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Example of Gender-sensitive ASC in the Kamianska hromada

A description of ASCs operations with a the gender approach in the example of ASC in the Kamianskа hromada, Dnipropetrovsk region.

The issue to be solved by practical methods

The lack of services and sensitivity to the service beneficiaries needs is a violation of human rights. People's dependence on service provision is not their choice and it needs to be designed to ensure equal access and quality of service offered by the state and local authorities. ASCs have not yet been established in all hromadas, and some ASCs face challenges to provide high quality services, for example due to the relatively short period of their operation or due to limitations caused by the war. Decentralization aims to improve service accessibility and make services closer to people (in physical, economic, informational, social, and cultural aspects), and contribute to increased quality. Integration of gender-based approaches to ASC operations allows both service providers and recipients to gain better results.

каменский_цнап_июнь_22.jpgASC initiated the celebrations in the Children Day. June, 2022 

Key steps to solve the issue 

Kamianska ASC was established in 2013 and was one of the first in Ukraine. It is constantly developing and searching for the most effective practices to improve service provision through the integration of a gender-based approach.     

Gender-based approaches that improve the accessibility and quality of ASC services for recipients:

1. Making services more accessible to people: three ASCs are located in different areas of the city (the main unit and its branches); the mobile ASC office – for example serves persons in hospitals or persons with limited mobility (usually more relevant for women who have lower economic opportunities).

2. A person can quickly apply for services and solve issues in one place. This is extremely important for persons who have limited time (a problem women face more often). Therefore, gathering as maximum amount of different services in one location (which is a key characteristic of ASCs) is the best solution. In particular, the following departments and representatives are available in the ASC premises: the department responsible for social protection, the utility office, the office of social services, the employment center, the pension fund, a children's room (with professionals from kindergartens), the humanitarian aid center, representative offices of international funds, units responsible for the registration of damaged property, bank employees, health professionals, representatives of the military enlistment office, pet-care volunteers, etc.

3. Responding to current challenges where people's needs may change and new needs may arise. Depending on the client's demands, the appropriate services and experts are involved (needs related to the war have changed for both women and men, but these changes also have specific gender variation). As a result of  identified change in needs due to the Russian full-scale invasion, Internally Displaced Persons Monitoring Center was established (IDPs are mostly women and women with children).

каменский_цнап_4.jpgThe ASC contact Centre has been improved and upgraded accordingly to actual needs. May, 2022. 

каменский_цнап.jpg
The ASC team on the Independence Day of Ukraine. August, 2022. 

The full article is available in the Ukranian language here: https://prosto.in.ua/ua/novyny/novyny/genderno-chutlivij-tsnap-na-prikladi-kam-yanskoji-gromadi