the Training Programme

This document is an institutional tool for training of selected participants on GBV prevention and
response. The users are staff from TRANSIP PIU and Implementing Agencies (IAs) working in the
transport sector with the objective of integrating preventing, managing, and reducing gender based
violence in their respective agencies as well as beneficiaries. This manual is informed by the
findings of the TRANSIP Comprehensive GBV Risk Assessment, Capacity Assessment with TNA,
Implementation Action Plan, Good Practice Note (GPN), and a GBV Prevention and Response
Manual together with other elements developed by different institutions in already existing training
modules.
This manual on Gender Based Violence (GBV) is intended to take the trainer/facilitator and
participants/trainees through a guided learning process. This manual is prepared to undertake a

11
The experiential learning cycle developed by David Kolb (1984)
3
capacity building training programme for TRANSIP and training participants drawn from PIU,
consultants and contractors, IAs, and transport operators. The manual is formulated by taking into
consideration the training need of experts, consultants, contractors, and managers within TRANSIP.
As indicated in the target group selection, the maximum number of participants should not exceed
35 with a gender balance. The first round of training is planned to be delivered in three groups as
indicated below with proposed dates.
Group A: Managers and directors (for IAs) for one day;
Group B: PIU, contractors and consultants for one day; and
Group C: Experts for two days
Objectives of the training are to:
● Enable the participants understand the concepts of sex and gender;
● Enable the participants understand GBV/SH/SEA;
● Identify cause, contributing factors and consequences GBV and SH;
● Give highlights on major international, national and organizational policy and legal
frameworks on GBV/SH;
● Enable participants understand the method of GBV risk identification/capacity
assessment and mitigation planning/action planning in TRANSIP and its sub-projects;
● Enable to identify and utilize GBV/SH prevention and response mechanisms in relation
to TRANSIP and IAs;
● Enhance participants’ knowledge and skills on how to deal with GBV/SH cases in a
manner that is sensitive and survivor centered;
● Identify and utilize the available resources to survivors of GBV/SH by TRANSIP;
● Understand M&E mechanisms in relation to GBV prevention and response; and
● Encourage information sharing and build a sense of co-operation amongst all actors and
the National Coordination Body on GBV Prevention and Response.

Organization of the manual

The training manual is divided into the following three modules and sessions:
Module 1: Understanding the concept of GBV;
Module 2: Assessing GBV risks; and
Module 3 GBV Prevention and Response, and M&E.

4
Module 1: GBV Related Concepts
Session 1: Gender vs Sex
Trainees Note on Gender vs Sex
Sex: is the biological and physiological characteristics that describe the difference between
individuals as female and male. Sex classifies a person as either male or female. It is universal and
unchanging. It is defined by genetic make-up such as chromosomes, external and internal genitalia,
and hormone.
Gender: refers to the social attributes and opportunities associated with being male and female and
the relationships between them. Mostly the gender relation is power over relations where women
are in a subordinate position. These attributes, opportunities, and relationships are socially
constructed and are learned through socialization processes or sex typing. They are context/ time-
specific and changeable. Gender determines what is expected, allowed, and valued in a woman or a
man in a given context. In short, it is the collection of social, cultural, and psychological features that
society often considers either masculine or feminine.

Session 2: Definition of GBV/SH and its types and forms

Trainees Note on the Definition of GBV/SH and its types and forms
The UN Declaration on the Elimination of all forms of Violence against Women (DEVAW), defines
‘violence against women and gives emphasis to women and girls who are often victims of GBV and
suffer greater damage than that of men. Hence, the term ‘violence against women is commonly used
interchangeably with GBV.

DEVAW defines the term VAW or "violence against women" as any act of gender-based violence
that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to
women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether
occurring in public or in private life including battering, sexual abuse of female children in the
household, dowry-related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional
practices harmful to women, non-spousal violence and violence related to exploitation.

Gender-based violence against women (GBV/VAW) occurs in all spaces and spheres of human
interaction, whether public or private. These include the family, the community, the public spaces,
the workplace, leisure, politics, sport, health services, educational settings, and their redefinition
through technology-mediated environments, such as contemporary forms of violence occurring on
the internet and digital spaces12. In all these settings, gender-based violence against women can
result from acts or omissions of state or non-state actors, acting territorially or extraterritorially,
including extraterritorial military action of states.

12
CEDAW General Recommendation No. 19
5
In addition, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPfA), adopted in 1995, expanded
GBV/VAW to include more types of GBV such as violations of the rights of women in situations of
armed conflict, including systematic rape, sexual slavery, and forced pregnancy; forced sterilization,
forced abortion, coerced or forced use of contraceptives; prenatal sex selection; and, female
infanticide. This document further recognized the particular vulnerabilities of women belonging to
marginalized groups (DEVAW, 1993; BDPfA, 1995).

There are different types of GBV, which include:13

A) Sexual: rape, sexual assault, and Sexual Harassment (SH)
✔ Broader types of SH are:
o Quid pro quo- sexual harassment can further be explained as implied or explicit promise
of preferential/detrimental treatment in employment; or implied or express threat about her
present or future employment status.
o A hostile or offensive environment – which can be created by persistent or pervasive
conduct or by a single severe episode. The more severe the conduct, the less need there is
to show a repetitive series of incidents to prove a hostile environment. Whether the
conduct creates a hostile environment, may depend on a variety of factors.

