The World Bank Promoting The Transformation Of Harmful Gender Norms And Addressing Sexual And Reproductive Health To Prevent Gender-based Violence (P180937) Concept Environmental and Social Review Summary Concept Stage ( ESRS Concept Stage) For Official Use Only Date Prepared/Updated: 09/17/2024 | Report No: ESRSC04418 Nov 19, 2024 Page 1 of 10 The World Bank Promoting The Transformation Of Harmful Gender Norms And Addressing Sexual And Reproductive Health To Prevent Gender-based Violence (P180937) I. BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Operation Data Operation ID Product Operation Acronym Approval Fiscal Year P180937 Investment Project Financing (IPF) Prevent Gender-Based 2025 Violence for Youth Operation Name Promoting the Transformation of Harmful Gender Norms and Addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health to Prevent Gender-Based Violence Country/Region Code Beneficiary country/countries Region Practice Area (Lead) (borrower, recipient) Bolivia Bolivia LATIN AMERICA AND Social Sustainability and CARIBBEAN Inclusion Borrower(s) Implementing Agency(ies) Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date CIES Salud Sexual - CIES Salud Sexual - Salud Reproductiva 21-Oct-2024 Salud Reproductiva For Official Use Only Estimated Concept Total Project Cost Review Date 01-Oct-2024 2,730,000.00 Proposed Development Objective To contribute to the reduction of gender-based violence and change of gender unequal attitudes among adolescents and youth in seven municipalities from Santa Cruz Department through the delivery of innovative interventions centered on comprehensive sex education and economic empowerment. B. Is the operation being prepared in a Situation of Urgent Need of Assistance or Capacity Constraints, as per Bank IPF Policy, para. 12? No C. Summary Description of Proposed Project Activities [Description imported from the Concept Data Sheet in the Portal providing information about the key aspects and components/sub-components of the project] Nov 19, 2024 Page 2 of 10 The World Bank Promoting The Transformation Of Harmful Gender Norms And Addressing Sexual And Reproductive Health To Prevent Gender-based Violence (P180937) The project aims to contribute to the reduction of gender-based violence among adolescents and young people (AYP) in 7 municipalities of the Department of Santa Cruz (Concepción, San Ignacio, San José, San Miguel, San Rafael, Pailón, Santa Cruz), through the application of a comprehensive, multisectoral model that includes comprehensive sexuality education, comprehensive and differentiated adolescent health care, strengthening of the municipal protection system, and economic empowerment. The project presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the reduction of GBV through a strategy focused on primary prevention with Bolivian youth, particularly with rural and indigenous communities. International evidence demonstrates that working with children and adolescents is essential to GBV prevention. Young people are fundamental to achieving the understanding of human rights and social norms change that will ultimately prevent violence, given that adolescence constitutes a time of transformation – a window of opportunity. During this human development phase, humans are hypersensitive to influences in their environments. Thus, adolescents can be empowered to embrace human rights and transform and establish gender relations based on mutual respect and non- violence. This is particularly important for indigenous communities, where women and girls can suffer additional discrimination by virtue of both their gender and identity. The project components include targets with substantial breadth and depth per municipality. By covering a substantial number of adolescents and youth leaders, teachers, schools, and public health centers, the project represents a significant impact. For example, for each of the 7 target municipalities, the project aims to train at least half of the teachers (there are on average 8 teachers per municipality, and the project aims to train at least 5), representing the majority of the schools in each municipality. The project also aims to strengthen at least 2 public health centers per municipality (there are on average 2 per municipality). In this way, the project will cover the majority if not the totality of teachers, schools, and health centers of each municipality. Project components are: 1. Formation of youth networks and strengthening the exercise of their sexual and For Official Use Only reproductive health and rights 2. Economic empowerment of youth and adolescents 3. Improved stakeholder capacity to address GBV prevention and response within their respective institution. 4. Project management and administration, Monitoring and evaluation, and Knowledge dissemination D. Environmental and Social Overview D.1 Overview of Environmental and Social Project Settings [Description of key features relevant to the operation’s environmental and social risks and opportunities (e.g., whether the project is nationwide or regional in scope, urban/rural, in an FCV context, presence of Indigenous Peoples or other minorities, involves associated facilities, high-biodiversity settings, etc.) – Max. character limit 2,000] The proposed Project will contribute to the reduction of gender-based violence (GBV) among adolescents and young people (AYP) through the application of an integrative, multisectoral model that includes comprehensive sexual education, comprehensive and differentiated adolescent health care, the strengthening of the municipal protection