Page 63 - 15DEC2019E-5

term development challenge. Recogniz-
ing the scale of the challenge, the World
Bank’s operational and analytical work
has expanded substantially in recent
years. The Bank’s engagement is build-
ing on global partnerships, learning, and
best practices to test and advance effec-
tive approaches both to prevent GBV —
including interventions to address the
social norms and behaviors that
underpin violence — and to scale up and
improve response when violence occurs.
World Bank-supported initiatives are The in-app campaign strengthening operational systems to
important steps on a rapidly evolving enhance accountability, and building
journey to bring successful interven- encourages users to staff and client capacity to address risks
tions to scale, build government and show their support of GBV through training and guidance
local capacity, and to contribute to the materials.
knowledge base of what works and what by undertaking the The World Bank has developed a
doesn’t through continuous monitoring #KaunsiBadiBaatHai good practice note (GPN) with recom-
and evaluation. Addressing the complex mendations to assist staff in identifying
development challenge of gender-based “Rap for Change” risks of GBV, particularly sexual exploita-
violence requires significant learning tion and abuse and sexual harassment
and knowledge sharing through part- challenge and sporting that can emerge in investment projects
nerships and long-term programs. The shades of orange in with major civil works contracts. Build-
World Bank is committed to working ing on World Bank experience and good
with countries and partners to prevent their videos international industry practices, the note
and address GBV in its projects. also advises staff on how to best manage
such risks. A similar toolkit and resource
Knowledge sharing project will provide help to survivors of note for Borrowers is under develop-
The Violence against women and girls: GBV, and aim to shift social norms by ment, and the Bank is in the process
Lessons from South Asia is the first re- promoting gender equality and behavio- of adapting the GPN for key sectors in
port of its kind to gather all available data ral change through strong partnerships human development.
and information on GBV in the region. In with civil society organizations. The In addition to the Good Practice Note
partnership with research institutions World Bank is also piloting innovative and GBV Risk Assessment Screening
and other development organizations, uses of social media to change behaviors. Tool, which enable improved GBV risk
the World Bank has also compiled a In October 2016, the World Bank identification and management, the
comprehensive review of the global evi- launched the Global Gender-Based Vio- Bank has made important changes in
dence for effective interventions to pre- lence Task Force to strengthen the insti- its operational processes, including the
vent or reduce violence against women tution’s efforts to prevent and respond integration of SEA/GBV provisions into
and girls. The World Bank’s Global Plat- to risks of GBV, and particularly sexual its safeguard and procurement require-
form on addressing GBV in fragile and exploitation and abuse (SEA) that may ments as part of evolving Environmen-
conflict-affected settings facilitated arise in World Bank-supported projects. tal, Social, Health and Safety (ESHS)
South-South knowledge sharing through It builds on existing work by the World standards, elaboration of GBV reporting
workshops and yearly learning tours, Bank and other actors to tackle vio- and response measures in the Environ-
building evidence on what works to pre- lence against women and girls through mental and Social Incident Reporting
vent GBV, and providing quality services strengthened approaches to identifying Tool, and development of guidance on
to women, men, and child survivors. and assessing key risks, and developing addressing GBV cases in our grievance
In April 2019, the World Bank award- key mitigations measures to prevent and redress mechanisms.
ed $1.1 million to 11 research teams from respond to sexual exploitation and abuse It is to be seen what impact all these
nine countries as a result of the fourth and other forms of GBV. efforts have on empowerment of wom-
annual competition. In August 2018, the In line with its commitments, the en in India. It is said that strongest action
World Bank committed $100 million to World Bank developed an action plan for a woman is to love herself, be herself
help prevent GBV in the DRC. The gender for implementation of the Task Force’s and shine amongst all those who never
based violence prevension and response recommendations, consolidating key ac- believed she could.
project will reach 795,000 direct benefi- tions across institutional priorities linked
ciaries over the course of four years. The to enhancing social risk management, LETTERS@TEHELKA.COM

63