✔ Types of SH are:
o Verbal-(Sexiest jokes, remarks about physical appearance or sexual behavior, unwelcome
requests of a sexual nature, lewd or sexually suggestive comments, innuendoes, or
gestures),
o Non-Verbal- (whistling, winking, suggestive gestures, written materials (emails, texts,
faxes etc), stalking, observing, photographing, videotaping, or making other visual or
auditory records of sexual activity or nudity, where there is a reasonable expectation of
privacy, without the knowledge and consent of all parties,
o Physical -(unwelcome physical contact, touching intimate body part, forced kisses/hugs,
sexual assault, rape), and
o Visual -sharing visual or auditory records of sexual activity or nudity without the
knowledge and consent of all recorded parties and recipient(s).
B) Physical: hitting, slapping, beating, burning, acid burning,
C) Emotional: psychological and verbal abuse,
D) Economic: denial of resources and destroying personal property, maintenance, not paying
wages, and
E) Note: harmful traditional practices (HTP) are also types of GBV.

Session 3: Cause and contributing factors

Trainees Note on Cause and contributing factors

13
Copyright © 2003 Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights; available from http://www.stopvaw.org. Permission is granted to use
this material for non-commercial purposes.
6
The root causes of gender-based violence are society’s attitudes towards and practices of gender
discrimination. Typically, these place women and men in rigid roles and positions of power, with
women in a subordinate position in relation to men. The accepted gender roles and lack of social
and economic value for women and women’s work strengthen the assumption that men have
decision-making power and control over women. Through acts of gender-based violence,
perpetrators seek to maintain privileges, power, and control over others. This disrespect for or lack
of awareness about human rights, gender equality, democracy, and non-violent means of resolving
problems helps continue the inequality that leads to GBV14.

While gender inequality and discrimination are the root causes of all forms of gender-based
violence, various other factors will influence the type and extent of GBV in each setting. There are
many such factors that can increase the risk and vulnerability to GBV. Examples include:
● Poverty, alcohol, drugs and substance abuse, mental health problems,
● Institutions such as health facilities and police are under-staffed or nonexistent,
● Prevalence of human rights violations, lawlessness, and impunity,
● Access to information and transportation,
● Conflict and war,
● Access to educational opportunities, and
● Displacement.

Session 4: Consequences of GBV/SH

Trainees Note on Consequences of GBV/SH
The consequences/effects15 of violence on women vary widely. It depends on the nature of the
particular incident, the woman’s relationship with her abuser, and the context in which it took place.
Gender-based violence typically has physical, psychological, and social effects. For the survivors,
these are interconnected.
The impact of gender-based violence on women’s health: Gender-based violence has been linked
to many serious health problems, both immediate and long-term. These include physical and
psychological health problems:
✔ Physical: injury, disability, chronic health problems (irritable bowel syndrome,
gastrointestinal disorders, various chronic pain syndromes, hypertension, etc.)¸ sexual and
reproductive health problems (contracting sexually transmitted diseases, spread of
HIV/AIDS, high-risk pregnancies, etc.)¸ death
✔ Psychological: effects can be both direct/indirect. Direct: anxiety, fear, mistrust of others,
inability to concentrate, loneliness, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, suicide, etc.
Indirect: psychosomatic illnesses, withdrawal, alcohol or drug use.
Economic and social impact:
✔ Rejection, ostracism and social stigma at community level;

14
GBV E-learning Companion Guide (UNFPA, 2008)
15
http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/svaw/advocacy/modelsessions/causes_effects.PDF
7
 ✔ Reduced ability to participate in social and economic activities;
✔ Acute fear of future violence, which extends beyond the individual survivors to other
members in community;
✔ Damage to women’s confidence resulting in fear of venturing into public spaces (this can
often curtail women’s education, which in turn can limit their income-generating
opportunities);
✔ Increased vulnerability to other types of gender-based violence; Job loss due to absenteeism
as a result of violence; and
✔ Negative impact on women’s income generating power,
The impact on women’s family and dependents:
Direct effects: divorce, or broken families; jeopardized family’s economic and emotional
development¸ babies born with health disorders as a result of violence experienced by the mother
during pregnancy (i.e. premature birth or low birth weight); ¸ increased likelihood of violence
against children growing up in households where there is domestic violence; collateral effects on
children who witness violence at home (emotional and behavioral disturbances, e.g. withdrawal,
low self-esteem, nightmares, self-blame, aggression against peers, family members, and property;
increased risk of growing up to be either a perpetrator or a victim of violence).
Indirect effects: Compromised ability of survivor to care for her children (e.g. child malnutrition
and neglect due to constraining effect of violence on women’s livelihood strategies and their
bargaining position in marriage). Ambivalent or negative attitudes of a rape survivor towards the
resulting child.
The impact of violence on the perpetrators:
✔ sanctioning by the community, facing arrest and imprisonment;
✔ legal restrictions on seeing their families, divorce, or the breakup of their families;
✔ feeling of alienation from their families;
✔ minimizing the significance of violence for which they are responsible; deflecting the
responsibility for violence onto their partner and failure to associate it with their
relationship;
✔ increased tension in the home.
The impact of violence on society16:
✔ Burden on health and judicial systems;
✔ Hindrance to economic stability and growth through women’s lost productivity;
✔ Hindrance to women’s participation in the development process;
✔ Constrained ability of women to respond to rapid social, political, or economic change;
✔ Breakdown of trust in social relationships and strained social networks.

