Fawohodie for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

The specific problem we are addressing through our project, 'Fawohodie for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence,' is the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) and the lack of accessible support for survivors in vulnerable communities, both in our local context in Accra, Ghana and on a global scale. This problem has far-reaching implications and affects a substantial number of individuals.

In the communities we serve in Accra, the problem of GBV is alarmingly prevalent, particularly among girls and women living in vulnerable situations. These communities face a high incidence of sexual abuse, violence, and exploitation. GBV has led to a surge in teenage pregnancies, early motherhood, sexually transmitted infections, and unsafe self-care abortion practices. The lack of access to sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) guidance and education further compound these issues. Many of these victims are denied justice, and their voices are silenced.

Locally, official statistics and research have shown the dire situation. According to the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) 2017, the prevalence of physical violence among women aged 15-49 in Ghana was 13.1%. Additionally, 2.5% of these women had experienced sexual violence. The situation is even more severe among street-connected girls and women, who are often invisible in official statistics.

On a global scale, the problem of GBV is extensive and pervasive. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that about one in three women worldwide has experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. This highlights the global scale of GBV, with millions of women and girls affected.

Multiple factors contribute to the problem of GBV, and our solution is designed to address key aspects:

1. Lack of Support Services: Survivors often struggle to access essential support services, including legal aid, counseling, and safety tools. The Fawohodie app provides survivors with a convenient and confidential platform to access these services.
2. Awareness Gaps: GBV is perpetuated by a lack of awareness, myths, and misconceptions. Our project tackles this by hosting outreaches on social media platforms, and educating and raising awareness among youth.
3. Isolation and Silence: Many survivors suffer in silence due to stigma, fear, or the lack of a supportive community. Fawohodie creates a space for survivors to connect, share experiences, and receive vital support.
4. Lack of SRHR Guidance: The absence of access to SRHR guidance and education contributes to issues like teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The app bridges this gap by linking survivors to SRHR experts and resources.

In sum, we aim to address a critical problem that affects a considerable number of individuals in our local communities and resonates globally. Gender-based violence is a widespread issue, and our project endeavors to provide an innovative and inclusive solution to empower survivors and prevent future cases of GBV. We believe in a world where every individual can live free from fear and violence, and our project takes a significant step toward that vision.

Our solution, "Fawohodie for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence," is a comprehensive mobile application called Fawohodie, designed to provide support and empower survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) while raising awareness about GBV and promoting gender equality. This innovative app employs a user-friendly interface and the power of technology to offer multiple features that assist survivors in their journey toward healing and justice.

Here's how our solution works:

1. Accessible Support Services:

• Fawohodie offers survivors a safe and confidential platform to connect with support services.
• Through the app, survivors can access counseling, legal aid, educational resources on GBV, and a directory of critical support services.
• A chatbot trained on GBV provides immediate assistance, helping survivors navigate the challenges they face.

2. Community and Awareness:

• To raise awareness about GBV and create a supportive community, we host outreaches on popular social media platforms.
• Youth celebrities and specialists participate in these outreaches to provide survivors with information, support, and a platform for sharing their experiences.

3. Link to SRHR Experts:

• Survivors also gain access to sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) experts via existing third-party mobile apps and chatbots, ensuring they receive accurate information and services.

4. Paralegal Assistance:

• Our project provides special access to paralegals who offer guidance on legal procedures, assist in filing reports, and represent survivors in court.

The technology used in Fawohodie is a mobile app that is user-friendly and accessible to a wide range of users, including those who may not have advanced technical skills. The app employs a chatbot for immediate support and guidance, making it easier for survivors to find help when they need it most.

Additionally, we host outreaches on social media platforms, which serve as a bridge for survivors to connect with youth celebrities and specialists. The app also features links to third-party mobile apps and chatbots for access to SRHR experts, broadening the scope of support available to survivors.

Fawohodie is a solution that empowers survivors by providing them with the tools and resources they need to heal, seek justice, and raise awareness about GBV. Our goal is to support the individual journeys of survivors while working toward a society where every girl and woman can live free from fear and violence.

Our solution, "Fawohodie for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence," is designed to directly and meaningfully improve the lives of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Accra, Ghana, particularly girls and women in vulnerable communities. The target population includes the following individuals:

1. Survivors of GBV:

• These individuals are primarily girls and women who have experienced gender-based violence, including sexual abuse, domestic violence, and exploitation.
• They often face emotional and physical trauma, fear, and a lack of access to essential support services.

