NGO Project Summaries - Serbia
 

Novi Sad Humanitarian Centre NSHC Background: This project is implemented by the Novi Sad Humanitarian Center (NSHC). Since 2004 NSHC has been implementing projects on HIV/AIDS prevention among marginalised and socially endangered groups like Roma, refugees and domicile population residing in remote places and isolated settlements. The purpose of this project was to facilitate the gender transformation process in Roma communities through learning from peers about the successes and barriers in building HIV resilience in three municipalities in Vojvodina (Novi Sad, Backi Monostor and Beocin), Serbia. This will be achieved through discussion fora - these discussions are part of a broader community conversation process started earlier, after a participatory research on gender construct in Roma communities, aiming at reducing HIV vulnerability among this population. Project Title:  “We are Equal” – Initiative for gender transformation to build HIV resilience Duration: 15 September 2009 - 31 March 2010 Target group: Direct project beneficiaires were: 180 Roma females and males of different age groups in Novi Sad, Backi Monostor and Beocin Indirect project beneficiaires were: 6,000 Roma that live in Novi Sad (Klisa Roma settlement), Backi Monostor and Beocin Budget: 11,415 Euro (Co-financing amount NSHC 4,115 Euro FPH additional technical contribution: Provide in-kind technical advisory service to guide the methodology, process and analysis Baseline information: With the intention of exploring how the perception of gender roles in the Roma community changes, the Novi Sad Humanitarian Centre (NSHC) conducted several group discussions in three municipalities. The aim of these discussions was to raise awareness about gender roles and to promote reproductive health, with a special focus on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.  The discussions were also a way of providing feedback on the process of gender transformation and the role of Roma communities in that process.  From these discussions the participants:         learnt from self-appraisal - guiding them to identify for themselves on perception of gender roles among Roma population through analysis of factors contributing to successful and failed members of their communities to draw lessons and formulate forward actions           participated in Role Play based on a particular topic (businessmen, folk singer, politician, single mom, policemen, company director, housewife, soldier, sex worker with HIV, woman in the village, etc.). Participants discussed their own roles in society, gender and HIV stereotypes that exist, how they felt while playing the roles, and what lessons they had learned from the exercise – especially related to life stories and ways of behaviors which are not desirable.  Other group techniques such as “Life Stories”, and “The Problem Tree”  were used to elicit more meaningful discussions and thoughtful contributions - for report on Interventions in the Roma Community click here           positive forward actions could build resilience and reduce HIV vulnerabilities as part of the gender transformation process of the community resulting in the fulfilment of one’s potential and influence on one’s behaviour that may have consequence on one’s reproductive health           for the elder’s group, we asked them what their roles could be to facilitate their youngsters towards resilience and reducing vulnerabilities. Outcomes: Conducted 21 discussions, 7 per target area - reaching 222 Roma of different age o        youths under 25 years o        participants between 26 and 50 o        and those above the age of 50.  o        130 women and 92 men; a group had 12 people on average participating An equal number of men and women organised separately. The division into female and male groups was done because Roma women tend not to express themselves in the presence of men.  The classification into age-specific groupings was because older participants may not want to be open in the presence of youth, and the latter often show signs of shyness when older people are present. At the end of project, we encouraged self reflection of the original group specifically relating to the actions they proposed for themselves as individuals or as groups since their workshop. Activities were evaluated using evaluation questionnaires and group discussions. Additional Outcomes: -         Posters and T-shirts designed based on results of community conversations, produced and distributed to all discussion fora participants to motivate and stimulate discussion and actions on the topic ‘’we are equal’’ -         A final report prepared and submitted. The report contains beneficiaries’ feedback and reflections. It will be prepared in Serbian and English languages and 500 copies printed Conclusion Poverty and lack of resources are the dominating topics in the discussions with Roma men and women.  Less capability, or willingness, was shown in solving a problem caused by another individual or the community itself.   Many have difficulties understanding relating cause and effect of traditional behavior patterns.  The readiness to change such patterns is expressed only on topics that are close to the individual, such as improving one’s life condition or employment. When intervening within the Roma community, it is important to consider gender differences and plan action steps with regard to the specific need that both men and women have. The group work method, which instigates conversations with full freedom of speech and opinion, has shown to be an excellent way of expression and it was well accepted by both male and female participants. Roma people gladly talk about the topics that interest them, and it has a positive effect on them that they can talk about problems, that they have someone who listens to them, and that they can receive useful information.  This interest was clearly exhibited through their active involvement in the Life Stories, the Problem Tree and the Role Play, where topics were close to each person’s heart.