Session 5: Perpetrators and survivors

16
Population Reports/CHANGE, No. 4, Volume XXVII, December 1999, available at http://www.jhuccp.org/pr/l11edsum.stm Pickup,
F., Williams, S., Sweetman, C. Ending Violence Against Women: A Challenge for Development and Humanitarian Work, Oxfam GB
2001 OutLook: Violence Against Women: Effects on Reproductive Health , Vol.2
8
Trainees Note on Perpetrators and survivors
A survivor is someone (a child or an adult, male or female) who has been physically, sexually,
and/or psychologically violated because of his/her sex or gender. Potentially, a survivor/victim
could be a child, woman, man, disabled person, economically disempowered, and displaced person.
Victims/survivors can include:
✔ Children, especially unaccompanied minors, fostered children,
✔ Women because they are usually second class, culturally considered inferior,
✔ Unaccompanied females, without male protection,
✔ Single women, female headed households,
✔ Mentally and/or physically disabled females, and males,
✔ Economically disempowered people,
✔ Junior staff males and females, students, less privileged community members,
✔ Minority groups; e.g., ethnic, religious, including women from historically marginalized
groups, and
✔ Asylum seekers, internally displaced persons.
A perpetrator is a person, group, or institution that inflicts, supports, or condones gender based
violence or other types of abuse against a person or group of persons. General characteristics of
perpetrators: a person with real or perceived power, persons in decision-making positions, and
persons in authority. Categories or groups of people who can be potential perpetrators:
✔ Intimate partners (husbands, boyfriends),
✔ Influential community members (teachers, leaders, politicians),
✔ Security forces, soldiers, peacekeepers,
✔ Humanitarian aid workers (international, national, refugee staff),
✔ Strangers (people unknown to you),
✔ Relatives (brothers, uncles, parents, aunts, sisters, etc.), and
✔ Anyone who is in a position of power.

Module 2: Assessment of GBV Risks and Mitigation Planning

Session 1: Ecological framework for the assessment of GBV

Trainees Note on the framework for the assessment of GBV

GBV exists because of the differences in power between males and females and is rooted in cultural
norms related to masculinity and femininity. Consequences of gender-based violence include
serious immediate and long-term impacts on the sexual, physical, and psychological health of
survivors, and the family and society as a whole. For that reason, GBV risk identification is an
important step in any development initiative that facilitates the identification of the level and type of
risks and accordingly, put in place relevant mitigation measures.
Many theoreticians propose the adoption of an ecological framework for conceptualizing GBV,
from which the GBV risk assessment tool of UNFPA, World Bank, and others emanated. Ecology,
the study of the relationships between organisms and their environments, is a vibrant
9
interdisciplinary field encompassing both the natural and the social sciences. In the social sciences,
ecological theories, research, and intervention models focus on the complex, dynamic, and
reciprocal relationships between human organisms and a range of environmental contexts, from
family and immediate milieu to larger sociocultural, political, and institutional arrangements.
Conceptually, the ecological framework is a broad, overarching paradigm or metatheory, bridging
several fields of theory and research, and orienting practitioners and researchers to the importance
of integrative, multilevel, and multidimensional approaches to person-environment relationships.
Figure 1: The ecological model

The World Bank has utilized this framework in its ‘’Good Practice Note Addressing Gender-Based
Violence in Projects Financing Involving Major Civil Works’’ that is put in place to enable project
implementers to identify the level of GBV risks and put in place mitigation measures to address
those risks. The ecological framework model is preferred by many because it enables the
assessment of the GBV risks at a national scale [review-based analysis], mesoscale [at organization
level], and micro-scale [at the community level where a project is located].
When identifying risks, it is important to understand that there is no single driver of GBV. Research
has identified multiple risk factors for GBV at the individual, relationship, community, institutional
and policy levels. These include male-dominated household decision-making and income, policies
and laws that discriminate against women, and cultural norms.
After assessing the GBV related risk at different levels, the extent or level of risk can be identified
qualitatively and semi-quantitatively. The GBV risks could fall in the category of HIGH, MEDIUM,
or LOW ratings. For instance, if the GBV risk is found to be HIGH then serious imminent action is
10
needed to address the risk to personal safety requiring immediate intervention and/or follow-up
within a few days will be recommended. After the identification of the risk, a general mitigation
plan will be prepared based on the identified risk level.

