Projects 2025
“A Safe World for You: An Effective Support Service for Pregnant Women and New Mothers Who Have Been Abused”
Lūk, tulkojums angļu valodā. Esmu saglabājis oficiālu un strukturētu stilu, kas ir piemērots projekta atskaitēm vai mājaslapas jaunumiem.
Safe World for You: Effective Support Services for Pregnant Women and New Mothers Victims of Violence
Project No. 4.3.6.4/2/24/A/007
The Association Marta Centre has commenced the implementation of a project focused on the development of a specially adapted social rehabilitation service for new mothers and pregnant women in Latvia who have experienced sexual violence or are in situations of high risk of violence.
Project Goal
To improve and implement an innovative, needs-based approach in providing support services to pregnant women and new mothers who have suffered from sexual violence or face high risks of violence, with a particular focus on women lacking education, resources, work experience, and support from their relatives.
The project involves developing and introducing an enhanced social rehabilitation service "basket" tailored to the specific needs of this group, using evidence-based methods to prevent repeated violence, mitigate its consequences, and strengthen the emotional and psychological well-being of the women while promoting their social and economic integration.
Project Activities
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Development of new support service descriptions or improvement of existing ones.
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Provision of support services.
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Communication and visual identity compliance measures.
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Project management and implementation oversight.
Planned Results
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Improved descriptions of existing support services, including the development of one resource map for the target group.
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Support provided to 10 individuals within the target group.
Budget and Timeline
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Total Project Costs: €115,656.48
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European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) funding: €98,308.01
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State budget co-financing: €17,348.47
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Implementation Period: March 2025 – March 2027
Progress Reports
Period: April 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025
During the first six months, significant preparation and implementation work was carried out in three main areas:
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Planning and Management: Project goals were clarified, an activity plan and timeline were developed, and specialists were recruited. Monthly meetings and risk management systems were established.
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Resource Map Development: An evaluation of outdated resource maps began. Information was gathered on existing services, such as "PEP mother" support, art therapy, and coaching. A focus group with target group representatives helped identify regional disparities—specifically the limited availability of services in Kurzeme and Latgale.
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Commencement of Services: Support services began in July. The first 10 clients were identified in Riga, Liepāja, and Rēzekne (with the highest number in Rēzekne). Initial evaluations and a unified application questionnaire were developed.
Period: October 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Implementation continued with a focus on refining the resource map and providing individualized support:
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Resource Map Refinement: The map is being updated with current information, emphasizing the inequality of service availability between regions. National-level analysis confirms the need to equalize the social service basket across Latvia, especially in rural areas.
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Client Support: 10 clients from Riga, Liepāja, and Rēzekne are involved in the project. Currently, 6 women are actively receiving individualized support that combines state-funded social rehabilitation with alternative methods, such as personal development activities and childcare services. This long-term, combined approach aligns with international best practices for working with victims of violence.
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Management: Regular activity monitoring, monthly team meetings, and transparent documentation ensure that the project is progressing according to the planned schedule.
(Information updated on January 9, 2026)
Empowering women in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan
The project aims to strengthen gender equality and reduce violence against women and girls in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan by implementing the Center MARTA's proven approach to recognizing and preventing violence. Special attention is paid to strengthening the capacity of local organizations, social services and law enforcement institutions, providing practical knowledge and tools to ensure effective support to victims. During the project, methodological materials will be developed and adapted to local needs, trainings and information campaigns will be organized, which will reach a wide range of professionals.
The project will not only help to reduce deeply rooted stereotypes and stigmatization in society, but will also contribute to the creation of a safer and more inclusive environment for women, especially in rural and remote regions. It is expected that as a result of the project, at least 60 specialists will gain in-depth knowledge in recognizing and preventing violence, while information activities will provide support and understanding to more than 300 professionals. Thus, the project will become an important step in strengthening the protection of women's rights and creating a platform for sustainable change in the region.
Period:
May 1, 2025 – October 31, 2026
The project is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia within the framework of the grant program "Support for development cooperation projects in beneficiary countries designated by the Republic of Latvia".
