Fond till Kongolesiska kvinnor- arbete mot könsbaserat våld Fund for Congolese womeen- work against gender based violence - Pilot support to National Fund for women's organisations Stöd till kvinnliga kongolesiska gräsrötter Support to women congolese grassroots organisations. This project will contribute to improving knowledge of the legal instruments protecting women and girls, as well as access to legal care for victims, specifically young women who are members of the student community at 10 universities in 10 provinces of the DRC. Using a multi-pronged, human rights approach, this project will result in positive outcomes including over 200 young women students educated on their rights, clearer avenues and access for survivors to medical and social support, mentorship as a more frequent practice, 10 local women's organizations reinforced in their capacities to deliver programs that meet the needs of their communities. Global Objective (How)

This project will contribute to improving knowledge of the legal instruments protecting women and girls, as well as access to legal care for victims, specifically young women who are members of the student community at 10 universities in 10 provinces of the DRC. Using a multi-pronged, human rights approach, this project will result in positive outcomes including over 200 young women students educated on their rights, clearer avenues and access for survivors to medical and social support, mentorship as a more frequent practice, 10 local women's organizations reinforced in their capacities to deliver programs that meet the needs of their communities.

Specific Objective 1

Award of 10 sub-grants to 10 women's organizations to support capacity-building for 100 female students and 100 other members of the university community on forms of sexual violence, related offences and the laws against them.

Theory of change: Financing grassroots organizations and accompanying them technically allows them to improve project management while responding to needs expressed by their communities. Locally-led projects have higher rates of buy-in and are more sustainable. Providing resources to initiate activities determined by local young women and girls, providing training to know their rights, and facilitating access to justice, lead to healing individuals and communities.

Specific Objective 2

Train the trainers: strengthen the capacity of 10 leaders of grantee organizations to become trainers (training of trainers) in the fight against GBV and in advocacy techniques, mediation, and negotiation for peace.

Theory of change: Leaders of grantee organizations are equipped to transmit knowledge and skills to potential actors who join the fight to change negative perceptions of women and girls, and become available resources for the ongoing dissemination of better knowledge of women's/girls' rights in their respective environments, and are more able to protect from, and prevent, future victimizations.

Specific Objective 3

Advocacy missions: influence respect for and application of the provisions of laws and other legal instruments on sexual violence and the promotion of the specific rights of women and girls in university environments in 10 target provinces.