PROJECTS: Support

365 DAYS OF LOCAL ACTION TO END VIOLENCE AND EMPOWER WOMEN

COUNTRY: LESOTHO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND GENDER JUSTICE SUMMIT AND AWARDS DATE:23RD APRIL,2012 VENUE:KOPANONG

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HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT IDENTIFYING THIS PROBLEM?

GBV and children with disabilities are not taken seriously such that their cases are pending in the courts of law. Their independence is questioned in all spheres of life. They cannot even account for their own stories because they are denied their right to do so. There are no reporting mechanisms conducive for people of this nature from the police to the judges.

PROJECTS: Support

IS THIS ISSUE IMPORTANT?

PROJECTS: SUB CATEGORY

It is because there are different degrees of mental retardation from moderate to profound. Those that are moderate are able to relate every thing but needs assistance here and there. For justice to be served, we found it fitting for them to be given a chance to relate and express themselves on issues that concern them as people with mental disabilities.

HOW ARE YOU GOING ABOUT ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM?

PROJECTS: Support

We are lobbying parents, NGOs, Parliamentarians, teachers etc for support in advocating for change in the judicial system and the police to accommodate people with mental disabilities in the quest for justice. We intend to have forums to debate and finally come up with laws that support children with mental disabilities and their rights.

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WHAT IS THE TIME-FRAME FOR THE PROJECT?

PROJECTS: Support

The project will run for two years and beyond, with the hope that we would have paved a way forward for them (Children) to be able to comprehend how to protect themselves against GBV perpetrators, and know what they are faced with and how to respond to GBV. It is a lifetime as more children with mental disability are bound to be born due to various causes.

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WHO IS THE KEY TARGET? WHO IS INVOLVED? ARE WOMEN AND MEN EQUALLY INVOLVED?
Girls and Boys with mental disabilities

PROJECTS: Support

PARTNERSHIPS FORMED THROUGH THE PROJECT

PROJECTS: Support

All stakeholders: LNFOD, WLSA, Gender Links Lesotho etc.

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RESOURCEFULNESS: WHAT FINANCIAL, HUMAN AND OTHER RESOURCES WERE MOBILISED?

We are currently financing ourselves as many private companies declined due to financial constraints. There are two of us and work with our partners.

PROJECTS: Support

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CREATIVITY: ARE YOU USING ARTS, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SOCIAL MEDIA TO POPULARISE THE ISSUES?
We are using different forms of media to mobilize and popularize this issue. Some parliamentarians are also members of the disability coalition group but do not understand fully what we are advocating for.

PROJECTS: Support

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MONITORING AND EVALUATION

PROJECTS: Support

We have devised a monitoring and evaluation programme. We visit the beneficiaries once every month and them assessment (occupational and other wise), unless there are pressing issues to be addressed. We right reports and evaluate progress, even suggesting what next to be done.

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WHAT RESULTS HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED?

PROJECTS: Support

We have achieved a lot and good results are yielding. The mentally disable and parents are now able to report GBV cases and we make follow-ups. Some lawyers are even reviewing the way the handle these cases. Police structures and courts are also trying to have conducive environments that will be friendly to the mentally disabled.

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IMPACT (BASED ON THE SADC PROTOCOL TARGETS)

PROJECTS: Support

Constitutional and legal rights. Article 4-11

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SUSTAINABILITY AND REPLICATION

Yes it is sustainable and can be replicated by others given the situation in Lesotho, where children and people with mental disabilities are vulnerable and taken advantage of. They are exploited, ill treated and are prone GBV.

PROJECTS: Support

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LESSONS LEARNED

PROJECTS: Support

That the mentally disabled are abandoned and there are no specific laws that protect and regulate the lives of people with mental disabilities. We are all owls.

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PROJECTS: Support

ANY QUESTIONS?

Renemo Creations THANK YOU.