The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #39982

Carmen S. Lowry, MA¹, Cecilia de Jesus², and Mark W. Jenkins, MPH¹. (1) International Rescue Committee, East Timor, 122 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10168-1289, (212) 551-3000, carmenlowry@hotmail.com, (2) UNFPA, East Timor, United Nations Development Programme, UN House, Dili, East Timor, One United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017

Research and experience demonstrate that a multi-sectoral approach to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) prevention and response is more effective than vertical programming. The purpose of this study was to (1) identify key sector responsibilities and barriers to SGBV issues; (2) increase coordination among those sectors; and (3) provide recommendations to non-governmental organizations, donors, and the East Timor Transitional Government. Representatives from four sectors – victim advocacy organizations, law enforcement, social services, and healthcare providers – participated in sector specific focus group interviews. Group interviews were conducted in Tetum and Bahasa Indonesia, audiotaped, and an observer took notes. Texts were translated into English. The data were analyzed using three steps of analysis. First, points of convergence were identified within each group. Second, texts were categorized by key themes. Third, sector-specific key themes were compared to identify common emergent themes. Results from the focus group narratives created a composite of each sectors’ role in SGBV prevention and response. Emergent theme analysis revealed four common themes. Sectors emphasized a collective confusion over cultural identity, placed a high value on women’s participation in reconstruction, acknowledged the volatility associated with SGBV issues, and called for increased dialogue on gender roles within the family and in the community. The results from this study were presented at a community gathering in East Timor. Intra-sectoral, inter-sectoral, policy, and campaign strategy recommendations were presented. A strong recommendation was made for a SGBV coordinator, positioned within the government, to coordinate the sector activities and to be the focal point for all SGBV programming.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify four areas of consideration for participatory research in a post-conflict nation.
• Examine three qualitative methods of analysis appropriate to intercultural research.
• Discuss the interactions between multiple variables – cultural identity, gender, international human rights conventions, health services availability, power and financial resources distribution – and sexual and gender-based violence prevention and response in an emerging nation.

Keywords: Participatory Action Research, Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: International Rescue Committee
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.