Session 2: GBV prevalence at the global, national and sectoral level

Trainees Note on GBV prevalence at global, national, and sectoral

Prevalence at the Global level: Globally, 35% of women face some kind of sexual violence. In
2017, the world made one thing clear through the ‘me too#’ movement and confirmed that sexual
harassment is everywhere. The highest prevalence rates were found in sub-Saharan Africa with an
estimate up to 66% of ever-partnered women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by
an intimate partner (ibid). 17 While the prevalence of (Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and non-
partner sexual violence is broadly documented, all forms of GBV, including in and outside of the
world of work, public spaces including transport related harassment remain under-researched.
Prevalence at the National level: According to EDHS, 2016, more than one-third of ever-married
women (35 percent) report that they have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence from
their husband or partner at some point in time. Twenty-four percent of women report that they
experienced emotional violence, 25 percent experienced physical violence, and 11 percent
experienced sexual violence. Experience of physical, emotional, or sexual violence from a husband
or a partner is higher among older women 40-49 (38 percent), and formerly married women (45
percent). In Ethiopia, the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs (MoWCYA), (current
Ministry of Women and Social Affairs - MoWSA) conducted a nationwide assessment of the major
manifestations of the prevailing gender inequality expressed in the form of GBV in 2013. This study
found that almost one out of every two women, 49.6% of the respondents, reported having
experienced at least one type of violence in their workplace. This doesnot, however, mean that VAW
does not occur in other public settings since incidents of violence are likely to be masked by lack of
data.
The data shows that survivors of GBV do not normally seek help (out of 23 percent according to
available statistics) with very small numbers, as little as 2 to 3 percent seeking assistance from
professionals (lawyers, doctors, social workers). Social stigma, fear of reprisals, and a lack of
knowledge of rights and where to seek support are key inhibitors.
Prevalence in the Transport sector in Ethiopia/AA: Most of the national level GBV/VAW
assessments have been focusing on the household, institution, school, and community levels while
some specific assessments on GBV risks in road projects appear. However, there is a limitation of
assessing and addressing GBV risks in road transport infrastructure development, facilities, and
operations at the national and city levels18.

17
ET GBV portfolio Review Report –Final -2019
18
Strategic Plan for an Integrated and Multi-Sectoral Response to VAW and Child Justice in Ethiopia, MoWCYA, 2013)
11
Though comprehensive data on transport related GBV/SH is lacking, MoTL has recently conducted
a study on the issue. This study was conducted by the Transport sector in the major four cities of the
country with the objective of identifying GBV/SH/SEA related problems faced by women transport
users. The target population, in Addis Ababa, was female transport users and transport providers.
The transport users are from the lion's share of the city's bus population which is the second largest,
followed by light rail. A total of 63.3% of female respondents in Addis Ababa say that they do not
feel comfortable with the time they use the transport. Regarding the vulnerability of women in
transport services, the study shows that women are physically assaulted by overcrowded passengers
in many transport services. Of these, 55.42 say nothing about the incident, 7.02 reported to the
relevant body, and 25.96 percent took their own action. Despite reporting however, parties involved
have not found a solution.

Session 3: International, Regional, and National Legal frameworks

Trainees Note on International, Regional and National legal Frameworks

a) International Instruments
Elimination of GBV has been increasingly recognized as a priority issue that needs to be addressed,
by the international community. Consequently, various legal frameworks were formulated and
adopted (as listed below) that are coherent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by
countries of the world.
CEDAW: The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
(CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill
of rights for women. It defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an
agenda for national action to end such discrimination. The Committee that was established under
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has
adopted General Recommendation No. 19 in 1992 on violence against women (VAW), which states
that discrimination against women – as defined in article 1 of the Convention - includes gender-
based violence, that is, ‘violence which is directed against a woman because she is a woman or that
affects women disproportionately.’ It also recommends that states has to take measures to prevent
and respond to violence against women. The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Women (CEDAW Committee) adopted “General Recommendation No. 35 on gender-based
violence against women, updating General Recommendation No. 19”.
DEVAW: Consequently, Declaration on Elimination of Violence Against Women (DEVAW) was
declared on 20 December 1993 and is the first international document that defined violence against
women within a broader gender-based framework and identified the family, the community, and the
state as major sites of gender-based violence.
BPfA: In addition, the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA, adopted in 1995, further recognized the
particular vulnerabilities of women belonging to marginalized groups (BPfA, 1995). According to
these definitions, GBV includes all forms of physical, psychological, and sexual violence that are
12
related to the survivor’s gender or gender role in a society or culture. Acts of violence against
women prevent or limit women’s enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Strategy’s objective D of (BPfA) entirely talks about gender-based violence and violence
against women. Its definition of GBV/VAW is inclusive. It recognizes violence against women is an
obstacle to the achievement of the objectives of equality, development, and peace. It also recognizes
sexual and gender-based violence, including physical and psychological abuse, trafficking in
women and girls, and other forms of abuse and sexual exploitation place girls and women at high
risk of physical and mental trauma, disease, and unwanted pregnancy. Such situations often deter
women from using health and other services. The Platform for Action called on States to take
integrated measures to prevent and eliminate violence against women; to study the causes and
consequences of violence against women and to eliminate trafficking in women.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The SDGs are another international instrument that
recognizes gender inequality as a key challenge to global sustainable development. Among the 17
Goals listed, Goal 5 focuses on achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. In
addition, a specific target for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls in the
public and private spheres is also included in this framework.
b) Regional legal frameworks
At the regional level, the normative framework includes instruments such as the Protocol to the
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo
Protocol, 2003), the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (2004), and the African
Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which is signed and ratified with some reservation,
by the Government of Ethiopia.
Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol)19 gave due emphasis to violence
against women and girls mainly, in Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, and 11. It defines violence against women as
“all acts perpetrated against women which cause or could cause them physical, sexual,
psychological, and economic harm, including the threat to take such acts; or to undertake
the imposition of arbitrary restrictions on or deprivation of fundamental freedoms in private
or public life in peacetime and during situations of armed conflicts or of war” (Article 1). In
addition, it obliges (Article 3) state parties to “adopt and implement appropriate measures to
ensure the protection of every woman’s right to respect for her dignity and protection of
women from all forms of violence, particularly sexual and verbal violence”.
c) National policy and legal frameworks
The Federal Democratic Government of Ethiopia has declared its unequivocal commitment to the
development of women with the announcement of the National Policy on Women in 1993. It is
important to note that this national policy for Ethiopian women, is currently under review. The
national policy aims to institutionalize the political and socioeconomic rights of women by creating

