Outcome MAR_D_3.2

Cities and local stakeholders develop responses to develop empowering public spaces for women and girls

Significant progress was achieved for Outcome 3.2 in 2022. CSO worked to strengthen the capacities of local elected representatives and local authorities in their response to VAW by advocating for gender-sensitive local planning and budgeting. Stakeholders formulated a gender-sensitive city policy and prepared a gender-sensitive budget after learning about gender-sensitive approaches and key principles to prevent VAW in public spaces. They also have demonstrated improved understanding of gender mainstreaming techniques and tools and an improved ability to monitor the budgets of districts. UN Women support CSOs in this work by providing financial support – through a 85000 USD grant- enabling the recruitment of an expert who developed training material and facilitated trainings to local elected representatives and local authorities. Association Ennakhil developed awareness-raising modules on gender equality and safety for women and girls in public spaces, especially on how to recognize and react to GBV in public spaces. The aim of these awareness-raising workshops was to improve the participants’ understanding of gender-based violence in public spaces; to acquire knowledge of the legal framework of the fight against gender-based violence in public spaces; to understand how to take actions to prevent gender-based violence in public spaces. UNW supported the development of these modules, One of the positive externalities of this work to improve stakeholders’ abilities to develop empowering public spaces for women and girls was that the City of Marrakech (Marrakech Municipality) requested support from Ennakhil NGO to design a public green space responding to international standards and norms in terms of accessibility and safety for women and girls (gender sensitive).

Cities and local stakeholders develop responses to develop empowering public spaces for women and girls

Outcome 3.2 was partially achieved mainly through strategic actions with partner CSOs, and with the Ministry of Habitat and Urban Policy. The outcome specifically addresses local responses to VAW and the promotion of favorable social norms; two areas that require field work and direct interactions with women’s groups, communities, and men and boys Through the Ending Early and Forced Child Marriage, Fondation YTTO organized a 15 day social caravan in the regions of Tata, Guelmim, and Sidi Ifni. Working closely with local authorities, trained youth volunteers, and local organizations, the NGO was able to go through 7 villages and managed to reach a large population of inhabitants of villages adjacent to where the caravan was. The estimated number of people who visited the caravan is estimated to more than 20 000 men and women. The NGO was able to raise awareness about the human rights of girls and women, especially about the importance of education and the fight against child marriage. The Fondation YTTO was also able to support the creation of various women-led NGOs by accompanying them through the administrative and procedural processes. This ensures a durability of their actions and of the gender equality agenda in the remote locations where the caravan goes. The MWGE Programme strategies and methods that were successful during previous years of implementation, such as peer-to-peer approaches, as well as reaching young people through games, sports, arts (i.e., theatre, caricatures, etc.) and media (radio, social media, etc.), which continued to be deployed and adapted to the COVID-19 context. The evidence collected through spot-checks and analysis of baseline and end-line data from surveys with beneficiaries showed that men beneficiaries improved their attitudes and behaviors by respectively +27,8% and +26.1% while women improved by +12.4% and +15,3%. In fact, most CBOs provided examples of direct beneficiaries undergoing positive transformative social changes towards more equitable behaviors and attitudes for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls after participating in programme activities. As part of its awareness-raising and communication efforts, UNW capitalized on a already existing and strong and strategic partnership with the largest media group in Morocco (Groupe SOREAD 2M) to develop innovative content through their digital media JOOJ. The concept is to create intergenerational dialogue by inviting feminists and activists from Beijing generation and Beijing +25 to express themselves on different priority areas but also on thematic question. Moreover, a voice was given to young Moroccan male and female activists for gender equality through publishing profile videos with key questions on their engagement for gender equality but also their vision of a more equal society. The videos were seen 26 809 people on Instagram .Also, and as usual, Groupe SOREAD 2M was a strong partner during the 16 days campaign as they regularly hosted partners to discuss VAW (civil society organizations, institutional partners, activists, etc.). Based on the progress made to date, the original strategy and theory of change for this outcome is still applicable.