system, and economic empowerment. The activities will be implemented by the Center for Research, Education and Services (CIES, Spanish acronym) and the Center for Agricultural Promotion (CEPAC, Spanish acronym), two experienced local NGOs that have successfully carried out GBV and youth-based programs, providing different forms of assistance, care, and economic empowerment activities delivered to youth and adolescents through several instruments that align with the country’s legal framework on GBV and the protection of youth rights. The Project will benefit AYP in 7 municipalities of the Department of Santa Cruz (Concepción, San Ignacio de Velasco, San José de Chiquitos, San Miguel, San Rafael de Velasco, Pailón, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra). Two indigenous groups are present in the project area. The Chiquitano indigenous people, who constitute the majority in the Chiquitano region (46% according to the 2012 Census), and the Ayoreo indigenous people (0.4% according to the 2012 Census). While the Nov 19, 2024 Page 3 of 10 The World Bank Promoting The Transformation Of Harmful Gender Norms And Addressing Sexual And Reproductive Health To Prevent Gender-based Violence (P180937) official language of the Chiquitano is Bésiro, they predominantly speak Spanish. The Chiquitano in Concepción and San José de Chiquitos live alongside the Ayoreo, whose mother tongue is Zamuco, which continues to be their predominant language. Their minority status and nomadic practices contribute to their current situation, making them a highly vulnerable indigenous group requiring targeted interventions. D.2 Overview of Borrower’s Institutional Capacity for Managing Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts [Description of Borrower’s capacity (i.e., prior performance under the Safeguard Policies or ESF, experience applying E&S policies of IFIs, Environmental and social unit/staff already in place) and willingness to manage risks and impacts and of provisions planned or required to have capabilities in place, along with the needs for enhanced support to the Borrower – Max. character limit 2,000] The Project will be implemented by CIES and CEPAC, it will have an implementation team made up of one (1) Coordinator and two (2) experts in the management of complex initiatives regarding GBV/SRHR and local economic development in each municipality. CIES’ Youth Program has been successfully implemented in 23 municipalities in 7 departments of the country for the last 30 years, benefitting more than 80,000 adolescents and young people with information, guidance, and education. Its areas of expertise are well aligned with the Project’s objectives and include promoting the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), and implementing strategies to promote GBV prevention and awareness to reduce the high rates of adolescent pregnancies. CIES’ implementation of CSE follows the educational protocol for youth, as certified by ISO 9001. As such, CIES staffers have experience addressing the risks identified in this project, in terms of working in Bolivia’s intercultural environment and ensuring that all stakeholders are meaningfully included. For Official Use Only The Project will be implemented in collaboration with the CEPAC, a national non-profit organization that works in Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Chuquisaca in support of Bolivia’s most vulnerable populations. During the past decade, CEPAC has worked on women’s economic empowerment projects addressing gender equity, technological innovation, entrepreneurship promotion, and greater access to financial and non-financial services. Additionally, they have worked with adolescents and youth in the municipalities of Chiquitania and Santa Cruz. Both CEPAC and CIES are solid, seasoned local partners with demonstrated expertise in implementing operations with similar objectives. Considering that this Project does not involve any environmental risks or impacts, the experience and institutional capacity of these organizations for environmental management is not relevant. However, good coordination between them will be key to the Project’s success. II. SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS A. Environmental and Social Risk Classification (ESRC) Moderate A.1 Environmental Risk Rating Low [Summary of key factors contributing to risk rating, in accordance with the ES Directive and the Technical Note on Screening and Risk Classification under the ESF – Max. character limit 2,000] The environmental risk rating is considered Low given the nature, scale, type, and characteristics of the Project activities, which are not expected to result in adverse environmental risks or impacts. The Project will not affect any sensitive environmental areas, as its activities are not associated with infrastructure or technical studies that could Nov 19, 2024 Page 4 of 10 The World Bank Promoting The Transformation Of Harmful Gender Norms And Addressing Sexual And Reproductive Health To Prevent Gender-based Violence (P180937) result in on-the-ground impacts. The proposed activities are centered around educational programs related to sexuality, adolescent health care, strengthening the municipal protection system, and economic empowerment, which overall do not result in environmental risks or impacts. Furthermore, the programs will be implemented by two experienced local NGOs whose work in social programs is aligned with the country’s legal framework on GBV and the protection of youth rights. Consequently, the environmental risk rating is Low as there are no foreseen