Uganda: Access to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Empowerment Services for Survivors of VAW/G in the Context of COVID-19: Post-Lord Resistant Army (LRA) Conflict Survivors and South Sudanese Refugee Populations in Northern Uganda (Uganda)

In Lamwo and Omoro districts in Uganda, violence against women and girls (VAW/G) and shortages of services for survivors have been exacerbated by refugee influxes, the legacy of the conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, THRIVEGulu implemented “Access to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Empowerment Services for Survivors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAW/G) in the Context of COVID-19: Post-Lord Resistant Army (LRA) Conflict Survivors and South Sudanese Refugee Populations in Northern Uganda”, a three-year project funded by the UN Trust Fund. 

The project’s goal was to ensure that women and girls with disabilities, female refugees and survivors of VAW/G who faced increased risks of violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in northern Uganda are protected, empowered and able to access essential services, including mental health and psychosocial support services. Key activities included capacity development for community service providers, volunteers and networks; community outreach and dialogues; and the establishment of Girl Shine groups and empowerment sessions. 

The final evaluation found that the project achieved its goals to a significant extent.

Main findings of the evaluation:

• The project largely achieved its goals, improving access to essential services, including mental health and psychosocial support for 93% of surveyed women and girl survivors. During the project period, adequate care provision rose from 25% to 89%, and access to service information increased from 50% to 95%, according to the surveyed survivors.
• The project significantly empowered communities to address gender inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings include a rise in community participation in gender equality and ending VAW/G activities from 55% to 95%, according to the project participants surveyed, and positive perceptions of gender equality increasing from 52% to 95%. 
• The Girl Shine model was found to be highly effective in boosting the confidence of women and girls to report violence. Findings indicated that girls in the Girl Shine groups gained life skills to handle challenges such as depression, peer relationships, identifying risky situations, managing advances from boys/men, and supporting other girls experiencing violence.