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Description
Since the Autonomous Region of Madeira (ARM) has the second-highest rate of domestic violence per thousand inhabitants and the highest rate of risk of poverty and social exclusion in the country, the project aims to contribute to the fight against poverty and domestic violence in the ARM through citizen awareness and mobilization, including students and politicians. To this end, in the first phase, two scientific studies will be carried out – one on poverty, the other on domestic violence – with the characterization of the reality of the Municipalities of ARM, which include locally based qualitative information and information on public policies. In a second phase, two policy papers will be produced – one on each topic – which will be presented to political actors and other stakeholders in order to discuss recommendations for improvement in these areas. At the same time, a public awareness campaign on these issues will be launched, which will include an online petition. Two summer schools for young people on associations and human rights will also be promoted.
Summary of project results
The Autonomous Region of Madeira (ARM) had the second highest rate of domestic violence per thousand inhabitants, according to the Annual Domestic Violence Monitoring Report of the Portuguese Ministry of the Interior. It also had the highest risk of poverty and social exclusion in the country, based on the Portuguese Living Conditions and Income Survey 2020. This project aimed to raise awareness and mobilize citizens, including students and politicians, in ARM around the issues of domestic violence and poverty. It was based on research, communication, structured dialogue and policy monitoring. The target audience included students, communication professionals, young people interested in the associative movement, political actors, stakeholders and the public.
The project was based on research, communication, structured dialogue, and policy monitoring. It targeted students, communication professionals, young people interested in the associative movement, political actors, stakeholders, and the general public.
Reports were submitted as per the contract, human resources work was monitored, the project dossier was organized, and financial control was maintained. Various contacts were made with researchers from the University of Madeira.
Communication materials and content, including posters and news articles, were created. A total of 272 social media posts (on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and 14 news articles on the AIDGLOBAL website were published, along with seven press releases. The seminar "Dialogue and Action — Human Rights and Education." was held on November 14, 2023, in Funchal, in collaboration with a NGO and the University of Madeira, with 56 participants. The conference "Domestic Violence Against Women and Poverty in Higher Education — Two Realities Studied in the A.R.M." took place on January 24, 2024, in Funchal, with 19 participants.
Two studies were conducted and published: one on domestic violence and another on poverty in higher education. Policy papers were developed and disseminated, and meetings were held to present study recommendations to various political decision makers.
The workshop "Communicating for Human Rights – The Role of the Media" was held on January 26, 2024, in Funchal, with 11 participants. The campaign against domestic violence involved 42 students, while the campaign against poverty involved 101 students and included the launch of a public petition and a video.
The promoter shared 32 social media posts on gender and poverty policies. Workshops were held at the Funchal Youth Center and the Porto Santo Community Center, with a total of 25 young participants. Nine meetings were held with young people interested in creating an association, resulting in the establishment of the Porto Santo Jovem Association, which was presented to the community in January.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 1 awareness raising campaign carried out;
- 1 NGO initiative promoting access to information on public/private policies;
- 1 NGOs engaged in monitoring public and private decision-making
- 2 NGO-produced evidence-based report on public/private policies reported in the media;
- 52% share of target group showing civic concerns.
Regarding capacity building, the promoter carried out a needs assessment and prepared an action plan.