– NGO Partner: YWCA Albania
– Theme: Health/Youth
– Location: Albania
– Date: June 2021
– Amount Raised: $2,836
– Additional Donations: Corporate Donations from Optima Legal and Financial, and Institute for Public Policy Management

– Description: Sexual abuse is one of the most painful and frightening experiences that a child can endure. The consequences include mental health problems, poor academic performance, physical illnesses, poor social relationships, problems with self-esteem, and feelings of insecurity. In Albania, due to gender norms and cultural taboos, sexual abuse is an experience that occurs frequently but remains unreported. The stigmatization of victims of sexual abuse makes professionals, parents, and children hesitate to report it. Through this fundraiser, GAF and the YWCA seek to combat these problems. The project included: (i) Workshops with students, teachers, parents and psychosocial staff to discuss myths and facts related to child sexual abuse and harassment; (ii) Teaching prevention strategies and self defense skills to children and youth, (iii) Providing psychological support to victims of sexual violence; and (iv) Preparing reading materials for different age groups in parallel with an intensive online campaign to raise awareness.