Final Evaluation: Strengthening local community support mechanisms for indigenous women and girls in the hinterland of Suriname (Suriname)

Location: Suriname

Grantee partner: Stichting Projekta

Grant period: January 2021 - November 2024

Grant amount: $360,883

Authors/editors: Ms. Natasha Soekra, Ms. Jennifer Olivieira and, Mr. Romano Jalimsingh (Night Owl Projects)

Publication year: 2025

Stichting Projekta with the UN Trust Fund to End Violene against Women implemented a three-year initiative from 2021 to 2024 to address the limited access to services and the prevention of violence against indigenous women and girls in Suriname. The main objectives were to enhance the access of indigenous women and girls to essential, safe and adequate multi-sectoral services, promote positive changes in behavior, practices and attitudes to prevent violence, and strengthen systems, protocols and databases for responsible and accurate case management of domestic violence and child abuse.

Key findings

• 92 community workers and 19 regional trainers were trained to provide basic counseling and referral services to indigenous women and girls, with 80% reporting satisfaction with the training in interviews. Participants received essential tools — including resource materials in native languages, internet access, and tablets — to effectively support their communities.
• A culturally and contextually appropriate case registration and management system was developed and piloted in 15 communities across 6 regions. Although no cases had been registered at the time of evaluation, the system and its protocols are in place and accessible in local languages, laying the groundwork for future use when victims are ready to come forward.
• While 96% of intended outcomes were achieved, 93% of surveyed participants expressed a desire for more information and education on domestic violence, indicating a commitment to improving community-level decision-making and early detection and response to domestic violence.

The final evaluation concluded that the initiative successfully strengthened community support mechanisms and empowered local actors to assist women and girls affected by domestic violence. However, continued engagement is essential to reinforce information dissemination and ensure lasting impact across the broader communities.