Child Safety audits and Mapping

Child Safety audits and Mapping

February 7, 2025Posted inCapacity Building and Business Development Support, Social Research
INSIGHTS conducted a series of safety audits, walks, and mapping approaches to identify safety and protection issues for children in IDP camps and host communities in the Middle Shabelle region. Commissioned by SOS Children's Villages International through funding from UNICEF, the assessment aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the protection risks and vulnerabilities faced by children in the Jowhar, Balcad, and Adale areas of Middle Shabelle. [showhide] The safety audits were designed to identify specific safety concerns, map out areas with heightened risks, and assess the availability and accessibility of child protection services, ensuring that all key vulnerabilities were considered. This participatory approach included consultations with children and adolescents, whose voices and experiences were central to the process. By actively involving children in the assessment, they were empowered to contribute to decision-making and problem-solving efforts focused on improving their safety and protection. The findings of the assessment are set to inform the development of a comprehensive protection strategy, which will specifically target the identified risks and vulnerabilities. This strategy will address the gaps in child protection services and improve coordination to ensure that children’s rights to safety, protection, and well-being are upheld in these areas. By focusing on the specific needs and challenges of children in the Jowhar, Balcad, and Adale regions, the goal is to mitigate risks and improve both immediate and long-term humanitarian outcomes. The insights gathered from this assessment will not only help enhance the protection mechanisms available to children but also contribute to improving the overall humanitarian situation for children in Somalia, particularly in IDP camps and vulnerable communities. [/showhide]
Final evaluation of SOM – Economic and Social Empowerment of Youth in Somalia (EASE-Y in Somalia).

Final evaluation of SOM – Economic and Social Empowerment of Youth in Somalia (EASE-Y in Somalia).

February 7, 2025Posted inAgriculture and Market Systems, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Human Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
The EASE-Y project, funded by the Germany Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Save the Children International (SCI), aimed to empower youth in Somalia through a multi-faceted approach. Targeting 5,000 direct beneficiaries, with equal representation of males and females, the project ensured gender parity and inclusivity. Additionally, it indirectly benefited approximately 30,000 individuals, extending its impact to the broader community. [showhide] Through a comprehensive framework of life skills training, vocational skills development, entrepreneurship support, and youth leadership initiatives, the EASE-Y project sought to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the workforce while fostering social and political inclusion. INSIGHTS conducted the endline evaluation of the EASE-Y project, which focused on its implementation in Mogadishu, Baidoa, and Garowe. The evaluation provided a comprehensive assessment of the project's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability, coherence, and inclusiveness, aiming to determine the extent to which the project achieved its objectives and delivered meaningful outcomes for its target population. Specific objectives included evaluating the project's performance against baseline data, collecting qualitative and quantitative data on program impact—particularly in livelihoods and child protection—assessing the quality and accountability of the intervention, documenting both intended and unintended outcomes, and recommending strategic improvements. The evaluation also provided valuable insights to guide future decision-making, resource allocation, and scaling-up of similar initiatives. The findings highlighted the project's success in empowering youth and contributing to community development, while also identifying areas for improvement to enhance impact and sustainability in future projects. [/showhide]
Mapping and Assessing Gaps In Existing Formal and Informal Early Warning Systems

Mapping and Assessing Gaps In Existing Formal and Informal Early Warning Systems

February 7, 2025Posted inAgriculture and Market Systems, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Social Research
INSIGHTS conducted a comprehensive mapping and assessment of existing formal and informal The primary objective of this exercise was to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in current early warning mechanisms to enhance their accessibility, effectiveness, and inclusivity. The study focused on understanding how weather and climate information services (WCIS) are utilized and identifying opportunities to improve their responsiveness to climatic shocks such as droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events. [showhide] A key aspect of the assessment was addressing the heightened vulnerability of marginalized groups, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), the elderly, socially marginalized populations, and those in hard-to-reach (H2R) areas. These groups face significant barriers in accessing vital resources, information, and support systems, which amplifies their risks during climatic shocks. Poor or limited access to WCIS further exacerbates their challenges, underscoring the need for inclusive and community-specific solutions. The mapping exercise provided actionable recommendations aimed at improving early warning systems to better prepare vulnerable communities for climatic shocks. These recommendations will guide the design of targeted interventions to enhance preparedness, resilience, and equitable access to early warning services, ensuring that no group is left behind in responding to climate-related risks.early warning systems in Bandarbeyla, Burao, and Beledweyne districts in Somalia. [/showhide]
Conflict Protection Assessment