19
African Union, (2003). The African Charter On Human And Peoples' Rights On The Rights Of Women In Africa, Maputo protocol

13
appropriate structures in government institutions. To address issues of Gender Based Violence
(GBV), the policy contains a relevant policy objective, to ‘’Eliminate prejudice as well as
customary and other practices that are based on the idea of male supremacy and enabling women to
hold public office and to participate in the decision-making process at all levels.’’ .
National Constitution of FDRE 1995: provides the basic principle that all persons are equal before
the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection under the law. According to
the National Constitution (1995), the following articles and sub-articles are the overarching laws
that should be respected by all. For instance, Article 18 Prohibition against Inhuman Treatment and
Article 18: states (1) that everyone has the right to protection against cruel, inhuman, or degrading
treatment or punishment; (2) No one shall be held in slavery or servitude. Trafficking human beings
for whatever purpose is prohibited, and (3) No one shall be required to perform forced or
compulsory labor. Most importantly, the Constitution has an article dedicated to the rights of
women, which is ‘Article 35 Rights of Women’.
Revised Family Code (RFC) of 2000: Though child marriage is still a problem in the country
which is among the HTPs in Ethiopia, the Revised Family Code (RFC): Article 2. States that
Marriage is Concluded before an Officer of Civil Status.
The Criminal Code of Ethiopia Proclamation No 414 of 2004: FDRE, (2004): are another
instrument that can be referred to make judicial measures and corrective justice for perpetrators in
Ethiopia. The Criminal Code has been revised in line with the constitutional provisions and
essences in a way to confirm that those articles deal with women's rights and their protection against
any form of violence.
Proclamation on Definition of Powers and Duties of the Executive Organs, No. 1263/2021:
Sub-section two, powers and duties of ministries, in No.19/11 states that, ministries has to ensure
that policies, strategies, laws, development programs and projects formulated should benefit
women, children, youth, persons with disability and the elderly; and facilitate conducive conditions
to persons with disabilities, the elderly, and segments of society vulnerable to social and economic
problems for full participation and benefit from equal opportunities. This provision enables
ministries to put in place accountability mechanisms for gender equality work.
The Labor Proclamation No.1156/2019: defines “Sexual harassment means to persuade or
convince another through utterances, signs, or any other manner, to submit for sexual favor
without his/her consent” and it “means sexual harassment accompanied by force or an attempt
thereof.” (General: Nos 1 & 2). In addition, it contains provision for such acts to lead to termination
of contract employment without prior notice 27(1), and 32 (1: B),
The Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No.1064/2017: According to Article 1(13) of the
Federal Civil Servants Proclamation, sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advance or
request or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. As per the New Proclamation under
Article 70(13), committing GBV and sexual harassment or abuse at any workplace (including in
private sectors) is among the offenses that entail rigorous penalties.

