Relief and Development for Vulnerable (RDV)

Relief and Development for Vulnerable (RDV) is a non-governmental Civil Society Organization (CSO), initiated by multidisciplinary pastoral background youth, committed to contribute to living condition of marginalized, vulnerable and fragile part of pastoral community in Ethiopia’s Somali region.

The project with ISF will promote women’s livelihood and enhance their role in family and community. The project will establish agro-pastoral village committees and women’s development committees, and build women’s capacity in planning, monitoring and implementing development processes.

In 2024, the main process is the joint planning phase including all necessary background analyses and project design, resulting in a comprehensive 4-year project plan and a detailed 2024 activity plan (Q3-4). ISF will also conduct an organizational capacity assessment of RDV, help them in drafting a capacity building plan and train their key staff in financial management.

Main approaches of the project to promote sustainable livelihoods are, as follows: 

• Improving sustainability and profitability of pastoral farming: The project aims to improve the livelihoods of the target community through strengthening the existing women’s milk cooperatives and enhancing livestock production and productivity through better pasture and fodder management and improved access to vet service. 
• Diversification of economic activities: The project maps in cooperation with women and men (including youth) promising livelihoods, establishes new cooperatives and strengthens cooperative members’ capacity to lead and manage their cooperatives and its business operations.  

Main approaches of the project to prevent GBV/FGM are, as follows: 

• Prevention and Awareness: The project focuses on prevention efforts by raising awareness about the harmful consequences of FGM and promoting community-driven initiatives to challenge the practice. Engaging religious and community leaders, as well as women’s groups, can help shift social norms and attitudes towards the abandonment of FGM. 
• Capacity Building and Training: The project conducts capacity-building programs for community members, health workers, and key stakeholders to enhance their understanding of the harmful effects of FGM and equip them with skills to prevent and respond to GBV cases effectively. 
• Generation Dialogue Approach: In our intervention to tackle Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the targeted area, we will employ a generation dialogue approach. This approach recognizes the importance of engaging different generations, including elders, parents, and youth, in open and respectful conversations about the harmful effects of FGM. By creating safe spaces for dialogue, we aim to bridge the gap between traditions and the need for change, fostering understanding, empathy, and shared responsibility. Through intergenerational discussions, we seek to challenge deep-rooted beliefs and norms surrounding FGM, while also preserving cultural heritage and identity. This approach recognizes that sustainable change can be achieved through collective efforts and the active participation of all community members, ensuring a safer and healthier future for girls and women in the intervention area. 
• Collaboration and Advocacy: The project collaborates with local organizations, government agencies, and NGOs to advocate for policy changes and legal frameworks that protect women and girls from GBV, including FGM. Engaging community leaders and influential figures is crucial in driving social change and promoting the abandonment of harmful practices.