Conflict Protection Assessment

February 7, 2025Posted inHuman Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
INSIGHTS conducted a Conflict Protection Assessment in Kismayo and Dollow, Somalia, to address the urgent need for comprehensive protection analysis in these regions. The assessment systematically mapped protection risks, vulnerabilities, and threats faced by various demographic groups, including women, men, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Using a mixed-method approach, the study combined qualitative and quantitative methodologies to gather data, focusing on identifying existing protection mechanisms, assessing access to essential services, and understanding barriers to their utilization. The findings aim to guide the design and implementation of targeted protection interventions to safeguard the rights and safety of conflict-affected populations. [showhide] The assessment included a thorough review of relevant documentation, such as reports, policies, and literature on protection issues in Somalia. Key informant interviews were conducted with stakeholders, including local authorities, community leaders, humanitarian actors, and vulnerable groups. Questionnaire surveys supplemented these insights with quantitative data, ensuring a robust and holistic understanding of the issues. Data collected was disaggregated by age, gender, and displacement status to ensure nuanced and actionable recommendations that address the specific needs of affected populations. [/showhide]
Endline Evaluation of the Somaliland Terminating Oppression of women and girls Programme II (STOP II), Somaliland

Endline Evaluation of the Somaliland Terminating Oppression of women and girls Programme II (STOP II), Somaliland

February 7, 2025Posted inHuman Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
Funded by the European Union, Health Poverty Action (HPA) implemented the Somaliland Terminating Oppression of Women and Girls Programme II (STOP II) to address the urgent challenges of gender-based violence (GBV) and female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somaliland. Running from January 2021 to September 2023, the project focused on the Togdheer and Sool regions, specifically targeting the districts of Burao and Ainabo. [showhide] STOP II sought to raise community awareness about GBV and FGM, improve access to multi-sectoral response services, and advocate for necessary legal and policy reforms. Building on the successes and lessons learned from its predecessor, STOP I, which focused on increasing service access and raising awareness in pilot areas, STOP II expanded its efforts to reach more communities while deepening its impact. INSIGHTS conducted the endline evaluation of the STOP II project to assess its effectiveness in achieving its overall and specific objectives and to evaluate the impact of its outcomes on the targeted communities. The evaluation examined the extent to which the project raised awareness, improved service delivery, and influenced policy and legal frameworks related to GBV and FGM. It also analyzed the project’s contributions to enhancing the well-being of women and girls in the region. The findings provided valuable insights and practical recommendations to inform future programming, ensuring sustained progress toward achieving gender equality and addressing the critical challenges faced by women and girls in Somaliland. [/showhide]
Endline Study of Existing Child Protection Systems And Localization In Mogadishu, Somalia

Endline Study of Existing Child Protection Systems And Localization In Mogadishu, Somalia

February 7, 2025Posted inSocial Research
INSIGHTS conducted an endline evaluation of Save the Children International’s (SCI) "Som Localization Practice in Somalia" project, which aimed to strengthen child protection systems by empowering local civil society organizations (CSOs). Since 1951, SCI has worked in Somalia to safeguard children’s rights, focusing under its 2022–2024 Country Strategic Plan on enhancing local actors’ capacities to lead child protection efforts. This project sought to establish a sustainable, locally-led child protection system through capacity building, resource mobilization, and leadership development. [showhide] Implemented in South-Central Somalia, the project equipped CSOs with the skills, resources, and leadership needed to address child protection issues and promoted local ownership through coordination and advocacy efforts. Activities included Organizational Capacity Assessments (OCAs), training, and fostering CSO leadership in coordination mechanisms. The endline evaluation assessed the project’s success in achieving its outcomes, strengthening child protection systems, and advancing localization efforts. The findings aim to guide SCI and partners in scaling effective practices and addressing remaining challenges to build a resilient, localized child protection system. [/showhide]
Comprehensive Gender Assessment