14
Session 4: Multinational/Multi-sectoral interventions and service mapping

Trainees’ Note on other interventions and mapping of services

International level: a number of international development partners from UN agencies and donor
governments are taking a keen interest in GBV in general and SEA in aid operations in particular.
Among UN agencies, UNFPA, UN Women, UNICEF, WFP, and UNHCR are particularly active
alongside international NGOs such as IMC, IRC, and Save the Children.
Another recognized phenomenon involves intermediaries misusing aid resources for the purposes of
sexual exploitation: an issue first put on the global agenda through a 2002 report which found an
extensive pattern of aid workers trading basic assistance for sex with refugee children under 18 in
three West African countries (UNHCR/SC-UK: 2002; UNSG: 2003). A recent report out in June
2019 shows the continuing pervasiveness of such practices in operations around the world. The past
two years have seen the issue go up the global policy agenda with scandals affecting numerous
agencies such as Oxfam, MSF, IPPF, UN Women, etc., and increased donor attention culminating in
a Global Safeguarding Summit in October 2018.
There has been heightened internal attention within the World Bank arising from allegations of
sexual abuse of women and girls within the context of the Uganda Transport Sector Development
Project in 2016 and the ‘ProRoutes’ Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017. These
cases draw attention to the risks arising from sexual assaults and abuse by workers arriving into
communities as part of a labor influx for civil works programs.
In line with this, the Bank has re-committed to improve its efforts to address the risks of GBV in its
operations in light of these events. The policy response is still evolving but comprises guidance
contained in the following documents: Independent Global GBV Task Force, 2016; Labor Influx
Guidance Note, 2016; Good Practice Note - Addressing gender-based violence in investment project
financing involving major civil works, September 2018; GBV Infrastructure Risk Assessment Tool,
2018; GBV Portfolio Review Assessment, Lessons Learned and Recommendations, August 2018;
and the World Bank Group Action Plan for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment, 2019.
Therefore, this GBV assessment and planning mitigation measure is part of this commitment by the
World Bank to address issues of GBV/SH/SEA related to the TRANSIP project.
National level: in addition to the legal frameworks, several strategies and initiatives were
formulated and put in place. Worth mentioning is the National Strategy and Action Plan on Harmful
Traditional Practices (HTPs) against Women and Children in Ethiopia, FDRE (2013) (MoWCYA)
which aimed to reduce child marriage, abduction, and FGM/C as part of broader gender and equity
goals; to establish mechanisms and systems to prevent and eliminate HTPs.
The Ten Years Economic Development Plan (2020-2030), plans to reduce gender-based violence in
Ethiopia, aspires to have zero tolerance stances (in all aspects of life, including workplaces) on
gender-based violence initiatives, and establishes an anti-violence police task force, and national sex
offenders’ registration system. The interesting part of the initiative is that the plan has ambitiously
proposed to reduce gender-based violence from 23% in 2016 to 5% in 2030.
15
Service mapping – nationally and at the Addis Ababa
To identify other important interventions taken including multi-sectoral response by the government
of Ethiopia, several key stakeholders were contacted and interviewed during the GBV Risk
Assessment. There is a National Coordinating Body (NCB) for the prevention and response to GBV
and the members, 14 in number, are (11GOs, 2 CSOs, and 1INGO) namely: MoJ, MoWSA – Chair
of NCB, Federal Police, Addis Ababa Police, Supreme Court, Federal First Instance, Federal High
Court, Federal Prison Administration, and Addis Ababa Health Bureau. The NGOs, UNICEF,
EWLA, and Religious front are members of NCB. The aim of NCB is to expedite the adaption and
implementation of the draft national strategic plan of VAW/C for combating violence against
women and children.
These stakeholders contacted and interviewed include the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs,
Addis Ababa Women, Child and Labour Affairs (AAWCLA), Ministry of Justice (MoJ), UN
Women, and other members of the National Coordinating Body (NCB) for the prevention from and
response to GBV/HTP. The finding shows that various institutional mechanisms were established at
the federal and regional levels for the purpose of prevention from and response to GBV/HTP,
including the following.
✔ MoWSA- that established a task force for prevention of HTP and GBV at the community level
such as anti-GBV/HTP committees,
✔ MoH-One stop centers at various hospitals,
✔ NGOs- safe houses, free counseling and legal services by EWLA and SETAWIT and others,
✔ Police stations - Child and Women Protection Units, and
✔ Federal criminal court - a Special Criminal Benches at the first instance level for violence
against women cases.
The assessment of prevention from and response to GBV/SH/SEA has at national/Macro level
enabled to identify the national level resource mapping for survivors and referral pathway
currently available in the country specifically at the City of Addis Ababa. The mapping of the
resources to survivors is to help TRANSIP project implementers identify resources and utilize
them accordingly for the future in the course of project implementation.

Session 5: Meso and micro level (organization, community, and individual)

Trainees’ Note on risks identified at the Meso and Micro level

The findings of the GBV risk assessment at the organization level show the following summarized
points.
At Meso level:
✔ The majority of the employees, staff, experts, consultants, contractors, and decision
makers have awareness and knowledge but lack skill in prevention and response to GBV
due to lack of training;
✔ No formally reported incidents of GBV/SH at all levels;

16
 ✔ No GRM to handle complaints of GBV for transport users but positively civil and labor
proclamations are used to handle internal disputes;

At the micro level:

✔ Limited level of awareness at the community around the construction and individual
working in the construction,
✔ Limited level of awareness of legal provisions and services to survivors,
✔ High level of incidents (Average 44.42% female and Average 16.66% male), and
✔ Total absence of procedure to handle GBV of transport users and lack of referral path.

Session 6: Identification of GBV level of risk and mitigation planning

Trainees Note on level of risk identification and Mitigation Planning

Level of risk identification: the ecological framework model that was discussed at the beginning of
this module is applied to compile all the facts/findings collected at the three levels; macro, meso,
micro, and the result is summarized in a table. The findings are assigned as low, moderate/medium,
and high using quantitative or semi-qualitative risk analysis. The GBV risks could fall in the
category of HIGH, MEDIUM, or LOW ratings. For instance, if the GBV risk is found to be HIGH,
then a serious imminent risk to personal safety requiring immediate intervention and/or follow-up
within a few days will be recommended.
Mitigation planning: for the project’s GBV risks to be properly addressed, it is recommended to
have an effective “SEA/SH Prevention and Response Action Plan,” which outlines among others:
✔ How the project will put in place the necessary protocols and mechanisms to address the
GBV/SH risks; and
✔ How to address any GBV/SH allegations that may arise.
A GBV/SH Prevention and Response Action Plan is recommended for Moderate, Substantial, and
High-risk projects but the activities outlined in the Action Plan will vary in accordance with the
level of risk - the higher the risk, the more the Action Plan will need to address. It must be
emphasized that the Action Plan elements need to be customized for each project, taking into
account local legal, social, and economic contexts.
The Action Plan needs to include specific arrangements for the project by which GBV/SH risks will
be addressed. This includes considerations indicated below.
✔ Awareness raising strategy, which describes how workers and local communities will be
sensitized to SEA/SH risks, and the worker’s responsibilities under the CoC;
✔ How the project will provide information to employees and the community on how to
report cases of GBV/SH, in violation of the CoC, to the GRM;
✔ The GRM process for notifying the contractor of allegations and,
✔ GBV service providers to which GBV survivors, including GBV/SH survivors, will be
referred, and the services which will be available.

