Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

The project strengthened community-level protection by raising awareness of Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and establishing accessible, survivor-centered mechanisms for reporting sexual exploitation and abuse. Through close engagement with women, girls, and community leaders, WISE built essential knowledge and a strong institutional framework to effectively prevent Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and provide meaningful support to survivors.

Accomplishments:

• WISE empowered over 750 women and 400 girls with knowledge and tools to prevent and report sexual exploitation and abuse through 40 targeted awareness sessions. These sessions enhanced participants’ understanding of safeguarding principles, survivor-centered responses, and the use of complaint and feedback mechanisms (CFM).

• 46 women community leaders were trained on complaint pathways and referral systems, enabling them to serve as frontline advocates for protection in their communities. Each received tailored manuals and communication tools to extend their outreach beyond the project cycle.

• PSEA messages were reinforced through the development and distribution of culturally appropriate IEC materials, including brochures, flyers, Posters, Trainings Manuals, which improved visibility of reporting pathways and community responsibilities around safeguarding.

• WISE strengthened internal safeguarding framework by updating its policies, staff code of conduct, and operational guidelines for field staff. All staff, volunteers, and focal persons were oriented to the updated procedures, ensuring alignment with international safeguarding standards.

• Refresher sessions at Women’s Reflect Centers sustained grassroots awareness beyond initial training and awareness sessions.