PSEA and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Mitigation and Referral Training

Project Title Provision of Life-Saving, Community-Based Preventive Nutrition Assistance to Vulnerable Populations in Hard-to-Reach Areas of Beletweyne District

Training Title Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Mitigation and Referral Training Integrated into IMAM

Implementing Organization Somali Helping Hands Association (SOHHA)

Donor Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF)

Training Location Beletweyne District, Hiraan Region, Somalia

Training Dates 14 September 2025

Participants

A total of 24 participants, comprising:

12 Male participants
12 Female participants
Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Counsellors

1. Background and Rationale

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) remain critical risks in humanitarian settings, particularly for women, girls, and other vulnerable populations. Frontline nutrition workers are often the first point of contact with affected communities, making it essential that they understand how to prevent harm, mitigate risks, and safely refer survivors to appropriate services.

In line with humanitarian principles and safeguarding commitments, SOHHA integrated comprehensive PSEA and GBV mitigation and referral training into the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) curriculum. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of Community Health Workers and IYCF counsellors to recognize GBV risks, apply mitigation measures in nutrition programming, and safely refer survivors using established referral pathways in Beletweyne District.

2. Training Objectives

2.1 Overall Objective

To strengthen the capacity of frontline nutrition workers to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse, mitigate GBV risks, and safely refer GBV survivors within IMAM and community-based nutrition services.

2.2 Specific Objectives

To increase understanding of PSEA and GBV concepts in humanitarian contexts
To familiarize participants with humanitarian codes of conduct and zero-tolerance policies on SEA
To enhance knowledge of GBV risk mitigation measures in nutrition programming
To strengthen capacity to identify GBV risks and respond appropriately and ethically
To improve understanding of safe, confidential, and survivor-centered referral mechanisms

3. Training Content

The training covered the following key topics:

Introduction to PSEA and GBV in humanitarian contexts
Definitions, types, and forms of GBV and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
Humanitarian principles, codes of conduct, and zero-tolerance policies
Power dynamics and risk factors contributing to SEA and GBV
GBV risk mitigation strategies in IMAM and nutrition service delivery
Safe and ethical engagement with survivors
Confidentiality, informed consent, and data protection
GBV referral pathways and coordination mechanisms
Roles and responsibilities of CHWs and IYCF counsellors in PSEA and GBV prevention
Do-No-Harm and survivor-centered approaches

4. Training Methodology

The training employed participatory and adult-learning methodologies to ensure practical understanding and application. These included:

Facilitated presentations
Group discussions and guided reflections
Case studies and scenario-based learning
Role plays on risk identification and referral
Question-and-answer sessions

These approaches enhanced participant engagement and strengthened practical skills.

5. Participants

A total of 24 participants attended the training, including:

12 Male and 12 Female CHWs and IYCF Counsellors

Participants were selected from SOHHA-supported nutrition and outreach sites to ensure immediate application of PSEA and GBV mitigation practices within IMAM activities.

6. Key Achievements

Improved understanding of PSEA and GBV concepts among participants
Increased awareness of zero-tolerance policies and codes of conduct
Strengthened capacity to identify and mitigate GBV risks in nutrition settings
Enhanced knowledge of safe, confidential referral pathways
Reinforced commitment to ethical, respectful, and survivor-centered service delivery

7. Challenges

Sensitivity of GBV and SEA topics requiring careful facilitation
Limited prior exposure of some participants to formal GBV frameworks

These challenges were addressed through supportive discussions, practical examples, and emphasis on confidentiality and survivor-centered approaches.

8. Conclusion

The PSEA and GBV Mitigation and Referral training successfully strengthened the capacity of Community Health Workers and IYCF counsellors to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse, mitigate GBV risks, and respond appropriately to GBV cases within IMAM service delivery. By integrating PSEA and GBV considerations into nutrition programming, SOHHA has reinforced its commitment to safe, ethical, and accountable humanitarian assistance in Beletweyne District.

9. Recommendations