Canada LIFTs is much more than a new funding stream. It’s also an opportunity for shared learning, inspiration, and mobilized action, for greater global and systemic impact in international cooperation between small and medium organizations based in Canada and the world.
In delivering this program of the Inter-Council Network (ICN) with funding from Global Affairs Canada, this program’s aim is to promote ways of working and engaging in localization that are inclusive, considerate of the environment, and focused on gender-equality.
Drawing on the program team’s expertise, resources will be developed to address the challenges and realities faced by Canadian SMOs and their partners. Additionally, the selected projects will include a component of public engagement in Canada or international cooperation. As part of the Canada LIFTs team, Dil Rajarathna serves as the Gender and Inclusion Specialist. She supports organizations who are implementing a Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.
What is the definition and role of PSEAH in the Canada LIFTs program?
PSEAH is a best-practices framework specifically developed to help organizations prevent and respond to incidents that may occur during their projects. Implementing a PSEAH protects the dignity and rights of every interested party and member of the community by ensuring relationships are based on trust rather than power. Any risk of sexual abuse must be anticipated. This policy promotes the creation of safe, inclusive, and ethical environments. To be eligible for the Canada LIFTs program, all Canadian and international partners must adopt a PSEAH approach. Our work involves providing guidance on best practices to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
How does this approach align with decolonizing safeguarding practices in international cooperation?
International cooperation relies on trustful partnerships between funders, organizations, communities, and staff. Because these relationships often involve unequal power dynamics, it’s essential to ensure they do not cause harm.
It’s important to identify and address these imbalances through an inclusive PSEAH policy. Having such a policy in place encourages the adoption of measures that respect local cultures and involves communities in planning and decision-making processes. It also ensures that partners and community members are heard.
The PSEAH will be part of every aspect of the program. What is the main challenge with implementation?
Firstly, survivors of violence and trauma may fear stigmatization, retaliation, or losing access to services. Organizations here and internationally have limited resources and capacity for protection. Among the anticipated challenges are social norms, unequal power dynamics, and barriers around reporting incidents. Furthermore, policies developed outside the local context may not reflect local realities. A solidarity-based initiative needs community engagement, awareness-raising efforts, and reliable reporting mechanisms that are tailored to local contexts.
How will PSEAH ensure safeguarding practices, power dynamics, and peer learning?
By strengthening protection on several levels. First, through clear codes of conduct, mandatory training, risk mitigation measures, confidential reporting channels, and accountability mechanisms. Second, through reports that emphasize ethical behavior. And finally, by staying vigilant against abuses of authority and protecting vulnerable groups from exploitation.
What would be your greatest satisfaction around Gender Equality?
Giving women, girls, and marginalized groups a greater voice and helping them gain greater decision-making power. Gender equality and social inclusion play a key role in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence. I hope that together, we will help create inclusive environments where rights are respected and opportunities are equitable.
The impact will come from international partners as they integrate gender equality and workplace protection into their work. Everything depends on the meaningful participation of every stakeholder and ensuring that these changes are sustained beyond the project.
The Canada LIFTs program collaborates with its funded Canadian and international partners to ensure all projects have a PSEAH approach in place. Whether your project is funded by Canada LIFTs or other programs, developing or following a PSEAH framework is a best practice towards safety, inclusion and positive outcomes.
Check out this practical guide from the CHS Alliance of Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.