Gender and Protection

Protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of women, girls, and vulnerable groups through inclusive, survivor-centered and rights-based programming.

Protection First, Empowerment Always

Rights-Based Response, Inclusive Safety, Community-Led Prevention

ADA’s gender and protection programming is grounded in the principle that all individuals have the right to live free from violence, discrimination, and abuse. In regions affected by conflict, displacement, and harmful traditional practices, ADA implements targeted interventions to safeguard vulnerable groups—particularly women, girls, children, persons with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

Through a survivor-centered approach, ADA provides psychosocial support, referral pathways, legal aid, and medical assistance for those at risk or affected by GBV and other protection concerns. The organization also integrates protection into its sectoral work by training staff, raising community awareness, and strengthening institutional response mechanisms in coordination with government and humanitarian partners.

Protection is not limited to response—it is embedded across all ADA programming as a cross-cutting principle. Community engagement is central to prevention efforts, including male involvement, youth leadership, and local advocacy against child marriage, FGM, and domestic violence. ADA promotes a protective environment by empowering individuals to claim their rights and enabling communities to safeguard the most at-risk members.

Core Components of Gender and Protection

Prevention, Response, Empowerment, and System Strengthening

ADA’s gender and protection framework focuses on six core areas designed to prevent abuse, respond to protection threats, and empower vulnerable populations. These interventions are guided by international protection standards and adapted to local contexts through culturally sensitive, participatory, and inclusive methods.

Gender-Based Violence Response

Providing support services, referrals, and case management for GBV survivors.

Child Protection Interventions

Promoting child safety through education, safe spaces, and family engagement.

Community Awareness Campaigns

Raising knowledge on rights, GBV, FGM, and early marriage through outreach.

Psychosocial Support Services

Offering trauma-informed care and counseling to affected individuals.

Capacity Building for Protection

Training staff, community leaders, and partners on protection principles.

Inclusive Protection Structures

Supporting local systems that safeguard women, youth, and persons with disabilities.