Association Against AIDS – JAZAS TWC Project: Together We Can Background: JAZAS (Yugoslav* association against AIDS) is a non-governmental organization founded in 1991 as the first NGO active in AIDS prevention in former Yugoslavia. The current organization exists of an executive board of 23 persons - all volunteers, 16 part time outreach workers, 4 part time medical doctors for the mobile medical unit, an outreach coordinator, a management assistant, and two project supervisors. During the POP project, 2004-2007, JAZAS has proven to be a highly appreciated partner with tons of expertise, energy and knowledge. Until now, the mobile medical unit provided around 250 medical supports and services among sex workers on the field. The outreach teams, six pairs, go out twice a week to various hot spots in the city and have gained trust within the community of sex workers. In 2006 the development of STI guidelines for sex workers has been completed by JAZAS and is now a part of the national STI/HIV guidelines. The National Aids commission has taken over the advice of JAZAS to implement these guidelines aimed at sex workers in the National guidelines. This can be seen as a large step forwards. Being members of the international Civil Society Forum has made JAZAS an excellent partner in an international setting. JAZAS, in partnership with UNICEF, started in February 2007 - finished in June 2007, with a RAR project – rapid assessment and response on HIV/AIDS among most-at-risk male and female adolescents (MARA) in Serbia: children living and/or working on the street including children in orphanages and juvenile detention centers who are selling sex or use psychoactive substances. * During 2004 JAZAS removed designation “Yugoslav” from official organizational name Project title: TWC project – Together We Can Duration: 11th February 2008 - 3rd March 2009 Target group: CSW – Commercial Sex Workers Budget: € 10,900 FPH contribution € 4,700 JAZAS € 14,700 total Baseline information: Sex work in Serbia is against the law; it is illegal, giving it the whole range of additional characteristics. One of those is that there is not a single organization, no association or any other form of gathering the sex workers in our region. Beside the strong stigma and discrimination, the sex workers are in constant danger from repressive acts by the police, which largely defines the range of their forms of appearance, as well as their ways of operating. Even though they share so many common problems and needs, the sex workers are not a homogenous group. There are numerous differences among them, but the most conspicuous are related to: - Work post (street and “indoor” – rough classification) - Sex differences (female, male, transgender) - Age (adult, juvenile – in itself a particular legal problem) “Work post” is at the same time denomination of status – so that it is common knowledge that those persons who work the streets are of the lowest educational grade, they are the most deprived economically, and they are most vulnerable to all kinds of violence, as well as to the risk of HIV, STDs, and of other health problems. Organizing a group – self-support group – could be the solution to the problem. In a support group, members provide each other with various types of nonprofessional, nonmaterial help for a particular shared burdensome characteristic. The help may take the form of providing relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to others' experiences, providing sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks. A support group may also provide ancillary support, such as serving as a voice for the public or engaging in advocacy. A self- support group can bi fully organized and managed by its members, and this is Member-Run self support group - member run and "owned". Such a kind of organization provides a sense of belonging and reflecting members’ felt needs. Professionals are involved but they serve in ancillary supportive roles, i.e., they are "on tap, not on top". The basis for self-help is often self-reliance, publicly available information, or support groups where people with similar problems join together. Potential benefits of self help groups are that professionals may not be able to provide other things that are needed including friendship, emotional support, experiential knowledge, identity, meaningful roles, and a sense of belonging. Self-help in this context is often really peer-to-peer support, which is a very important for sex workers. Results: The aim of this project was: to motivate sex workers to get engaged in self-support groups, to assess the degree of their understanding of the problem and their interest in it, to empower the sex workers for self-organizing and self-help, to empower a smaller group of sex workers to take over the management, to start one group in order to demonstrate benefits and opportunities thereof, to heighten understanding of the problem among the stakeholders. Establishment of such a group and its enlargement into an NGO, which will enable the sex workers, on the one hand, to join with other associations of vulnerable groups (MSM, PLWH, IVD) and thus build up their own self-confidence, and it will be a contribution