Outcome AFG_D_3.6

National and sub-national institutions and organisations have the commitment, knowledge and capacities to legislate, advocate, plan, implement and monitor policies to prevent and respond to SGBV and HP

Most of the activities under this target outcome were paused as part of UN Women Spotlight risk mitigation strategy and plan after the deterioration of the security situation and the change in political situation mid- August. However, the Spotlight annual joint work plan for Afghanistan was approved on 14 July but the implementation of the program was postponed to 2022 following the fall of the republic government. Although, prior to the fall of Kabul for the purpose of VAW prevention, a concept note for a “High Level Religious Leader’s Forum on Islam and Ending Violence Against Women & Girls in Afghanistan” was developed and a briefing note on “Faith based approaches to prevent violence against women and girls and create peaceful families, homes & communities” was developed for the Ministry of Haj and Religious Affairs to engage religious leaders in primary prevention efforts.

National and sub-national institutions and organisations have the commitment, knowledge and capacities to legislate, advocate, plan, implement and monitor policies to prevent and respond to SGBV and HP

There has been some progress on this outcome in 2022 for Afghanistan. Following the siege of power by the de facto authorities mid-August 2021, the gender equality architecture in Afghanistan was dismantled with the abolishment of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, and the absence of any women in the de facto authority governing structure. Many women leaders—from all walks of life—fled the country, fearing the consequences for dedicating their lives to gender equality. While women’s civil society continues to exist in Afghanistan, their operations have been significantly controlled by the de facto authorities and curtailed. In this operating context, UN Women focus in 2022, was on strategic engagement with the Taliban to realize gender specific outcomes including on women needs and the need for shelters supporting survivors of violence which were closed to be re/opened. In the light of a constrained operating context women civil society organizations are operating, UN Women Afghanistan made some progress on this outcome in 2022. UN Women strategy and approach included support to CSOs to deliver coordinated, comprehensive support to women ang girl survivors of violence, with some awareness raising integrated in programming, which have reached at least 1,673 people (f-860; m-813). This was done primarily through the provision of institutional and programming grants as well as technical and advisory support to deliver evidence-based programmes that prevent and respond to SGBV and harmful practices. Furthermore, UN Women supported partners with the development of an EVAWG training manual, which is being finalized. A company was identified to conduct the media assessment. A prevention action plan is being developed and will inform of opportunities for agency collaboration. Thus far the original strategy and ToC for this outcome is largely still applicable. However, the new ban on women work will larger impact on organizations to work due to lack of female staff to provide essential services or engage on prevention.