environmental risks nor impacts. Moderate A.2 Social Risk Rating [Summary of key factors contributing to risk rating, in accordance with the ES Directive and the Technical Note on Screening and Risk Classification under the ESF – Max. character limit 2,000] Based on the level of anticipated social risks and impacts, especially under ESS1, 7 and 10, the social risk is considered a Moderate. The project’s potential social risks, as initially identified, include the following: (i) exclusion or limited participation of the Project’s benefits of the most vulnerable (Ayoreo indigenous minority, GBV survivors, persons with disabilities, and LGBTI individuals); (ii) limited engagement of the Chiquitano and Ayoreo indigenous peoples due to traditional gender roles, which may limit their agency to undertake attitudinal changes towards gender equity; (iii) exacerbated social conflicts at the household and community level, as the Project seeks to reframe the established power structures (vis-a-vis parents, elders, young boys and men who may feel that they have the most to lose); (iv) inadequate consultation and information leading to a lack of attention to the needs of indigenous communities regarding gender-based violence, gender empowerment and sexuality in a culturally appropriate and sensitive manner; (v) risk of exclusion and/or marginalization of young leaders during in the decision-making processes related For Official Use Only to the project, due to traditional practices driven by adult-centrist approach by community organizations and local governments: (vi) given the sensitivity of GBV, there is a risk to privacy and confidentiality for participants that needs to be mitigated in order to prevent further violence; (vii) the same sensitivities could lead project workers to suffer from occupational health issues (i.e. secondary trauma, burnout and/or compassion fatigue). Moderate A.3 Sexual Exploitation and Abuse/Sexual Harassment (SEA/SH) Risk Rating [Summary of key factors contributing to risk rating. This attribute is only for the internal version of the download document and not a part of the disclosable version – Max. character limit 2,000] Project activities do not include infrastructure and therefore, labor influx issues are not expected. This reduces the likelihood of significant worker migration and, consequently, the risks of SEA/SH. However, the SEA/SH risk associated with the Project is still considered Moderate due to the fact that GBV is a prevalent risk in Bolivia. Additionally, during the implementation of Project activities, sensitive discussions around issues related to GBV in general and SEA/SH in particular might take place, possibly triggering emotional distress or trauma among participants and health workers, particularly those who have previously experienced violence. Given their prior experience in similar Projects, the implementing partners already have protocols for adequate behavior of Project workers and also a Contingency Plan to handle any unforeseen incidents during community interventions. B. Relevance of Standards and Policies at Concept Stage B.1 Relevance of Environmental and Social Standards Nov 19, 2024 Page 5 of 10 The World Bank Promoting The Transformation Of Harmful Gender Norms And Addressing Sexual And Reproductive Health To Prevent Gender-based Violence (P180937) ESS1 - Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Relevant [Optional Explanation - Max. character limit 1,000] The Project is not expected to result in any adverse environmental impact or risk given that the type, nature, and scale of its activities. It does not involve any component related to infrastructure or technical studies. The identified social risks include (i) exclusion of the Project’s benefits for indigenous peoples, particularly indigenous minorities (Ayoreo), people with disabilities, members of sexual and gender minorities, or people that has suffered GBV who do not feel empowered to engage in the project; (ii)ineffective engagement with the Chiquitano and Ayoreo peoples due to cultural norms regarding gender roles; (iii)exacerbated social conflicts at the household and community level, as the Project seeks to reframe the established power structures; (iv)given the sensitivity of GBV, there is a risk to privacy and confidentiality for participants that need to be mitigated to prevent further violence; and (v) Project workers may be emotionally overwhelmed by addressing GBV issues ESS10 - Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure Relevant [Optional Explanation - Max. character limit 1,000] ESS10 is relevant for this Project. Key stakeholders includes young women, men, adolescents, indigenous peoples (including vulnerable minorities), people with disabilities, and LGBTI people. The identified risks are: a) timeliness, accessibility and clarity of information disclosure; b) inadequate coordination with beneficiary organizations and local governments; c) inadequate consultation and information with indigenous peoples, leading to insufficient attention For Official Use Only to their needs in relation to GBV and sexuality; and d) insufficent attention to complaints of the Project beneficiaries. ESS10 and the Bolivian legal framework (Youth Law 342 and Law 45 against Racism and Discrimination) emphasize youth participation and non-discrimination. To manage risks a), b) and c) a “Visibility and Communications Plan”. For risk d), a separate document will be prepared describing the Project’s GRM in accordance with ESS10. These documents will be disclosed prior to grant approval. ESS2 - Labor and Working