Evaluation of Norwegian Church Aid’s (NCA) support to GBV projects implemented by SNCTP in Mayo Farm (2004-2010)

Background:
In 2003, a study was launched by SNCTP/SCC and NCA. It looked at HTPs practices among Mayo’s IDP population. Several issues of concern emerged in the study, among others that FGM has started to be practiced by communities, who do not traditionally practice FGM, such as Nuba and Southern Sudanese IDPs. In addition, it was found that IDPs had limited knowledge on the methods of transmission of and protection from HIV/AIDS. Since 2004, the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) has been working on combating HTPs/FGM and HIV/AIDS among IDPs in Mayo camp area through its national partner Sudan National Committee on Harmful Traditional Practices (SNCTP). SNCTP pioneered the campaign against FGM in the area.The programme developed by SNCTP focused on targeting several groups who had influence and access to the target communities and decision makers. These groups are mothers and midwives, community and religious leaders, school pupils, teachers, and youth.

The IDP population represents the largest section of the urban poor in Khartoum. High rates of illiteracy, inadequacy of health services, and GBV are salient characteristics in the community.

Purpose/ Objective:
The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the SNCTP program in Mayo including investigating to what extent the program has contributed to changing knowledge and attitude towards FGM. Examining the impact and methodology applied within the program will provide important guidance for future models of implementation; particularly since SNCTP has sought the support of NCA to start working in a new location.

Methodology:
The design of this evaluation entailed developed both qualitative and quantitative methodologies such as Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Semi Structured Interviews (SSI) and KAP survey. The total number of the RHs and DBs who have participated in the evaluation was 184. The number of women outnumbered that of men.

Key Findings:
a. FGM’s knowledge, attitude and practice:
- Knowledge on negative consequences of FGM/HTP’s and violence on women’s health and rights shown in the target area
- An increasing number of women and men have no intention to circumcise their daughters or continue to support circumcision
- Men are less likely to have preference for future partner to be circumcised
- A slight reduction in FGM/HTP’s is observed in the target Mayo Farm
- Young girls are less likely to be circumcised
- Sunna type of circumcision is more common among younger generations.

b. SNCTP program relevance and effectiveness:
- The findings suggest that that the pedagogical methods used by SNCTP were
appropriate to raise awareness amongst the population in the area and to enable broad accessibility for stakeholders, particularly amongst the hard-to-reach groups such as religious leaders and policy makers.
- Workshops, school debates, midwives training, ToTs, FGM international day and posters produced and distributed by SNCTP were described as the most effective tools in the campaign.

Recommendations:
For SNCTP:
1. Continue using a comprehensive approach which addresses FGM/HTPs as violations for the rights of women and children.
2. Expand the FGM campaign in the other regions beyond Khartoum State.
3. Diversify funding sources in order to avoid interruptions in the program activities.
4. Design a clear long term strategy and establish an exit plan from the onset.
5. Improvements to current program monitoring tools and practices and in particular impact measurement and conduct a prevalence survey especially on young girls.
6. Reach out to mothers, grandmothers and fathers as a priority in future project and design a family approach.
7. Promote local ownership and local leadership
8. build capacities and leadership inside the organization
9. Establish leadership resource centre in order to enable an increasing knowledge sharing among the stakeholders.

For NCA
1. Continue using a rights-based approach but avoid the division of RHs and DBs which might create tension and aid dependency.
2. Ensure faster transfer of funds to SNCTP to avoid delay in the implementation of the programme.
3. Set-up regular monitoring visits to the field and design regular and periodical monitoring activities for the program.
4. Carry out capacity building trainings for all SNCTP staff, and not just those working on the project.
5. and institutionalization of the programme and activities

Comments from Norwegian Church Aid (if any):
It is encouraging to experience the kind of recognition and public interest on GBV and FGM which is growing in the Sudanese society. This is partly one of the findings of this report, but also confirmed in public meetings addressing this specific thematic issue. In the context of culture and religion of this country this reality should mobilise all forces to strengthen every effort made by partners and communities involved. NCA will continue to work with partners already involved and search to reach new target groups accordingly.
Partners are increasingly adapting the Right Based Approach. However health of girls and women is more easily understood and accepted as an entry point.