17
Module 3: Prevention and Response

Session 1: Overview of preventive measures of GBV/SH

Trainees’ Note on overview of preventive measures

Organizations have a responsibility to protect their employees from any work-related harm to keep
them healthy and productive. Sexual harassment is a serious problem that affects the workplace and
which affects women disproportionately limiting the effectiveness in discharging their work
responsibilities. To address this problem, institutions must work to come up and put in place
preventive measures and implementation strategies.
The prevention strategy will ensure that the government, through meaningful programs, speeds up
the implementation of laws and policies aimed at addressing the root causes of GBV. The
prevention strategy will include the following and can be at different levels.
a) Put in place appropriate structure and policy
✔ Put in place a gender unit and ensure allocation of adequate and qualified HR in IAs.
✔ Formulate/reform laws/policies and put in place legal provisions at different levels such
as policies, CoCs, and GRM.
b) Create women friendly physical structure
✔ Create women-friendly work environment with facilities enhancing the prevention of
GBV/SH such as separate toilets for men and women in offices and construction sites, as
well as availing clothe changing rooms for female construction workers.
✔ Ensure that road infrastructures have adequate lighting, spaces, CCTV, and security
personnel.
✔ Put in place measures to address overcrowding in public transportation.

c) Allocate resources
✔ Allocate adequate financial resources for prevention and response interventions for
GBV/SH in IAs.
d) Raise awareness of staff and beneficiaries through various means
✔ Empower male and female - staff of IAs, consultants, contractors, and transport users
(train/create awareness) on preventive and response to GBV/SH;
✔ Empower women through provision of assertiveness and life skill training to enable
them confidently report any kind of harassment in the sector;
✔ Create awareness to the available legal and policy provisions to beneficiaries of the
transport sector such as public transport users (through different means and in public
places) to enhance their capacity to prevent and respond to GBV/SH;
✔ Create awareness and utilize available services for survivors such as one-stop centers,
legal aid services;
✔ Create a platform to disseminate these materials using different media outlets including
mainstream and social media and public transport services; and
✔ Provide training that enables men and boys engage actively in the fight against GBV.
18
 e) Build capacity
✔ Provide need-based training on GBV/SH prevention and response to the staff of IAs,
consultants, and contractors;
✔ Conduct research at different levels to assess the magnitude of the problem in order to
put in place preventive measures; and
✔ Put in place M&E and accountability mechanism.

Session 2: Anti-GBV/SH policy, Code of Conduct, and GRM

Trainees Note on Anti-GBV/SH policy, Code of Conduct, and GRM

Available Procedures
There are legal frameworks to serve as a basis for meso level anti-SH mechanisms and procedures
among which are Civil Servants and Labour Proclamations
At the meso level, the majority of the contracting firms use their own GRM/CoC to manage
complaints arising from staff/consultants/experts. The project under implementation, that is TMC is
employing the GRM developed by the PIU and using a code of conduct while hiring staff. The
implementing agencies and transport operators use either the Civil Servants or Labor Proclamation
to address issues of GBV/SH/SEA arising internally.
Apart from the Constitution, National Policy on Women; the 2005 Family Law, and the revised
Criminal Code (2005), the Labour Proclamation No.1156/2019, and the Civil Servants
Proclamation NO.1064/2017 address adequately sexual harassment at the workplace starting from
giving a legal definition to labeling it as an unlawful or offensive act that entails disciplinary
penalty, to criminalization and putting measures to provide remedies in addressing GBV/SH/SEA.
▪ For example the Labour Proclamation states such acts to lead to termination of contract
employment without prior notice 27(1), and 32 (1:B)
▪ Working conditions of women (88) on the chapter (1) of preventive measures and obligations of
an employer states that “An employer shall take the necessary measure to 6/ “Ensure that the
workplace and premises of the undertaking do not pose threats to the health and safety of
workers.”

TRANSIP GRM, 2019

The GRM is also developed in a way to address gender-based violence (GBV) related issues (GBV
responsive GRM), and Section 6.5 is dedicated to GBV related complaints handling, what to do and
who does it, is listed under the section. In its principles, it states that the GRM states to be GBV
responsive despite this, it lacks detailed principles of GBV/SH such as confidentiality and
impartiality, etc. Mitigating and responding to GBV is one of its objectives and scope. The role and
responsibility to translate the GRM is indicated that the gender advisor will have a role in

19
 implementing the GRM. The GRC will have nine (9) members and gender consideration should be
taken into account (at least 40% women) in constituents of GRC at all levels.
However, it is not a stand-alone GRM for GBV/SH and as such, does not include a definition of
GBV/SH; no principles on GBV except survivor centered is in the list of principles of the GRM;
and no detail about what complaints qualify as GBV/SH. As the GRM is not solely devoted to
GBV/SH, it lacks vital sections of GBV response GRM; The monitoring and complaint submitting
forms are not designed in a way to include GBV related complaints; not included in the budget; no
detailed interviewing techniques.