Conditions Relevant [Optional Explanation - Max. character limit 1,000] The ESS2 is relevant to this Project. The Project will involve only direct workers, the staff of the implementing partners will include two (2) experts in managing complex GBV/SRHR initiatives and local economic development in each municipality. The compatibility between Bolivia’s labor legal framework and EAS2 has been confirmed. The General Labor Law has regulated labor relations in Bolivia since 1942. The application of labor standards by CIES and CEPAC will be reviewed during Project preparation. A dedicated GRM for workers will be included as part of the Project’s GRM, in line with ESS2. Risks of SEA/SH have been identified due to the close interaction between Project workers and beneficiaries. Guidelines to ensure proper behavior in accordance with Laws 348 and 548 that protect women and minors against violence, will be included in a separate chapter of the “Visibility and Communications Plan” which will be disclosed prior to Grant approval. ESS3 - Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management Not Currently Relevant Nov 19, 2024 Page 6 of 10 The World Bank Promoting The Transformation Of Harmful Gender Norms And Addressing Sexual And Reproductive Health To Prevent Gender-based Violence (P180937) [Optional Explanation - Max. character limit 1,000] This Project will not involve the use of natural resources or have any association with sources of pollution. ESS4 - Community Health and Safety Relevant [Optional Explanation - Max. character limit 1,000] The Borrower’s Framework, aligns with ESS4, addressing the moderate-level risks involved. This includes providing relevant information on sexual and reproductive health rights, and health risks related to SEA. If SEA/SH complaints arise, the GRM will follow a differentiated protocol for minors, in line with Bolivian Law 348, and Law 548, through which complaints can be recorded securely and confidentially. Project risks include: a) community gatherings, increase the chances of transmitting diseases such as new COVID-19 variants; b)exacerbated social conflicts at the household and community level, as Project seeks to reframe established power structures, and c) SEA/SH risks, that require specific management measures. The implementing organizations will manage risk a) through a Health Protocol and risks (b) and (c) through the developing and implementing guiding principles.These measures will be detailed and disclosed (prior to Grant Approval) in the “Visibility and Communications Plan' ESS5 - Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement Not Currently Relevant [Optional Explanation - Max. character limit 1,000] For Official Use Only ESS5 is not relevant to this Project, as there is no risk of involuntary land acquisition or involuntary restriction of the use of land resulting in physical and/or economic displacement. ESS6 - Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Not Currently Relevant Resources [Optional Explanation - Max. character limit 1,000] ESS6 is not relevant to this Project, as is not expected to have any impacts on sensitive environmental areas, including on the biodiversity or living natural resources in such areas. ESS7 - Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Relevant Local Communities [Optional Explanation - Max. character limit 1,000] While, the Borrower Framework and ESS7 align, ESS7 is relevant. In the target municipalities, the Chiquitano represent 46 % of IP, whereas the Ayoreo are a minority at 0.4 %, however they do not represent the majority of Project beneficiaries. The Project recognizes that marginalized groups within IP, such as young indigenous women often face greater vulnerabilities to GBV, and tackles these through targeted methodologies. Bolivia’s legal framework includes robust provisions on sexual/reproductive health and the right to a life free of violence (Laws 548, 342, 450 and 348), however, implementation challenges remain, affecting the young and indigenous population the most. The Project aims to foster agency among them. An IPP will be prepared to ensure culturally appropriate Nov 19, 2024 Page 7 of 10 The World Bank Promoting The Transformation Of Harmful Gender Norms And Addressing Sexual And Reproductive Health To Prevent Gender-based Violence (P180937) methodologies. Based on ESS7 and ESS 10, the IPP will include guidelines to undertake consultations with IP beneficiaries Ayoreos and Chiquitanos.The PPI will be disclosed no later than 90 days after grant approval. ESS8 - Cultural Heritage Not Currently Relevant [Optional Explanation - Max. character limit 1,000] ESS8 is not relevant to this Project, as its activities will not affect any cultural heritage in the project area. ESS9 - Financial Intermediaries Not Currently Relevant [Optional Explanation - Max. character limit 1,000] ESS9 is not relevant to this project, as it will not involve the use of finantial intermediaries. B.2 Legal Operational Policies that Apply OP 7.50 Operations on International Waterways No OP 7.60 Operations in Disputed Areas No For Official Use Only B.3 Other Salient Features Use of Borrower Framework In Part [Optional explanation – Max. character limit 1,000] Given the scope of the project, the implementing agencies will partially apply the Borrower Framework aligned with ESS 2, ESS 10, ESS 4 and ESS 7 to manage the aforementioned risks. The objectives and requirements of the ESS are consistent with: the General Labor Law of 1942, which regulates fair labor relations, working hours, and the protection of women and children; Law 