2. Vulnerable Communities:

• Our solution targets communities where gender-based violence is prevalent and resources are scarce.
• These communities often lack access to comprehensive support, educational resources, and awareness initiatives related to GBV and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

3. Youth and Adolescents:

• The solution also caters to youth and adolescents in these communities who may be at risk of GBV or seeking information and guidance on SRHR.

Currently, survivors of GBV in these communities are underserved, facing various challenges such as:

• Lack of accessible support services: Many survivors struggle to access immediate support, legal aid, counseling, or safety tools, hindering their recovery and pursuit of justice.
• Limited awareness and education: The communities often lack comprehensive education on GBV, SRHR, and gender equality, making it difficult for survivors to navigate the issues they face.
• Social stigma: Survivors frequently experience social stigma, discrimination, and isolation, leading to reluctance to report cases or seek help.

Our solution addresses these needs in the following ways:

1. Access to Support Services:

• Fawohodie offers survivors a platform for accessing safe and confidential support services, including legal aid, counseling, and a directory of support organizations.
• The app's chatbot, trained on GBV, provides immediate assistance, giving survivors a reliable source of guidance and support.

2. Community and Awareness:

• Through outreaches hosted on social media platforms, survivors can connect with youth celebrities and specialists who raise awareness about GBV, provide information, and offer support.
• These outreaches create a supportive community for survivors to share their experiences and seek advice.

3. Link to SRHR Experts:

• Survivors also gain access to SRHR experts via existing third-party mobile apps and chatbots, ensuring they receive accurate information and access to services.

4. Paralegal Assistance:

• Our project offers special access to paralegals who provide guidance on legal procedures, assist in reporting cases, and represent survivors in court.

By focusing on the underserved population of survivors in Accra's vulnerable communities, our solution aims to directly impact their lives by providing them with essential tools and support for healing, justice, and empowerment. We aspire to create a society where these survivors can live free from fear and violence, breaking the cycle of GBV and contributing to a more just and equal community.

Our team at the Street Children Empowerment Foundation (SCEF) is well-positioned to design and deliver the "Fawohodie for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence" solution to the target population in Accra, Ghana. Our proximity to the communities we serve, coupled with our commitment to understanding their needs and engaging them in the solution's development, makes us the right people for this initiative.

Proximity to the Communities:

• SCEF has been actively working with street-connected children and vulnerable communities in Accra for the past 13 years. This experience has given us an intimate understanding of the challenges and issues these communities face, including gender-based violence (GBV).
• Our team members, including the Team Lead, have spent years building trust and relationships within these communities, making us uniquely positioned to address the concerns of the target population.

Community Representation:

• Our Team Lead, Helena Hutchful, is not only a committed SRHR practitioner with over 6 years of experience and advocacy but is also supported by a team of 3 trained paralegals who are part of the SCEF team with the President of the Greater Accra Paralegals Association Ophelia Allotey expected to work side by side Helena Hutchful and together we are deeply embedded within the communities we serve. Helena and Opehila grew up in one of these communities, which allows them to empathize with the experiences and challenges faced by residents.
• Several team members are representatives of the communities they serve. Their firsthand experiences and understanding of local dynamics contribute to the relevance and authenticity of our solution.

Community Involvement:

• We believe in the importance of co-creating solutions with the communities we serve. Our approach includes conducting regular meetings and focus group discussions with community members to understand their needs, concerns, and ideas.
• Community input is an integral part of the design process. We engage residents in discussions about the app's features, functionalities, and preferences to ensure it aligns with their requirements.

Capacity Building:

• To ensure meaningful community involvement and empowerment, we provide training and capacity-building programs for young people and community members. This approach equips them with the skills needed to be part of the solution's development.

Addressing Local Needs:

• We understand that each community may have unique challenges and requirements. Our team's local knowledge and experience enable us to adapt and customize the solution to address these specific needs effectively.

Our community-centered approach aims to ensure that the "Fawohodie for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence" solution is not only relevant but also resonates with the communities we serve. By actively involving them in the development process, we are guided by their input, ideas, and agendas, resulting in a solution that genuinely addresses the challenges of gender-based violence in Accra's vulnerable communities.

