Grant Contract Signing Ceremony for “Promotion of GBV Prevention and Care through Community Empowerment (Phase3)” under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects

On 19^th May 2025, Ambassador Takeuchi Kazuyuki and Ms. Nishimura Kaoru of the Japanese Organisation for International Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP) signed the Grant Contract amounting up to 450,934 US dollars for the project “Promotion of GBV Prevention and Care through Community Empowerment (Phase3)”, which is funded under the “Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects”.
 
This three-year project aims to contribute to the prevention of GBV, relief for women survivors and support for their self-reliance by implementing activities such as education on gender equality for local residents, construction of shelters for women survivors of GBV and strengthening of support systems through vocational training in Kapiri Mposhi District, Central Province.
 
In Zambia, 36% of women aged 15 to 49, and 47% of married women, have experienced sexual or emotional violence from their spouses or partners, causing a serious social issue. Gender equality is recognised globally under Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and, as is also a priority in Zambia’s National Gender Policy.
 
In the first and second years of the project, JOICFP constructed a Women’s Centre in Luansimba area of the district, providing counselling and health services for GBV survivors. In Mutaba area, a One-Stop Centre for the protection and shelter of GBV survivors was also established. Awareness-raising activities on gender equality and GBV were conducted within the local community, leading to improved access to support services. Community members expressed their appreciation, and traditional leaders joined the initiative by offering them temporary shelter and other forms of support, demonstrating the project’s steadily expanding impact.
 In this third and final year of the project, JOICEP plans to construct a safe space in Lukomba area  to provide shelter and protection for survivors of GBV, promote male engagement in the community-based awareness activities. In addition, a sustainability plan will be developed to support the continuation of the project by the Zambian authorities and ensure the long-term impact of its outcomes.
 
The Government of Japan putgender equality as one of the key areas of assistance and remains committed to continuing support in this field.