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Description
Due to the observed increase in the number of people suffering from Covid 19 and people in self-isolation and the appearance of concrete examples of stigmatization, discrimination and violations of their rights in Osijek-Baranja and Vukovar-Srijem counties, the project will take urgent measures to inform citizens about people suffering from Covid 19 and people in self-isolation.
We will organize a mobile team for dialogue, developing empathy, breaking down prejudices and calling for solidarity and assistance to sick fellow citizens, from September to November 2020, in order to preserve social cohesion and emotional health of sick people and prevent discriminatory behavior of communities and individuals.
The direct beneficiaries of the project are the general population of citizens of local communities in which the number of people suffering from Covid 19 or people in self-isolation occurs or increases, and who themselves do not belong to this vulnerable group. After the interventions of the mobile team, we expect more significant mobilization of the target group where citizens will replace stereotypes and prejudices with empathy and responsibility and will activate and show solidarity by acting properly and providing various forms of assistance to patients and people in self-isolation.
The indirect target group of the project are people with Covid -19 and people in self-isolation who will be indirectly affected by the project by preventing discriminatory and stereotypical patterns of behavior and attitudes of the general population and providing the necessary assistance to achieve effects: maintaining mental health, lack of stigma , discrimination and human rights violations.
The Generator will take on the role of coordinating the project and the activities of the mobile team, and the partner organization NDC will conduct consulting and supervision of project implementation.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the social stigma and discrimination faced by individuals infected with the COVID-19 virus or those in self-isolation. The pandemic triggered fear, misinformation, and prejudice, leading to social exclusion and psychological distress for those affected. It also highlighted the increased social isolation and stigma in areas such as Osječko-baranjska and Vukovarsko-srijemska counties, where some communities rejected and discriminated against those affected by the virus.
The project focused on raising awareness about the stigma surrounding COVID-19 patients and individuals in self-isolation. It included 14 interventions, where a mobile team engaged with 450 citizens and surveyed 260 people from Osječko-baranjska and Vukovarsko-srijemska counties. The mobile team worked on developing empathy, breaking down prejudices, and promoting solidarity. The project provided information through dialogues, and the results were published on the project’s website. It also included creating and distributing informational flyers to 600 citizens and engaging with local media, municipalities, and community organizations to amplify the campaign.
The project successfully raised awareness about the stigma associated with COVID-19 and fostered greater solidarity among citizens. It helped 74% of surveyed participants feel that the conversation with the mobile team was helpful, and 91% felt that the topic was important to discuss. The project impacted individuals in both rural and urban areas, particularly the elderly, and helped bridge the gap between social distancing and social solidarity. It also contributed to improving the understanding of COVID-19 patients’ experiences and needs. The project was recognized by the wider community, including local media, municipalities, and numerous organizations, contributing to Generator’s visibility and further cooperation with local institutions. The beneficiaries included residents of Osječko-baranjska and Vukovarsko-srijemska counties, especially those affected by the pandemic, local communities, and participants in the survey and dialogues.