The Fawohodie for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence project is highly innovative in addressing the pressing issue of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in vulnerable communities. It brings innovation to several key aspects:

• Integrated Mobile App with Chatbot: The core innovation of this project is the development of the Fawohodie mobile app with a chatbot. While mobile apps and chatbots are not new technologies, the innovation lies in their comprehensive integration into a single platform. This app serves as a one-stop solution for survivors, providing them with access to critical support services, educational resources, and a safe community space. It leverages both technology and human interaction to offer immediate and multi-dimensional assistance to survivors of GBV.
• Community Engagement Through Social Media: The project leverages the popularity of social media platforms, where the younger generation actively participates. By hosting outreaches featuring youth celebrities and specialists, the project connects with the target audience in a way that resonates with them. This innovative approach allows for direct interaction, awareness-raising, and knowledge-sharing.
• Cross-Platform Accessibility: The project recognizes the diversity of mobile apps and chatbots available to users. It offers survivors the flexibility to connect with sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) experts through any existing third-party mobile app or chatbot. This approach capitalizes on the ubiquity of technology and accessibility, allowing survivors to seek help in their preferred digital environment.
• Empowering Youth Innovators: The project initiates a technology challenge for young innovators. This competition fosters creativity and talent among the youth to design the Fawohodie mobile app and chatbot. This approach empowers young individuals to be part of the solution, addressing the problem from within their community and demographic. It creates a positive feedback loop where innovation begets innovation.
• Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach: By bringing together legal experts, paralegals, SRHR specialists, celebrities, and survivors, the project uses a multidisciplinary approach to address GBV. This innovative amalgamation ensures that survivors receive holistic support, from legal aid to counseling and education.
• Market Expansion Potential: The Fawohodie app offers the potential for scalability and market expansion. The app can be adapted and expanded to address similar issues beyond GBV, such as domestic violence, child abuse, or other forms of violence against vulnerable individuals. This innovative approach may serve as a model for addressing different societal problems by providing a holistic support system.

In conclusion, the Fawohodie for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence project brings innovation through the integration of technologies, community engagement, and empowerment of youth innovators. It leverages existing digital platforms and apps while combining them into a novel and multifaceted solution for GBV survivors. This innovative approach not only addresses GBV but has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts across various social issues and foster a culture of youth-driven innovation.

Impact Goals for the Next Year:

• Directly Support GBV Survivors: We aim to provide direct support to at least 500 GBV survivors through our Fawohodie app. These survivors will access legal aid, counseling, and safety tools, empowering them to regain control over their lives and seek justice. This support will significantly enhance their well-being and safety.
• Raise Awareness and Build a Community: We plan to engage a minimum of 5,000 young people through social media outreaches, creating awareness about GBV and SRHR. Additionally, we aim to establish a community of at least 2,000 active users on our platform, fostering discussion, sharing experiences, and seeking advice.

Strategies:

• Fawohodie Mobile App Challenge: We will launch a youth technology innovators challenge to develop and release the Fawohodie app with a chatbot within the next year. This app will serve as a primary platform for survivors, offering access to critical resources and services.
• Social Media Outreaches: Our team will collaborate with youth celebrities and specialists to host outreaches on social media platforms to raise awareness and engage with the youth demographic. This initiative will drive traffic to the app.
• Building a Community: We will implement strategies to create a safe and supportive online community, attracting young people to share experiences, participate in discussions, and seek advice related to GBV and SRHR.

Impact Goals for the Next Five Years:

• Empower Thousands of Survivors: We aspire to provide support to no less than 5,000 GBV survivors. We will ensure that they have the resources and assistance they need to rebuild their lives, seek justice, and heal from their experiences.
• Promote Gender Equality and GBV Awareness: Through the app, we aim to engage at least 50,000 young individuals on matters of GBV and SRHR, contributing to increased awareness and knowledge. By providing educational materials, we will empower users to advocate for gender equality, thereby affecting social change.
• Expand the Supportive Community: We will be nurturing a community of no less than 20,000 active users. This community will serve as a significant source of encouragement and support for those grappling with GBV and SRHR challenges.

Strategies:

• Continuous Improvement of the Fawohodie App: We will constantly update the Fawohodie app to ensure it remains a reliable and comprehensive source of support, information, and resources for GBV survivors and young individuals interested in SRHR.
• Scaling Outreach Efforts: We will expand our social media outreach to reach a more extensive audience. By involving youth celebrities and specialists in our efforts, we intend to foster a sense of responsibility and awareness about GBV.
• Community Growth: We will cultivate a supportive and growing online community by maintaining active moderation and ensuring the platform remains a safe and inclusive space for discussions, experience-sharing, and seeking advice.

In summary, our immediate impact goals are focused on direct support for survivors fostering awareness and community engagement while contributing to the broader goals of gender equality, GBV awareness, and SRHR education.