Comprehensive Gender Assessment

February 7, 2025Posted inAgriculture and Market Systems, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Human Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
INSIGHTS conducted a comprehensive Gender Analysis consultancy to support Action Against Hunger (ACF) Somalia in developing gender-transformative programming across its projects and sectors. The primary objective of the consultancy was to analyze gender dynamics and provide actionable recommendations to enhance the integration of gender-transformative approaches across ACF’s programs in health, nutrition, WASH, food security, and livelihoods. The analysis focused on five key domains: laws, policies, and institutional practices influencing decision-making; cultural norms and beliefs; gender roles, responsibilities, and time use; access to and control over assets and resources; and patterns of power and decision-making.In addition to addressing these domains, the study examined best practices for integrating gender considerations into relevant activities. [showhide] It identified current opportunities and proposed strategies and recommendations to address gaps, enabling ACF Somalia to adopt gender-transformative approaches and develop standalone gender and protection programs. The gender analysis was conducted in key regions of Somalia, including Banadir, Bay, Bakool, Lower Juba, Sool, and Nugaal, with final locations determined in consultation with ACF and the consultant. The findings and recommendations are expected to guide ACF Somalia in enhancing program effectiveness and sustainability while addressing gender inequalities and fostering inclusive development. [/showhide]
Baseline Assessment of IFAD’s Response Initiative for Somalia Emergencies (RISE Project)[Nov 2023 – Jan 2024]

Baseline Assessment of IFAD’s Response Initiative for Somalia Emergencies (RISE Project)[Nov 2023 – Jan 2024]

February 7, 2025Posted inAgriculture and Market Systems, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Social Research
The project goal is to minimize the impacts of the Ukraine war on the livelihoods, resilience and food security of IFAD’s target group. As well the project development objective is to maintain and improve climate-smart agricultural productive capacity, post-harvest, and resilient water infrastructure access for small-scale producers affected by the Ukraine crisis by contributing to conducive agro-ecological and market conditions, protecting productive livelihoods of beneficiaries [showhide] and tapping new market opportunities to reduce small-scale producers' vulnerability, enhance their resilience to the shocks from the Ukraine crisis. INSIGHTS conducted a baseline survey in all the target districts in Somalia. [/showhide]
Business Development Services (BDS), mapping and profiling of individuals and private sector businesses engaged in fish retailing, and scoping exercises for fish retailer technology suppliers/providers /fabricators in Mogadishu and Kismayo

Business Development Services (BDS), mapping and profiling of individuals and private sector businesses engaged in fish retailing, and scoping exercises for fish retailer technology suppliers/providers /fabricators in Mogadishu and Kismayo

February 7, 2025Posted inCapacity Building and Business Development Support, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Social Research
Inclusive Resilience in Somalia (IRiS) is a five-year project (2022–2027) funded by USAID and the UK's FCDO, aimed at accelerating economic development for marginalized groups in Somalia. The project enhances resilience through rural and urban livelihood diversification and inclusive economic market systems. IRiS focuses on the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors, addressing key shocks like climate variability, conflict, and economic instability. The project targets integration of the urban poor and IDPs into urban economies, promotion of private sector investments, policy and regulatory strengthening, and expanding financial services for marginalized populations. [showhide] INSIGHTS was tasked with mapping and profiling individuals and businesses engaged in fish retailing and the fabrication/sales of fish retail facilities in Mogadishu and Kismayo. INSIGHTS supported collecting comprehensive data on these businesses, facilitating training for women and youth on record keeping and business management, and linking these market actors with financial institutions and technology providers to support the establishment of 400 standard fish retail outlets. [/showhide]
National Comprehensive Child Protection Rapid Assessment Somalia/ Somaliland

National Comprehensive Child Protection Rapid Assessment Somalia/ Somaliland

February 7, 2025Posted inSocial Research
INSIGHTS conducted a comprehensive child protection rapid assessment in Somalia, commissioned by SOS Somalia, UNICEF, and the Child Protection Area of Responsibility (CPAoR), to address critical gaps in understanding and responding to child protection risks and needs. The assessment explored the scale and nature of risks faced by children, particularly in contexts of conflict, displacement, and socio-economic challenges. [showhide] It analyzed the effectiveness of existing child protection systems, identified unmet needs, and assessed the capacities of local communities, national systems, and international actors to address these vulnerabilities. Key areas of focus included understanding the drivers of child protection concerns, documenting the perspectives of children and caregivers, and mapping community-based protection structures. [/showhide]