to the development of a civil society, on the other – the one that recognizes the rights of the formerly marginalized ones. The creation of a self-support group of sex workers will represent a pressure group in: - Promoting their own rights, particularly related to health care - Struggling against all forms of violence whose daily victims they are - Activities in the field of legal changes The group will act as an organized form for self-help to their colleagues, disregarding their membership with the group. Goals achieved: • Distribution of 100 leaflets, developed during the previous implementing period • Education of relevant professionals in order to achieve supportive local community for CSW: Police officers training Health    and social workers training • Facilitation of establishing the self support group • Development of peer educator guide • Selection of peer educators – first group training • Launching of self support group • Opening of the Educational Centre

Psycho-social support to imprisoned women Background: This project was to provide support to imprisoned women before, during and after incarceration. Following assessments and interviews conducted by The Counselling Centre Against Family Violence with imprisoned women and key informants, to identify the needs of these imprisoned women, the project addressed the women’s needs for psycho-social, legal and support through two phases: • In prison: Women were provided with psycho-social and legal support. They are assisted in maintaining ties with their children and families to the extent possible • Post prison discharge in transition: Women post-prison in need of transitional placement are given the option of staying in a shelter of the Centre where they can participate in counselling, receive legal advice and reproductive health care and benefit from vocational training The project was implemented by The Counselling Centre Against Family Violence (who have worked in the area for years to protect victimised women) in partnership with Partnerstvo za zdravlje, Serbia and the Prozarevac Prison Authority. This project site was the only female prison in the Republic of Serbia located in Pozarevac and post-prison discharge intervention will be at the Centre. The project was important because it was the first such intervention in Prozarevac Prison hence it will also serve as a pilot model for future consideration of expansion. Though the GFATM Round VI grant is currently providing HIV prevention in prisons in Serbia unfortunately, this women’s prison was not part of the GFATM support. Duration: 15.01.09 - 14.07.09 Target groups: The name of our project was “Psycho-social support to imprisoned women”. The target groups were women prisoners in Prozarevac Prison, women prisoners at the point of discharge and staff of the prison Budget: 5,400 euro Foundation Partnerships in Health 1,000 euro Centre 6,400 Total Baseline information: Women in Serbia convicted for violent crimes have often carried out those crimes as a last resort to defend themselves or their children from long-term abuse. The entrenched inequalities of the Serbian justice system together with lack of access and ability to pay for legal counsel increases their potential prison sentence. As a result of their crime, they become marginalised women in the society. Since they are seen as criminals they encounter obstacles for re-integration into society after they are discharged from prison. Often their ties with their children, family and friends get broken. The women also experience barriers to re-employment and access to social and health services. Currently there are 200 imprisoned women and the project intends to address the whole total. Key project activities: Non violent and anti stress work shops for the imprisoned women and prison staff Psychosocial support to women both in prison and upon discharge Support in re-establishing links with family and psycho-social support to children  Self- injury study Within the premises of the Safe houses provide necessary support in accommodation, food and medical care after the prison discharge Legal assistance and consultation for women on their rights and coordination with Republic Committee for Amnesty Project results are: For the imprisoned women improvement in the following areas: knowledge of their legal rights, self-esteem and maintaining family ties For prison staff: skills about non violent behaviour towards prisoners For discharged women prisoners: Provision of temporary shelter, if needed, informed about their rights and increased public awareness and advocacy of gender inequities in the Serbian Justice system The lawyer established contact with 20 imprisoned women to provide legal support for them. There were many, varied questions asked about the women’s personal circumstances and their legal rights. They were also interested about their right to health insurances when they go home. Some of them were interested in making some legal document that would help them to have control over their property while they are in prison. 6 workshops covered 87 prisoners Training on non-violence for 37 prison wardens Self-injury study concluded 7 cases referred for legal counsel 23 cases referred for review of linkage with children