Partners:
Public organization “MIR – Center for Opportunities for Development” (Khujand, Tajikistan)
Public Foundation “DIA” (Osh, Kyrgyzstan)
Funder:
Partners:
My life - my choice: Advocating for the rights and interests of women, youth and children
The project aims to strengthen the protection of the rights and interests of women, youth and children in Latvia, while promoting the systematic integration of gender equality principles into policy planning and regulatory frameworks. Within the framework of the project, the MARTA Center will continue to provide support to victims of violence and human trafficking, develop advocacy work and establish a dialogue with state institutions and decision-makers in order to keep issues of gender equality, violence prevention and women's empowerment on the political agenda. Special attention will be paid to promoting women's economic and political participation, as well as incorporating the perspective of women's, youth and children's rights in policy documents and legislation.
The project will promote public understanding of gender equality issues, reduce the stigmatization of violence and strengthen trust in the state and its institutions. The project will strengthen the capacity and sustainability of the MARTA Center, ensuring more effective support for victims of violence, as well as developing a sustainable advocacy platform. Various public activities, discussions and involvement in policy-making processes will increase the opportunities for women, youth and children to actively participate in the defense of their rights and promote the development of a civil society based on gender equality in Latvia.
Period:
January 1, 2025 – October 31, 2026
The project is implemented with the support of the Society Integration Foundation within the framework of #NVOfonds2025.
Projects 2024
GrassRoots program "Let's do it!"
The programme aims to reduce gender-based violence in our society by mobilising and empowering a wide range of non-governmental organisations to actively engage in addressing this problem. The programme will strengthen the overall capacity of NGOs to integrate a gender equality perspective into their daily work, with a particular focus on the prevention of gender-based violence. It will also promote cooperation between regional NGOs to develop and implement joint projects to change gender stereotypes.
The programme will be implemented in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia from 2024 to 2027. It has been developed and is being implemented in cooperation with the Open Lithuania Foundation, the Centre for Equality Advancement, the MARTA Centre in Latvia and the Women's Support and Information Centre in Estonia. The programme is funded by the European Union's Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV-2023-DAPHNE).
Project DONNA: Towards a more inclusive and equal society
Although significant progress has been made in the field of gender equality, women still often face discrimination, unequal opportunities and social exclusion. Those who live in marginalized communities, suffer from violence or face limited opportunities to realize their full potential are particularly vulnerable.
The DONNA project is a powerful initiative aimed at reducing gender inequality, discrimination and prejudice by promoting the active participation of women in society. It aims to equip adult educators with effective tools, skills and advocacy capabilities to professionally support women who are most at risk.
The project involves organizations from four European countries:
"The City of the Sun" (Italy)
"Élményakadémia" (Hungary)
"Experientia" (Spain)
MARTA Center (Latvia)
MAIN GOALS OF THE PROJECT:
To educate more than 60 specialists in three international trainings, developing their skills in working with marginalized groups using combined non-formal education methods – improvisational theater, outdoor education, and artistic expression.
To develop a digital manual "DONNA BOOK" that explains in depth the Marchio-Patti integrated method, improvisational theatre and outdoor education, analyzing the impact of these approaches on women's social inclusion and gender equality.
Conduct research on the benefits and impact of the "DONNA BOOK" methodology.
Implement 4 online courses, sharing knowledge about the methods learned during the project.
To develop 20 practical tools that will be easy to use in the daily work of specialists.
Create guidelines for "Women's Circle" activities to promote emotional support and a sense of community among women.
To organize a social campaign "Colours of Equality" in each project member state to raise gender equality issues in the wider society.
Organizing an international seminar in Latvia, popularizing the project results and sharing the developed materials.
Project duration: 01.06.2024. – 31.12.2026.
Funding: The project is implemented with the support of the European Union's Erasmus+ program KA220-ADU.
LADDER Project – Strengthening the Capacity of Youth Organizations and Supporting High-Risk Youth
In 2022, the term “young people at high social risk” was defined – it refers to young people who face at least two serious obstacles in their lives, one of which is long-term, systemic or extremely difficult to overcome. Their involvement in international programmes, such as Erasmus+, is not only an important step towards social integration, but also crucial for their emotional well-being and future opportunities.
