We reviewed 73 program documents and conducted 33 key-informant interviews, 22 focus group discussions, and a web survey. Our goal was to see whether grantee activities were context-specific, based on international evidence, achieved targeted GBV results, and were sustainable. 

We found that rigorous pre-implementation assessments and the flexibility to adapt to unexpected challenges—such as the COVID-19 pandemic—significantly helped grantees raise GBV awareness, strengthen the capacity of local environmental organizations to address it, and reduce economic, social, and intimate partner GBV. One example of successful adaptive management came from Vietnam, where GBV trainings originally scheduled for the work week were moved to weekends because of employer pushback. 

This resistance from organizational and community leaders—often men—was not unusual and limited the program’s impact. In one instance, miners opposed classroom anti-GBV training and forbade their wives from participating. 

“Bundling GBV sensitization training with livelihood activities that were of economic value to participants and their spouses could help break through initial resistance,” said Jessica Wallach, a senior research associate in NORC’s International Programs department. “Engaging men where they stand is important and effective.” 

Longer grant timelines, more rigorous sustainability planning to ensure that the work continues after the grant ends, and better reimbursement of local volunteers also made anti-GBV efforts more effective. Many projects recruited volunteers from the community without offering sufficient compensation for their time or considering that local program representatives can face a backlash if something goes awry. For example, in the Eastern DRC, some women who worked to obtain land titles through the program did not receive them despite having paid for them. Community members blamed local volunteers for this failure.