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PSC Final Guidance Package

The provided document introduces the Putting Survivors at the Center (PSC) approach, a collaborative initiative by the Global Women’s Institute (GWI) and Women for Women International (WfWI). Designed for organizations that interact frequently with women and girls but do not specialize in gender-based violence (GBV), this guidance package provides tools to safely handle spontaneous disclosures and facilitate access to professional care.

Putting Survivors At The Center: Creating New Programming Models For Non-gbv Specialist Organizations To Support Gbv SurvivorsRS

The provided document is a comprehensive baseline report for Phase 1 of the "Putting Survivors at the Center" (PSAC) project. It combines a global literature review with primary research from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Iraq, and South Sudan to identify why survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) struggle to access specialized care. The report highlights that while formal legal and healthcare systems exist, they are often undermined by corruption, lack of clinical competency, and high costs. Furthermore, the data shows that social stigma and harmful cultural norms remain the most significant hurdles, often forcing survivors into informal or customary justice systems that prioritize family reconciliation over survivor safety and justice.

Putting Survivors at the Center Pilot Program Models and Design

Building on the research from Phase I, this brief outlines six pilot program models designed to improve how non-specialized organizations support gender-based violence (GBV) survivors. The models focus on three critical areas: immediate handling of disclosures, strengthening referral networks to specialists, and providing sustained psychosocial support. While "Referrals Plus" training is a core requirement across all sites in the DRC, Iraq, and South Sudan, specific activities—such as digital service directories in Iraq or emergency funds in the DRC—are highly contextualized to meet local needs and maximize global learning.

Putting Survivors at the Center Creating New Programming Models for Non-GBV Specialist Organizations to Support GBV Survivors

In partnership with Women for Women International, GWI is implementing the "Putting Survivors at the Center" project to build the capacity of non-GBV specialist organizations. Spanning three phases across the DRC, Iraq, and South Sudan, the initiative develops programming models that help non-specialized groups safely receive disclosures and connect survivors to essential response services. By focusing on immediate disclosure handling and long-term support, the project aims to bridge the gap between survivors and the specialized care they need.

Putting Survivors at the Center Data Findings from Phase 1

This multi-country study identifies the primary barriers preventing survivors in conflict-affected regions from accessing gender-based violence (GBV) services. While NGOs remain the most trusted formal providers, social stigma and a lack of awareness often force survivors to rely on informal support or remain in danger. The findings emphasize the need for survivor-centered legal reforms and the creation of safe spaces that empower community-level advocates.

BRISA DE ANGULO CHAMPION FOR JUSTICE

After facing systemic neglect in Bolivia following her own experience with sexual violence, Brisa De Angulo founded A Breeze of Hope to support child survivors. Her twenty-year fight led to a landmark 2023 ruling by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, holding the government accountable and setting a historic legal precedent for the region. As a GWI Champion for Justice, her legacy continues to reshape how sexual crimes are prosecuted across Latin America.

I Am Malala Resource Guide for Educators

This academic tool translates Malala Yousafzai’s memoir into a global curriculum focused on human rights, religious extremism, and the right to education. By blending personal narrative with historical context, the guide challenges students to think critically about the obstacles facing 130 million girls currently out of school. It aims to inspire a new generation of activists to embrace nonviolent resistance and advocate for gender equality.