On the issue of gender-based violence (GBV), PADF provided technical support and training to law enforcement and justice officials in The Bahamas. This support increased the capacity of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) to provide timely services to victims of GBV thus enhancing the victim’s ability to access the legal remedies and justice services available. Moreover, PADF supported awareness-raising campaigns, training workshops, and hosted a series of conferences and workshops surrounding the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, where key lessons learned and best practices regarding GBV interventions were disseminated.
In Haiti, PADF is assisting communities to strengthen the rule of law while also reducing food and social insecurity. This is being done with two core activities of promoting economic activities and the reduction of community violence.
Promoting Economic Activities
In 2017, Hurricane Irma hit staple crops in full production, hence the pressing need for seeds. In order to facilitate the increase of agricultural production and the income of the producers, PADF has facilitated the availability of seeds of peas of stump, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) and corn. These seeds are delivered to the beneficiaries in the form of a repayable crop loan to CBOs to feed their seed bank and ensure the sustainability of the action.
PADF led a distribution of basic seed kits to 570 beneficiaries and conducted training on resilient agriculture through training modules on soil and water conservation, soil fertility improvement, and integrated control of pests. This harvest has facilitated the availability of food in the area and generated attractive income for farmers. The women of the area, due to the adverse weather conditions of the previous year had been decapitalized with no circulation of cash, and small businesses at bay. The distribution of cash transfers to vulnerable women has facilitated small trade, providing daily access to income to feed their family, acquire small livestock and strengthen the working capital through mutual solidarities (VSLAs). Agricultural production actions, the development of Ti Biznis (microbusiness) and the active participation of women in VSLAs are the determining factors that lead to the independence and empowerment of rural women.
Promoting the reduction of community violence
PADF has been addressing community violence in the training sessions. These sessions include the following:
Additionally, PADF has begun a new research program that addresses women and girls in the realm of citizen security programming in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a particular focus on Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador, some of the countries most affected by crime and violence in the region.