348, which establishes the institutions, processes, and services for the prevention, care and protection of women who face violence; Youth Law 342, which promotes specific educational processesand comprehensive development of young people, the exercise of their SRHR with a focus on leadership, participation and co-responsibility; Law 450 on the Protection of Indigenous Peoples in situations of High Vulnerability, Law 45 against Racism and Discrimination; and Law 548, Code of Children and Adolescents, promotes comprehensive actions for the prevention and protection of any form of violation of minors’ integrity. Use of Common Approach No [Optional Explanation including list of possible financing partners – Max. character limit 1,000] B.4 Summary of Assessment of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Nov 19, 2024 Page 8 of 10 The World Bank Promoting The Transformation Of Harmful Gender Norms And Addressing Sexual And Reproductive Health To Prevent Gender-based Violence (P180937) [Description provided will not be disclosed but will flow as a one time flow to the Concept Stage PID – Max. character limit 5,000] The social and environmental risk rating is considered Moderate given the nature, scale, type and characteristics of the Project activities. From the social perspective, the main risks include: (i) exclusion of the Project’s benefits for indigenous peoples, particularly indigenous minorities (Ayoreo), people with disabilities, members of sexual and gender minorities, or people who have suffered GBV in the past and do not feel empowered to engage in the Project; (ii) ineffective engagement with the Chiquitano and Ayoreo people due to cultural norms regarding gender roles; (iii) exacerbated social conflicts at the household and community level, as the project seeks to reframe the established power structures (vis-a- vis parents, elders, young boys and men who may feel that they have the most to lose); (iv) given the sensitivity of GBV, there is a risk to privacy and confidentiality for participants that need to be mitigated to prevent further violence; (v) Project workers may be emotionally overwhelmed by addressing GBV issues; (vi) exclusion of young leaders in decision- making due to an adult-centered approach; (vii) SEA/SH risks, that require specific management measures; and (viii) insufficient attention to complaints from the Project beneficiaries. There are no adverse environmental impacts or risks associated with the Project activities and the identified social risks and opportunities will be managed under the Bolivia's legal Framework in line with the EAS through the environmental and social risk management instruments that will be prepared by the implementing organizations of the Project. C. Overview of Required Environmental and Social Risk Management Activities For Official Use Only C.1 What Borrower environmental and social analyses, instruments, plans and/or frameworks are planned or required by Appraisal? [Description of expectations in terms of documents to be prepared to assess and manage the project’s environmental and social risks and by when (i.e., prior to Effectiveness, or during implementation), highlighted features of ESA documents, other project documents where environmental and social measures are to be included, and the related due diligence process planned to be carried out by the World Bank, including sources of information for the due diligence - Max. character limit 3,000] The final Project Paper will include detailed explanations to ensure the inclusion of indigenous peoples minorities (Ayoreo) and other vulnerable stakeholders. Beyond that, for ESF purposes, prior to the Grant’s approval, the implementing organizations will prepare, consult on, adopt, and disclose a Visibility and Communications Plan that includes the following specific sections: (a) guidelines to guarantee participation during consultations and effective engagement with the Chiquitano and Ayoreo people considering cultural adaptations; (b) recommendations to manage social conflicts at the household and community level; (c) contingency plans for unforeseen SEA/SH incidents during community interventions; (d) detailed guidelines for project workers on appropriate engagement with adolescents, children, LGBTI and other vulnerable populations; (e) adequate strategies (including mental health support) for project workers; (f) description of a project-specific GRM based on the implementing organizations’ previous experiences. The implementing organizations will also prepare and disclose, within 90 days of grant's approval, an IPP (in line with ESS7 and ESS10). In addition to the IPP, the Project will prepare the Environmental and Social Engagement Plan (ESCP), that specifies includes all necessary actions and measures that they will need to undertake during preparation and implementation, together with their timeframes and the breakdown in responsibilities. Nov 19, 2024 Page 9 of 10 The World Bank Promoting The Transformation Of Harmful Gender Norms And Addressing Sexual And Reproductive Health To Prevent Gender-based Violence (P180937) III. CONTACT POINT Contact Point Task Team Leader: Juan Manuel Contreras Urbina Title: Senior Gender Specialist Email: mcontrerasurbina@worldbank.org IV. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20433 Telephone: (202) 473-1000 Web: http://www.worldbank.org/projects V. APPROVAL Task Team Leader(s): Juan Manuel Contreras Urbina ADM Environmental Specialist: Fiorella Cristina Pino Luna For Official Use Only ADM Social Specialist: Monica Rita Iquize Ventura Nov 19, 2024 Page 10 of 10