The Foundational Elements are a set of guidance tools that provides accessible grounding in evidence-informed approaches for reducing gender-based violence (GBV). Developed by USAID Collective Action to Reduce Gender-Based Violence (CARE-GBV) activity, these tools provide the most salient information to date, with links to existing policies, requirements, and materials for further reading. The Foundational Elements can be useful to build understanding and capacity of environmental practitioners that are trying to address GBV through environmental programming. The Foundational Elements is composed of the following tools:
Overview. This tool presents the purpose, audience and content of the Foundational Elements. (عربى) (Français) (Español)
1. Introduction. This tool describes the foundational concepts about GBV, its relevance for development programming, and how to integrate it throughout the USAID program cycle. (عربى) (Français) (Español)
2. Core Principles. This tool introduces the eight core principles grounded in evidence and practice-based knowledge that should guide GBV program design and implementation and that are integrated throughout the Foundational Elements guidance. (عربى) (Français) (Español)
3. Program Elements. Consist of four guidance tools for USAID staff to support implementation of GBV activities in the following areas. (عربى) (Français) (Español)
3.1 Programme Element: Prevention (عربى) (Français) (Español)
3.2 Programme Element: Risk Mitigation (عربى) (Français) (Español)
3.3 Programme Element: Response (عربى) (Français) (Español)
3.4 Programme Element: Enabling Environment (عربى) (Français) (Español)
Additionally, the Program Elements also include 12 sector-specific guidance tools on why and how to integrate GBV into those sectors:
- Agriculture (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- Climate Adaptation and Mitigation (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- Crisis and Conflict (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- Economic Growth and Trade (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- Education (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- Energy and Infrastructure (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- Environment and Natural Resource Management (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- Global Health (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- Land and Property Rights (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- Technology (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- Water Security, Sanitation and Hygiene (English) (عربى) (Français) (Español)
5. Process Elements. This tool describes how USAID and implementing organizations can ensure that internal organizational structure and processes are contributing to ending GBV. It includes program examples of how various institutions have embedded core values and anti-GBV actions in their day-to-day operations. (عربى) (Français) (Español)
Glossary. This tool includes definitions of types of GBV and other relevant key terms. (عربى) (Français) (Español)
The Foundational Elements are also complemented with a series of How to Notes on:
- How to identify and advance equitable social norms (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- How to use USAID’s Interactive Maps on the Prevalence of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- How to implement a survivor-centered approach to GBV programming (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- How to integrate mental health and psychosocial (MHPSS) interventions in gender-based violence (GBV) programs in low-resource settings (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- How to embed self- and collective care within organizations addressing gender-based violence (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- How to use site visits to strengthen gender-based violence interventions (عربى) (Français) (Español)
- How to prevent, mitigate, and respond to gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic
- How to build, strengthen, and maintain gender-based violence referral networks
- How to Use Mission Strategies to Guide GBV Programming
- How to engage locally led organizations in GBV programming