Figure 2: CoC at TMC

Formulation of a standard Code of Conduct (CoC)

In addressing the problem of GBV/SH at a workplace, institutions have to lay the legal and ethical
groundwork for prevention and creating a safe and healthy work environment, which explicitly
prohibits workplace sexual harassment. In order to do this, it is advisable to have:
1) An Anti-SH Policy that states the organization's commitments and outlines prevention
and response strategies;
2) A CoC that defines GBV/SH, categorizes and states penalties and measures to be taken
in accordance with the gravity of the offense;
3) GRM outlines the complaint handling mechanism, system and case management,
Any standard document should consider the element indicated in the below table.
Table 2: Key elements to be considered in preparation of Anti-GBV/SH Policy and CoC
Anti-GBV/SH Policy CoC GRM
✔ Vision and mission of the IAs ✔ Preamble ✔ Introduction and definition
✔ Definitions for key terms of the ✔ Definition ✔ Scope and guiding principles
policy ✔ Objective and Scope of ✔ Complaint Mechanisms, (Type of
✔ The rationale of the policy application GRM - formal and informal)
✔ Policy statement (no or zero ✔ Duties of the ✔ Element of formal complaints
tolerance) policy managers/directors ✔ Structure and Receiver of formal
✔ Scope of the policy considering the /staff/employees complaints

20
 actors, for example for TRANSIP
IAs beneficiaries or transport users
✔ The goal of the policy
✔ The objective of the policy
✔ Guiding principles and values
✔ Prevention Strategies
✔ Response strategies
✔ Organizational arrangements
✔ Monitoring and Evaluation
mechanisms
✔ The GBV/SH complaint
handling unit/or disciplinary
committee
✔ Conducts that are not
considered GBV/SH
✔ Punishable act of GBV/SH or
Conducts that are minor,
medium, or grave acts of
GBV/SH
✔ Potential sanctions
✔ The effective date of the code
of conduct
✔ Gathering and Investigation of
Evidence: Eligibility,
Examination, investigation and
communication procedure
✔ Decision and execution
✔ Referral of SH Complaints and
follow up of the case (assist if
any need)
✔ Appeal
✔ Safety Planning and Security
Measures

Session 3: Overview of Response Mechanisms to GBV/SH

Trainees’ Note on Overview of Response to GBV/SH

One of the key elements to respond GBV/SH is to apply the anti-GBV/SH policy, Coc and GRM.
The following steps are important in responding to and handling cases of GBV/SH.
a) Receive complaints using a survivor-centered approach;
b) Apply a formal and informal procedure to settle the case;
c) Apply guiding principles during a response to GBV/SH cases;
d) Undertake a safety assessment and planning to avoid secondary victimization of the
survivor;
e) Make referral if necessary, follow up the case and record data in a confidential manner;
f) Investigate the case, make the decision and close the case; and
g) Apply gender-responsive M&E.

Figure 3: A case flow -for the complaint handling

Session 4: Services to survivors: Coordination, Collaboration, and referral

Trainees’ Note on Services to survivors: Coordination, Collaboration, and referral
21
The collective effort of different stakeholders are coordinated in such a way that they avail
comprehensive services that meet the different needs of survivors of violence. Following the
strategic plan of the HTPs and the establishment of the National Coordination Body, services to
survivors are made available in various parts of the country. These services enable survivors to get
integrated legal, psycho-social, and health services at one-stop centers, and safe houses/shelters.
Therefore, a survivor who needs any of the above services can be referred to the relevant service
providers including one-stop centers and the justice sector.
Comprehensive TRANSIP GBV Assessment has done the mapping of services to survivors of
GBV/SH. The mapping is done with the intention of enabling TRANSIP project implementers to
identify resources and utilize them accordingly in the course of project implementation.

Session 5: Monitoring and Evaluation of GBV/SH responses

Trainees’ Note on M&E – Indicators

Indicators summarize complex data into a form that is meaningful for policy makers and the public.
Indicators provide a simple summary of a complex picture, abstracting presenting in a clear manner
for the most important features needed to support informed decision-making. They are selected to
specifically address one issue or question and can be expressed as rates, percentages, ratios, or
numbers. They enable an evidence-based comparison of trends over time, and within and between
organizations/countries. Indicators on violence against women may also support the assessment of
States’ exercise of their due diligence obligation to prevent and address violence against women,
and the effectiveness of related policies and other measures.
A focus on the collection of data on violence against women remains essential by different entities
such as institutions, governments, and aid agencies. Accurate and comprehensive data are crucial
for increasing societal awareness of violence against women and for enhancing the accountability of
institutions and acting against such violence.20 It is also important that the indicators are applied
during the monitoring stage. Thus, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation is a key component in
GBV prevention and response.
Examples of GBV Indicators:
✔ Existence of policy on GBV/SH
✔ Availability of services within an acceptable distance
✔ No. of cases reported to the police
✔ No. of service providers trained to identify, refer and care for GBV/SH survivors
✔ Percent of staff trained (male and female %)

20
UN, 2007. Indicators to measure violence against women; Report of Expert Meeting, UN Division for the
Advancement of Women, UN Economic Commission for Europe, UN Statistical Division
22