Youth of JAZAS Background: Youth of JAZAS was founded in 1994, a time when public word about the problem of HIV in the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia did not exist, and the status of PLHIV (People living with HIV and AIDS) was way below satisfactory. But gradually, through its diligent public and open work, Youth of JAZAS has managed to positively change this image. At the beginning the fight against discrimination on HIV was not considered to be a priority and thus there was no institutional support from any local body or the government. However, in just one year of operation, five ministries started supporting the work as well as setting aside the financial assets needed for the realisation of projects and activities. From 1994 to 1997 with the insightful work of Youth of JAZAS and initiatives from local communities, eight regional offices were formed which later on grew into 11 independent legal entities.  This makes Youth of JAZAS one of the rare NGOs for youth problems implementing its activities in this region. In addition Youth of JAZAS is one of the initiators, and the first representative of the NGO sector in the National AIDS Commission formed by the government of Republic of Serbia. Project title: Local and National Advocacy as a Tool for Fighting against Discrimination of PLHIV Duration: Beginning February 23rd 2008, 12 months plus no cost extension to June 2009 Target group: 1.       People living with HIV 2.       Parliamentarians of the National Assembly 3.       The participants of the seminar and members of the local teams for diminishing discrimination Budget: 20,000 euro Foundation Partnerships in Health 8,400 euro European Commission 28,400 euro total Baseline information: PLHIV population in Serbia is socially marginalised, not organised and is not socially visible and as such, PLHIV civil and human rights are being violated continuously. The Serbian judiciary system has no ANTI discrimination law and there is no public awareness regarding the need to integrate PLHIV into normal social flows and the need to recognise PLHIV population as a special vulnerable social group. Furthermore, the community of PLHIV until now did not manage to be significantly involved in society and in efforts for improvement of their social status. Though officially, some organisations that involve PLHIV in their work do exist, these are scattered efforts which cover only a small number of PLHIV. Results: The main aim of the project was an improvement of social position of PLHIV in Serbia and creating permanent mechanisms for protection of their basic human and civil rights. Cooperation and coordination of joint activities of regional network of Youth of JAZAS and local teams to fight against PLHIV discrimination and Parliamentary group for HIV aiming to improve social position of PLHIV and enabling creation of their human and civic rights. Youth of Jazas goals achieved: ·         Six advocacy seminars were organized in six towns in Serbia: Belgrade, Nis, Kragujevac, Vranje, Novi Sad and Valjevo ·         Development and implementation of actions plans for the local teams in six towns in Serbia ·         Formation of Parliamentary Group on HIV/AIDS with great perspective for future work ·         A seminar on the theme “Human rights and public health” was organized in six towns in Serbia, this was an opportunity for all participants to learn about their future activities as members of parliamentary group on HIV/AIDS ·         A seminar on the theme “Improvement of social position of PLHIV” was organized in October, where all members of Parliamentary group were present. (The main goal of this seminar was showing direction of future work to all participants in order to improve life of PLHIV. Also this seminar showed the MPs how important their role was in all these activities, and all MPs showed great initiative and concern. Similar seminar will be organized in December) ·         A meeting for MPs was organized in December with the aim to discuss the draft law against discrimination of PLHIV ·         Meeting of Youth of Jazas representatives and Parliamentarian group to give Parlimentarians concrete suggestions for improving the draft law against discrimination of PLHIV Several meetings with local NGOs and PLHIV representatives were held. The topics of these meetings were position of PLHIV in Serbia, Discrimination they are facing with every day, Draft of law on discrimination. ·         Youth of Jazas contributed to the changes of the Law against discrimination of PLHIV ·         Youth of Jazas’ suggestion was accepted by Liberal Democratic Party who proposed it to  Parliament and it was subsequently accepted.  This relates to the rights and discrimination of children whose parents are HIV +, and HIV status of children and their rights ·         One day training for Parliamentarian group was held which was the opportunity for parliamentarians to talk with PLHIV representative and to hear about all negative details and circumstances that PLHIV are faced with every day ·         Local project coordinators organized Press conferences in 5 cities in Serbia in order to present the project accomplishments