Theory of Change for Fawohodie:

How: The Fawohodie project, centered around the Fawohodie mobile app, aims to empower survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) by combining innovative features and outreach activities. Here's how we anticipate our solution will create impact:

Immediate Outputs:

• Fawohodie Mobile App: The core of our solution, the mobile app equipped with a chatbot, will be developed through a youth technology innovators' challenge. This app provides immediate access to support services, educational materials on GBV, and a safe space for interaction among survivors.
• Partnerships with Third-party Apps and Chatbots: Through collaborations with existing mobile apps and chatbots, survivors can access SRHR experts and information, further enhancing their immediate support options.
• Paralegal Assistance: Survivors will gain quick access to legal aid through paralegals, who can guide them through legal processes and represent them in court.

Immediate Outcomes:

• Increased Access to Support: Survivors of GBV will have a confidential and user-friendly platform to seek help and interact with their peers, ensuring their immediate needs are met.
• Greater SRHR Awareness: Access to third-party SRHR resources promotes awareness, knowledge, and access to SRHR services.
• Legal Support: The availability of paralegal assistance empowers survivors to seek justice, ensuring they are not denied legal recourse.

Longer-term Outcomes:

• Empowered Survivors: By providing support, awareness, and legal aid, survivors will regain control of their lives, heal from trauma, and work toward justice.
• Community Engagement: Regular outreaches hosted by youth celebrities and specialists create a supportive community, increasing the reach and impact of our solution.
• Gender Equality Promotion: Through community outreach activities and partnerships with other organizations, we will actively promote gender equality and GBV prevention.

Impact:

The ultimate impact of Fawohodie is a society in Accra, Ghana, where GBV is significantly reduced, survivors are empowered to heal and seek justice, and gender equality is promoted.

Why: The theory of change for Fawohodie is built on our belief that technology can be a catalyst for change in addressing GBV and SRHR issues. By combining innovative mobile app features, partnerships with third-party apps, and legal support, we are directly targeting the immediate needs of GBV survivors.

Our approach acknowledges that survivors require immediate support and a safe space to heal and learn. By providing this through the Fawohodie app, they can regain control of their lives and access resources to support their recovery.

The regular outreaches and partnerships with celebrities and specialists extend our reach, contributing to awareness and community building. Moreover, our work towards gender equality helps create a society where GBV is less prevalent.

In sum, Fawohodie's theory of change rests on the idea that immediate, focused support, facilitated by technology and outreach activities, can empower survivors and foster a community that is more aware, supportive, and committed to gender equality. We aim for lasting, positive changes in the lives of GBV survivors and their communities.

Our solution team consists of dedicated individuals committed to addressing gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights. We have:

• 5 full-time staff who are deeply engaged in the project.
• 4 part-time staff members who contribute their expertise.
• Additionally, we collaborate with several contractors, such as legal experts and technology developers, to ensure comprehensive support for our project's success.

The Street Children Empowerment Foundation (SCEF) has been diligently working on our "Fawohodie for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence" solution for over three years. We began by identifying the specific needs of girls and women in vulnerable communities related to gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights. During this time, we've actively engaged with these communities, assessed their requirements, and developed a comprehensive plan to address these critical issues.

SCEF is deeply committed to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into every facet of our work. This commitment is evident in our leadership team, our ongoing goals, and the actions we have taken to ensure diversity and inclusivity.

Diversity in Leadership: Our leadership team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The SCEF board includes five women and four men, ensuring gender diversity and representation. Within the staff, we maintain an approximately equal ratio of women to men, fostering gender equity. Moreover, we have numerous women-led groups at the grassroots level, where decisions are made, ensuring a bottom-up approach to leadership.

Our team is committed to becoming even more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Our goals include:

1. Empowering Women and Girls: We focus on empowering women and girls by providing them with leadership roles in our initiatives. Our team leads several gender-sensitive programs targeting women and girls, creating spaces for them to thrive.

2. Youth Engagement: We actively involve young people in decision-making processes. Our programs and initiatives prioritize the inclusion of youth voices, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.

3. Cultural Sensitivity: We respect and embrace the cultural diversity of the communities we serve. Our team is dedicated to understanding and respecting local customs, traditions, and beliefs while implementing our solutions.

4. Accessibility: We ensure that our solutions are accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, age, ability, or background. We aim to eliminate barriers that may hinder access to our programs or services.

Actions Taken: To realize our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity, we have taken several actions:

1. Community Engagement: We actively engage with the communities we serve to understand their specific needs and challenges, ensuring our solutions are tailored to their unique circumstances.

2. Youth-Led Programs: Our programs involve young people in decision-making, allowing them to take an active role in shaping the solutions that affect their lives.

3. Cultural Competency Training: Our team members participate in cultural competency training to ensure they are aware and respectful of the diverse cultural backgrounds of the communities we work with.

