Implementation
The planning and implementation of BWC will occur in collaboration between OPPF Headquarters New York, OPPF Kenya and OPPF Sweden. OPPF Kenya with in-country staff being the essential component, providing necessary local expertise and knowledge.
To reach optimal outcome and ensure sustainability of the BWC, participation by key stakeholders in all stages of the project cycle is essential to enable and build shared ownership and consensus of a project’s goal. The approach must clarify the political and socio-economic environment and the assumptions on which the project is based, as well as the project purpose (objectives).
The project will be planned and implemented in close collaboration and consultation with local governments, communities and civil society organisations and women’s initiatives. The involvement of stakeholders, particularly women, is essential in all phases of the project and in particular in the identification of goals and activities. OPPF is committed to the principle of participation, believing that stakeholders who benefit from the project should be consulted over decisions which affect their lives.
Active local community networks will meet regularly and conduct periodical needs assessments and review, monitor, and observe emerging issues and needs. Members of local committees and community-based institutions are equipped and empowered to lead and manage the empowerment / development process in their communities. OPPF will partner with local organisation and women initiatives to enhance women’s role in society.
Consultations and collaboration with governments, regional and local organizations, international and non-governmental organizations and local and national networks and mechanisms are encouraged throughout the project planning and implementation process.
The project will focus on different levels of action, including but not limited to service delivery, outreach and awareness-raising, capacity development, partnership building, advocacy, and accountability/monitoring mechanisms. Realistic and workable strategies at the grassroots level demonstrated to increase women’s empowerment, dedicated to advancing women’s rights and achieving gender equality will be used.
A Project Cycle Management Manual will ensure that project preparation and management are streamlined and follow a standardised format. This way, the project will be more predictable for donors, recipients, programme officers and management alike.
Project identification will be done through field missions to thoroughly understand the issues to be addressed. Previous efforts are to be explored, stakeholders identified as partners in the project identification, design and implementation. Already in place women shelters, orphanages, health clinics etc will be visited. Through this process, issues, problems and objectives are to be clearly identified providing a framework for project design.
Monitoring and review will be utilized as a management tool to ensure that the project is on track to meet its objectives and to ensure success. All phases in the project cycle will be guided by relevant UN Conventions, instruments that provide an international and regional legal framework for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
In the construction of the BWC, (environmental) sustainability, local capacity building and the supporting of local enterprises are key. The BWC will be constructed using local and available resources and material. Local labour will be employed to the extent possible.
In terms of maintenance of the Centre, staff will be recruited locally and when necessary, provided with sufficient training.