Novi Sad Humanitarian Centre NSHC Background: Since 2004, NSHC has been implementing  projects on HIV/AIDS prevention among marginalized and socially endangered groups like Roma, refugees and domicile population residing in remote places and isolated settlements. NSHC holds a rich experience in field-work with these groups, especially, in the domain of social and educational support, gaining  trust of beneficiaries and significant experience in field-work organization. NSHC is also experienced in education of educators in domain of HIV/AIDS, development  of educational materials on HIV/AIDS to the specific needs of Roma population (for example, educational skills for illiterate persons), education of Roma peer educators, preparation of manuals for peer educators work, design and distribution of leaflets, posters, postcards and similar informational material on HIV/AIDS in Serbian, Roma, Romanian and Hungarian language, as well as organization and management of workshops, focus groups and educational meetings in Roma communities. Project title: Roma community dialogue on gender & HIV vulnerability reduction Duration: September 15th 2008 - September 14th 2009 Target groups: Roma adolescents girls, women, elderly women, adolescent boys, men and elderly men; representatives of local authorities, social, educational and other relevant institutions, non-governmental organizations and media   Budget: FPH contribution: EUR 10.000 Co financing contribution: EUR 8.520 Baseline information: Roma society assigned gender roles in social, economic, and power relations between women and men, among men, and among women influence their respective HIV vulnerabilities.  Some of the main gender-related factors that influence Roma populations’ HIV vulnerability are as follows: Societal norms of masculinity and femininity in Roma community, which determine the pattern of women's and men's roles and relationships which can put both men and women at risk of HIV infection; Lack of education, high rates of school drop-out  and social exclusion keep many Roma, both boys and girls, uninformed about HIV related risks, Economic dependency of Roma women makes them vulnerable to HIV as they may exchange sex for money or favors, making them weak in negotiating for  safer sex and reluctant to separate from an abusive relationship; Frequent domestic violence and violence against women. Transforming these types of gender relations which render both men and women vulnerable to HIV infection in Roma population is possible.  However, before individuals and communities reduce their risk and vulnerability to HIV, they must understand the relation between their socially prescribed gender roles and their influence on individual men and women’s HIV vulnerabilities. A supportive environment for safe behaviours of men and women requires encouragement and regular reinforcement. This Project was seeking to encourage regular community conversation or dialogue to transform specific gender relations in order to reduce HIV vulnerability.  The process engaged Roma and non-Roma community members to actively participate in a process of critical reflection and analysis about gender and HIV vulnerability in Roma communities. Results: The Project aim was to support community conversation or dialogue in order to reduce HIV vulnerability through gender transformation among Roma population in Vojvodina, Serbia. This is possible when the following occurs: Roma community as a group, reflect on the positive and negative implications on HIV vulnerabilities associated with community assigned male and female roles and relationships.  The community decides to begin a process of transforming gender roles that negatively influence a community member’s HIV vulnerability while strengthening and promoting gender roles that could positively contribute to building the community’s HIV resilience. In order to start the process, this innovative Project initiated a series of conversations in a Roma community involving Roma and non-Roma by different age groups to stimulate critical reflection and analysis about the influence of gender roles and responsibilities on the community’s HIV vulnerability or resilience. Project goals: Establish cooperation with field associates Develop an action plan within each target municipality, including the preliminary and actual agenda for cross groups and discussion fora Prepare activities and agreements for organizing two cross group discussion fora in two locations Develop the draft for BCC material Nine cross group conversations were realized in three locations (Beocin, Backi Monostor and Novi Sad. Cross group conversation participants were young, middle aged and Old Roma. The basic topics of these conversations were gender related issues in Roma community and gender related HIV vulnerability. Different groups of people from different towns gave different answers: Young Roma: Beocin- There were 11 young Roma participants in Beočin (5 men and 6 women). Average age was 18.5. Participants are very informed on the HIV and gender roles. Some of them were peer educators for HIV prevention. They talked openly and freely about the pressure that their community and culture put on them. They talked about the behaviours that are expected from them, about the ‘’myth’’ of virginity that is common in Roma – Muslim families. Also, they talked freely about their attitudes towards choosing the partners, adequate age for getting married, and quality of the relationship that is expected. Backi monostor- Young Roma people in Backi Monostor had more conservative attitudes than their peers from Novi Sad. Novi Sad - The young Roma from Novi Sad stated more open minded attitudes and they were more informed and ready to adapt to new living circumstances (“if my wife finds a job I will stay at home and take care for children”.) Middle Age Roma: There were 12 middle age participants in Beočin (6 men and 6 women) and 12 of them in Bački Monoštor (7 women and 5 men).  