4. Equitable Resource Allocation: Resources are allocated equitably, ensuring that the benefits of our solutions reach all members of the community, especially those who are marginalized.

5. Inclusive Design: When developing our solutions, we consider the needs of different community members, including those with disabilities, to create accessible and inclusive solutions.

6. Gender-Sensitive Programming: Gender sensitivity is a core aspect of our programs, as we aim to empower women and girls by addressing their unique needs.

7. Feedback and Evaluation: We collect feedback from the communities we serve and use it to continuously improve our programs, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.

Our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is rooted in a deep understanding of the communities we serve and a commitment to ensuring that our solutions not only address the specific problems at hand but also respect and promote the dignity of every individual, regardless of their background. This approach guides our actions and shapes our mission to empower those affected by gender-based violence in vulnerable communities.

Business Model for SCEF's Fawohodie App:

Our business model is designed to provide essential value to our target populations while ensuring financial sustainability for our initiative.

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

• Survivors of GBV: Our primary beneficiaries access the Fawohodie mobile app for immediate support services, including legal aid, counseling, and safety tools.
• Young Women in Vulnerable Communities: By promoting gender equality, raising GBV awareness, and offering educational resources, this group indirectly benefits from our services.
• Society at Large: A reduced prevalence of GBV and enhanced gender equality benefit the broader society.

Products and Services:

• Fawohodie Mobile App: Our central offering provides survivors with access to support services, educational materials, and a safe space for connecting with other survivors.
• Paralegal Assistance: Survivors receive legal guidance through the app.
• Counseling Services: Users access emotional support.
• Safety Devices: Distributed to enhance personal security.
• Educational Resources: The app offers information on GBV and SRHR.
• Community Outreach: Outreaches on social media platforms raise awareness and offer support.

How We Provide These Products and Services:

Our Fawohodie app acts as the main platform, connecting survivors with essential support, paralegals, SRHR experts, and peer support. Outreach activities engage users and offer a space for discussion and support.

Why They Want or Need Them:

• Survivors of GBV: The app provides a safe, confidential space for healing, seeking justice, and gaining knowledge.
• Young Women in Vulnerable Communities: Our resources help prevent GBV, promote knowledge, and break free from abuse.
• Society at Large: The initiative directly addresses the need for reducing GBV, promoting gender equality, and creating safer communities.

Our business model delivers support services, community outreach, and education to create social impact and financial sustainability through partnerships and grants.

SCEF's plan for financial sustainability revolves around a multifaceted approach that combines donations, grants, partnerships, and potential revenue streams, ensuring that we can maintain and expand our vital work in the long term.

1. Donations and Grants: We will continue to seek donations from individuals, corporations, and organizations that are aligned with our mission to combat GBV and promote gender equality. These donations will provide crucial financial support for our core operations, including maintaining and improving our Fawohodie app and service provision.
2. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international entities allows us to access a broader range of resources and funds. These partnerships can involve joint initiatives, co-funded projects, or grants to support specific aspects of our work.
3. Service Contracts to Governments: In some cases, government entities may recognize the value of our services and choose to enter into service contracts with SCEF. This can include providing GBV support services, educational programs, or community outreach on behalf of government agencies, thereby ensuring a consistent source of revenue.
4. Product Sales and Licensing: We are exploring opportunities to offer licensing of our Fawohodie mobile app, chatbot technology, or educational resources to other organizations, particularly those working in the SRHR and GBV sectors. These licensing agreements could bring in revenue while also extending our impact to a broader audience.
5. Fundraising Events: Organizing fundraising events, both in-person and online, can help generate donations and public awareness. Events may include charity runs, auctions, and community-based initiatives that engage individuals and local businesses in supporting our cause.
6. Social Enterprise Initiatives: We are investigating opportunities for establishing social enterprises linked to our mission. Such enterprises might involve creating merchandise that supports GBV awareness or generating income through training and employment opportunities for survivors.
7. Investment Capital: While we don't rely heavily on investment capital, we remain open to collaborations with impact investors who share our commitment to combat GBV and promote gender equality. Investment capital would be strategically deployed to expand our services and outreach.
8. Fee-for-Service Training: We will explore opportunities to offer training programs and workshops to external organizations, including corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies, on topics related to GBV prevention and SRHR. These fee-for-service programs can contribute to our revenue while spreading our message and expertise.

Our revenue streams are meticulously designed to align with our mission and ensure financial sustainability. By diversifying our funding sources and revenue models, we aim to not only cover our expected expenses but also extend our reach, create a more significant impact, and work towards a society free from gender-based violence.