“Strategic documents” refers to high-level, time-bound documents – at global, regional and country levels – which a) articulate the overall vision and priorities of an entire organization or sector; and b) act as the foundation for programmatic decision-making and investment.
Why is this entry point important?
Strategic documents are intended to inform and guide all other elements of an organization’s work, including workplans, partnerships and human resources. As such, anchoring GBV risk mitigation in this entry point can help mandate action within procedures and ways of working in the organization, as well as planting the seed for anchoring GBV risk mitigation in other entry points. Given the multi-year duration of strategic documents, once GBV risk mitigation is included, it is “there to stay” – at least until the next revision.
Why are they relevant?: Provides a concrete example of how IOM institutionalized their approach to addressing GBV including GBV risk mitigation in a systematic manner.
Why are they relevant?: Summarizes the menu of GBV risk mitigation actions and accompanying indicator that falls under the “Gender Transformative Strategies” component of UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025.
Example 1
IOM’s experience in creating the Institutional Framework for Addressing GBV in Crises
Transforming the way GBV is addressed in IOM crises’ responses
The International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s large-scale operational footprint and presence in remote and often underserved locations, where significant GBV risks persist, was the catalyst for institutional prioritization to better address GBV. IOM has documented this journey within a case study (see resources below) detailing the steps taken to ensure GBV risk mitigation is a core reflex across the breadth of the institution's diverse programming, alongside empowering field staff, technical specialists and senior leadership to take ownership of their respective roles in enhancing the safety and dignity of women and girls through contextualized risk reduction strategies.
A significant milestone in this process was the launch of IOM’s Institutional Framework for addressing Gender-Based Violence in Crises (GBViC Framework) in 2018 as it articulates why and how IOM should tackle GBV in crises and defines IOM’s vision and scope. The GBViC Framework has been supporting IOM staff to implement a series of strategic interventions to effectively mitigate risks of GBV, promote good programming and ensure IOM’s activities “Do No Harm”, from the onset of an emergency through transition and recovery.
Over the past six years, IOM has been institutionalizing and operationalizing its approach to addressing GBV. Significant strides have been made in understanding and strengthening accountability and ownership in their collective responsibilities to protect women and girls from exacerbated risks of GBV. The institution has heavily invested in GBV risk mitigation toolkits and guidance to translate GBV commitments into practical activities. In the case study, IOM shares some of the roadblocks faced in this process, including inadequate funding for risk mitigation, which remains a common challenge across all regions where IOM is operational. Analysis of some of the solutions and ways forward identified, including funding models, are shared alongside a reflection that much is left to do to ensure no risks remain for women and girls affected by crisis.
