Overview
The Centre for Gender, Women and Children in Sustainable Development (CGWCSD) conducted a comprehensive gender assessment of USAID-funded Gender-Based Violence (GBV) projects across Nigeria. The assessment examined the extent to which gender equality, social inclusion, and GBV-responsive approaches were integrated into health and community-based interventions, including HIV, tuberculosis, maternal health, and other development programmes.
The project aimed to strengthen gender-responsive programming by identifying gaps, documenting good practices, and generating evidence-based recommendations to improve the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of services for vulnerable populations.
Our Approach
CGWCSD adopted a mixed-methods approach that combined gender audits, policy reviews, facility assessments, surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews across programme locations.
The assessment focused on organisational policies, service delivery systems, referral mechanisms, survivor support services, and institutional capacity to mainstream gender and social inclusion. Key activities included:
- Conducting gender audits of implementing partner organisations and project sites.
- Assessing GBV response services, referral pathways, and survivor support mechanisms.
- Evaluating mental health and psychosocial support services.
- Reviewing gender policies, protocols, and mainstreaming practices.
- Engaging programme managers, service providers, beneficiaries, and community stakeholders.
- Developing recommendations and action plans for programme improvement.
Key Outcomes
The assessment identified notable progress in the integration of gender considerations within USAID-supported programmes. Many implementing partners demonstrated a strong commitment to gender equality, inclusive service delivery, and survivor-centred approaches.
At the same time, the assessment highlighted opportunities for improvement in areas such as policy implementation, leadership representation, staff capacity, gender-responsive budgeting, monitoring systems, documentation, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and the availability of comprehensive GBV services. Challenges were also identified within referral systems, legal support services, and mental health care provision for survivors.
Impact
The findings generated critical evidence for strengthening gender-responsive programming across USAID-funded interventions in Nigeria. The recommendations supported implementing partners in enhancing organisational policies, improving staff competencies, strengthening survivor-centred services, and promoting greater inclusion of women, girls, persons with disabilities, and key populations.
The project contributed to broader efforts to strengthen GBV prevention and response systems, improve service quality, and advance equitable access to health and social services for vulnerable populations.
Project Coverage
Location: Nigeria
The assessment covered USAID-supported interventions across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with detailed field assessments conducted in selected states including Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Kano, Lagos, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, and the FCT.
Partners
- Heartland Alliance Limited by Guarantee (HALG)
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
- USAID Implementing Partners
- Government Health Institutions