Feasibility of the SYNERGY Network against Gender-based and Domestic Violence

The report gives insights into how the SYNERGY network can be strengthened in the future. Based on survey responses by members of the Network and interviews with representatives of the Donor Program Partner and the International Organisation Partner, the conclusions are as follows:

•  The flexible and informal organisational model works well.
• The activities carried out are highly appreciated by the Network members, but they would like to see more activities than at present, including on-site visits.
• The financial “patchwork” model has its weaknesses as its unpredictability makes it difficult to initiate new types of activities. 

To strengthen the organisational model and implementation of new activities, it is recommended to:

• Allocate a separate budget with a basic amount for financing the core activities to provide better predictability.
• Establish two in-person conferences a year as core activities to be offered to the members of the network and allocate funds to staffing to develop and operate communication channels (the eeagender.org webpage, LinkedIn profile, etc.).
• Allocate a budget for sponsoring four experts for each pillar of the Istanbul Convention (Prevention of gender-based violence, Protection and support of victims, Prosecution of perpetrators and Coordinated policies), as well as for establishing a “Young Ambassador” project to recruit young people to mobilise against gender-based violence against women.

Read the report