SGBV Policy

Gate of Hope recognizes that Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) disproportionately affects the populations we serve — women, girls, and other vulnerable groups in conflict-affected Afghanistan. This policy expresses our organizational commitment to preventing SGBV within our programs, operations, and the communities we reach, and to responding effectively when incidents occur.

• Protect all individuals in contact with Gate of Hope's programs from SGBV
• Establish clear minimum standards for safe, dignified, and inclusive programming
• Define staff responsibilities and conduct expectations related to SGBV
• Ensure a survivor-centered, rights-based response to all SGBV disclosures
• Comply with international humanitarian standards and best practices on SGBV

This policy applies to all Gate of Hope operations and personnel, both internal and external.

• All employees, volunteers, interns, and consultants regardless of seniority
• Board members, leadership council, and organizational representatives
• Partner organizations and local implementing partners
• All program contexts: office operations, field activities, community outreach, and distributions
• Digital and remote programming environments

Understanding the range of SGBV forms is essential for recognition and response.

Gate of Hope's SGBV commitments are grounded in international law and humanitarian standards.

• UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
• UN Security Council Resolutions 1325, 1820, and related resolutions on women, peace, and security
• Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Settings
• Afghanistan national laws and applicable legal frameworks in countries of operation
• Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS)

All Gate of Hope programs are designed and implemented using a 'do no harm' approach that integrates SGBV risk mitigation from the outset.

Prevention is the first priority. Gate of Hope takes active steps to reduce the risk of SGBV in all operational contexts.

• All staff complete mandatory SGBV awareness training before deployment or commencement of duties
• Clear codes of conduct communicated and signed by all personnel
• Regular risk assessments identify context-specific SGBV vulnerabilities
• Community awareness activities promote dignity, equality, and reporting channels
• Safe spaces for women and girls established at program sites where feasible
• Regular review of program activities for unintended SGBV risks

Gate of Hope provides accessible, confidential, and safe channels for both staff and beneficiaries to report SGBV concerns.

Every response to an SGBV disclosure prioritizes the safety, dignity, and autonomy of the survivor above all else.

• The survivor's safety is assessed and secured as the immediate first priority
• Survivors are provided with information on available support services before any other steps
• Survivor's consent is required before sharing information or taking any action on their behalf
• Confidentiality of all disclosures maintained — information shared only on a strict need-to-know basis
• Survivors are never pressured to report formally or participate in investigations
• Cultural and linguistic sensitivity maintained throughout all survivor interactions

Gate of Hope investigates all credible SGBV allegations involving staff or representatives promptly, impartially, and confidentially.

Gate of Hope ensures survivors have access to appropriate support services — internally and through referral pathways to external partners.

• Immediate psychosocial first aid provided by trained staff following any disclosure
• Referral to professional counseling and mental health services
• Medical care referrals, including access to post-exposure prophylaxis where needed
• Legal assistance and information on rights provided upon request
• Livelihood or financial support considered where SGBV has impacted economic security
• Follow-up support offered — survivors are not abandoned after the initial response

Ensuring all staff are equipped to prevent, recognize, and respond to SGBV is a core operational commitment.

• Mandatory SGBV awareness induction for all new staff and volunteers
• Annual refresher training for all personnel across all operational areas
• Specialized response training for SGBV focal points, HR staff, and field managers
• Community-level training delivered to local staff and community volunteers
• Training effectiveness measured through knowledge assessments and field observations

Gate of Hope holds all personnel accountable for upholding SGBV standards. Violations are treated as among the most serious disciplinary matters.

• Any staff member who commits SGBV will face immediate disciplinary action, up to termination
• Staff who fail to report known or suspected SGBV also face disciplinary consequences
• Managers who obstruct reporting or retaliate against reporters will face serious sanctions
• Cases of sexual exploitation and abuse may be reported to donors, UN bodies, or law enforcement
• Partner organizations found to have violated this policy may have agreements suspended or terminated

This policy is a living document, reviewed regularly to incorporate lessons learned, changing contexts, and evolving international standards.

• Formal policy review conducted annually by HR in consultation with program staff
• Ad hoc review triggered by any significant SGBV incident or change in operational context
• Staff, community representatives, and external SGBV experts consulted in the review process
• Updated policy communicated to all staff through a mandatory training or briefing