Over 100 participants in Binga and Buhera districts of Zimbabwe received training on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse under the Be Resilient Zimbabwe Plus project following guidelines stipulated in UNESCO's Policy on the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). The training is a recommendation from the Rapid Impact Assessment conducted by the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa in 2021, which exposed challenges faced by women and girls in communities.
The PSEA policy establishes high standards for the inclusion and protection of vulnerable individuals, especially women and girls, within development projects. The Be Resilient Zimbabwe Project is promoting awareness of UNESCO's policy on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse to ensure a secure environment for all project stakeholders.
The project aims to create a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders and beneficiaries by promoting and integrating this policy into the project’s grievance mechanism. These meetings provide a platform to engage
stakeholders directly, allowing for interactive discussions, sharing of experiences, and addressing any concerns or questions related to PSEA.
The PSEA policy-guided trainings focus on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse education, reporting, and the urgent need of prevention. Participants receive help lines, reporting mechanisms, and confidentiality channels to facilitate reporting and ensure ease of access.
Stakeholders appreciated the PSEA awareness raising session, indicating that it empowered them to recognize and identify sexual exploitation and abuse.
We are truly grateful for the enlightening session on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. We feel empowered to protect ourselves and our community from such cruel acts.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Mr. P. Mugwangwavari commended the trainings and implored stakeholders to fight all causes of exploitation and abuse.