Average age participants was 40.7. Participants were very interested in the subject for discussion and very motivated. They expressed their opinions very openly. When we compare this group with other groups, they are the most informed, the most tolerant and the most open for cooperation - that kind of opened mindedness is not usual among non-Roma population. Novi Sad - On cross group discussion fora with middle age Roma were 13 participants (9 woman and 4 men). Average age was 42.8. When we compare this group with their peers from Beočin and Bački Monoštor, participants from Novi Sad are the least informed. They have heard of HIV, but do not know what it is, or how it is transmitted. They were the least open for the discussion, unaware of the gender, gender roles and etc Old Roma Novi Sad - Cross group discussion fora with 11 old Roma people (7 women and 4 men). Average age is 65.6.  Old Roma are very well informed, they talk freely, but the focus of their talk often moves to their daily problems and hard life. Everyone was very surprised when one old Roma Man put the condom out of his pocket and showed it to everyone to let them see how the condom actually looks.  Comparing to middle age participants from Novi Sad, old Roma from Novi Sad talk more freely about sexuality, more clearly see their roles and feel responsible for educating the younger generations. Beocin and Backi Monostor - Two cross group discussion fora were held with elderly Roma people. There were 12 participants in Beočin (6 male and 6 female) and 13 in Bački Monoštor (6 male and 7 female).  Average age of participants was 67,9.   Participants were very interested in the subject for discussion. They talked about their own experiences related to sexually transmitted infections, promiscuity, relations among genders now and in their youth. Also, they emphasized how much relations among spouses in third age are more important and that in that age the respect between partners is bigger. They all agreed that the subject was very important and they were pleased that they had an opportunity to be a part of it. Three discussion fora were conducted, two in Beocin and one in Backi Monostor. Roma people of different ages, representatives of local authorities, social, educational and other relevant institutions, non-governmental organizations, Roma representatives and local media, all discussed gender related issues: First discussion fora in Beocin: There were 34 Roma participants (13 men and 21 women). Average age 34. The most male participants were very active in discussion, and just a few female participants were active. The most interesting issue of the discussion was the right time for youth to get married. The participants had different opinions and everyone insisted that his opinion was the right one. Participants emphasized their experiences as the vital argument for the discussion. Also, the intensity of discussion was higher on the issue of social inclusion of Roma in their communities. One Roma leader explained passiveness of Roma in his community and stated his efforts in trying to change that, how he activates them and etc.  Discussion finished in a good mood, and the participants asked when there would be another meeting - in spite of sometimes fierce discussion! Second discussion fora in Beocin: 25 representatives of local authorities, social, educational and other relevant institutions, non-governmental organizations, Roma representatives and local media participated in second discussion for a. A representative of the Social Welfare Center presented her experience in working with Roma population, and explained similarities and differences between her experiences and results gained through discussion fora. Discussion fora in Backi monostor: 31 Roma people (11 men and 20 women) participated in this discussion fora. Average age of participants was 47.2. Majority of the participants was very passive and inactive in discussion. A few participants stood up and left the immediately after they heard what the topic for discussion was. A very few participants took part in discussion, additionally encouraged by the facilitator. At the end of discussion, some of participants clearly stressed that they do not want to speak about it in the same room with the opposite gender, and in front of their children and their parents. ·        BCC material (poster and workshop) developed and tested by Roma community representatives during May and July.