Case studies on gender-based violence in the digital space

Terms of reference for the expert to conduct case studies on the digital dimension of gender-based violence against women and girls in Serbia

Published on April 15, 2024, by Atina – Citizens' Association for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and All Forms of Violence against Women (i.e., NGO Atina)

The project “Combating Violence against Women and Girls in Serbia” is implemented by UN Women Serbia in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, the Judicial Academy, CSOs and universities, with the support of the US Embassy in Serbia, INL Department (International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs). Within this project, NGO Atina will develop a KAP Assessment on the Digital Dimension of Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls in Serbia.

Introduction

This methodology outlines a comprehensive approach to conducting a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) assessment focusing on the digital dimension of gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls in Serbia. It aims to understand the extent of the population's awareness and perceptions regarding this issue, assess the impact of digital GBV, and generate actionable insights to address it. It will form the basis of an extensive and practical publication serving as a baseline for future project assessments and interventions. This approach is critical for uncovering the full spectrum of experiences and impacts of digital GBV, thus informing more effective and inclusive interventions.

Three case studies will be conducted for these specific purposes and as part of the KAP analysis. In consultation with UN Women, three significant case studies of digital GBV in Serbia were to be identified. These cases will offer in-depth insights into the nature and repercussions of digital GBV.

Rationale

Gender-based violence (GBV) carried out by the media against women in public life is frequent. It is most often based on the perpetuation of prejudices and stereotypes about the "desired behaviour" of women within the gender roles of wife and mother. The non-conformity of famous women with "desired behaviour" represents an inexhaustible motive for reporting, especially by online media, which, on this occasion, incites and directs polemics in the digital space.

The perpetuation of stereotypical perceptions of gender roles further perpetuates patriarchal patterns and legitimises gender-based violence that very often spills over from the online sphere into everyday life. In this way, the media's attitude towards well-known women becomes a suitable model of behaviour, where the further escalation of GBV is acceptable even in the offline sphere if it is considered that the woman "deserved" violence due to deviation from perceived gender roles.

Through the qualitative case study method, the attitude of the online media towards three women known to the general public will be analysed. The case studies will seek to demonstrate the reporting patterns through which the media perpetuates and reinforces prejudices and stereotypes related to gender roles and thus encourages gender-based violence.

This study will also examine the user-generated content that arises from this media reporting.

SCOPE OF WORK

External expert should develop methodology and inputs for writing three case studies on gender-based violence in the digital space. The expert will be responsible for the following:

• In consultation with UNWOMAN and NGO Atina, deciding on three cases on GBV in digital space to develop case studies;

• Analysing media reports on these cases and drafting a case studies report;

• Compiling and finalising the report on the conducted research.

• Analysing media reports and user comments on these cases, and drafting a case study report.

Coordination meetings between the project team and external experts will be organised on a regular basis to secure a continuous flow of information, follow-up on performed activities, accurate planning of activities, identification of possible challenges and setbacks, and appropriate prevention actions. Regular meetings will ensure efficient progress and performance of the activities where experts are engaged and timely responses to identified challenges.

Implementation of the whole research process should last from April 30 to September 15, 2024.

BUDGET:

 NGO Atina will negotiate a number of days of engagement with the selected expert based on the financial offer (gross amount) that will classify the following:

*Add columns as needed depending on the number of the activities necessary to perform the assignment

            Subtotal                                               RSD__________

            Other costs (specify)                           RSD__________

            TOTAL                                                RSD__________

The total cost should cover all preparatory work regarding the job description and communication costs between the Project team, experts and organizations (e-mail, telephone, fax, mail).

BIDDING PROCEDURE

The interested facilitators should develop and submit the bidding proposal to respond to the above-mentioned specific tasks by April 25, 2024. The bidding proposal should include the following:

1. Description and contact details of the expert applying;

2. A detailed Budget Proposal (in the required form);

3. CV of expert involved emphasizing only relevant experience;

4. Past performance in similar areas of an expert applying concerning previous contracting agencies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The project team will decide on the selection of the most successful bidder, subject to the available budget, on the following four criteria:

University degree in the relevant field;

A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience;

Experience of the candidate in performing similar projects or programs;

An example of previous work as a reference of prior experience is desirable.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF BID

All bids need to be submitted no later than April 25 2024, at 5 PM in electronic version to the email jelena.hrnjak@atina.org.rs

A selection will be made by April 26, 2023, and the selected consultant will be contracted by April  30, 2023. Only the selected candidate will be informed.