However, this task is challenging for youth organizations – building trusting relationships and preparing young people for active participation often requires years of careful work. Such an approach requires both additional resources and specific knowledge, which is often lacking. That is why the LADDER project was created – to strengthen the capacity of organizations and provide professional support in working with particularly vulnerable young people.
The project brings together organizations from four European countries:
"Élményakadémia" (Hungary),
"Asociación Las Niñas del Tul" (Spain),
"Associazione di Promozione Sociale Joint" (Italy),
and MARTA Center (Latvia).
MAIN GOALS OF THE PROJECT:
To provide an opportunity to improve knowledge, develop skills and learn new working methods with high-social risk youth for more than 52 specialists from different countries, participating in international training and exchange of experience;
To organize 3 international youth exchange programs, providing an opportunity to gain international experience, expand knowledge and develop social skills for 48 high-social risk young people;
Develop a practical guide and infographics – a set of methodological materials that will help organizations design and implement inclusive youth exchange programs;
Prepare a sample protocol for the protection of children and youth rights and a guide for its implementation in the activities of youth organizations;
Offer online training to youth workers to strengthen their skills in implementing an inclusive approach in their work with young people.
Project duration: 01.09.2024. – 31.12.2026.
Project funding: support from the European Union Erasmus+ program KA220-YOU.
Projects 2023
Courage to act!
Gender-based violence is a global public health problem that affects one in three women. In Latvia, one in four women has experienced gender-based violence. To break the cycle of such violence, it is important to engage young people who can become changemakers, educating their peers and local communities about violence prevention, healthy relationships and gender equality.
MARTA has been working to eliminate gender-based violence since 2000 and has been implementing youth violence prevention programs since 2015. MARTA needs a stronger network of youth volunteers to promote violence prevention in their own communities. MARTA has developed effective programs for young people and is looking to involve more young people aged 18-25 in its work.
“Courage to Act!” is an innovative project dedicated to gender-based violence and violence prevention among young people in Latvia. This project will involve young people from three regions of Latvia: Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Latgale. Data and the experience of program graduates show that families living in more remote regions seek help in cases of violence less often, because neither information nor training is available about it.
Project objectives:
Provide training to 60 young people (aged 18 to 25) to become peer educators on topics such as violence prevention and gender equality in three regions of Latvia (Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Latgale) by August 2023.
To acquire skills in project management, event coordination and leadership for 30 young people (aged 18 to 25) from three regions of Latvia (Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Latgale) by mentoring them in the creation of a one-day Youth Festival by August 2023.
To encourage young people (aged 18 to 25) to become opinion leaders, change agents and activists in the field of violence prevention and gender equality by organizing a one-day Youth Festival in the Kurzeme region by August 2023.
Project duration: July 2023 – December 2023
The project is implemented with the support of the United States Embassy in Riga and the Student Services Innovation Fund (AEIF) of the US Department of State.
Project "Empowerment of Women, Children and Youth" of the Latvian State Budget-funded Program "NGO Fund"
The project aims to strengthen the protection of the interests and rights of women, youth and children by promoting the integration of the rights perspective of women, youth and children into policy planning documents and regulatory enactments, as well as the economic and political empowerment of women.
Every third woman (30.1%) in Latvia has suffered physical, emotional or sexual violence from a partner (CSB, 2021). Domestic violence poses a significant threat to a woman's life, as well as to the emotional and physical health of a child. Women who have suffered violence, as well as their children who have witnessed or been victims, have difficulty integrating into society, have less trust in the state, institutions and believe in their ability to influence decisions due to the existing stigmatization of victims, therefore preventing violence and mitigating its consequences will directly contribute to the formation of such faith.
It is essential to strengthen the sustainability and effectiveness of the provision of rehabilitation services for victims, which allows for the provision of services that improve the well-being of victims of violence. It is also important to promote the adoption of laws that prevent violence and mitigate its consequences, as well as to build cooperation with other non-governmental organizations and decision-makers in order to more effectively represent the interests of victims of violence.
The gender pay gap in Latvia has fluctuated around 20% in recent years, with the exception of 2021, when it most likely temporarily decreased to 14.6%, making us among the countries with the largest gender pay gap year after year. Women make up 22.9% of board members in Latvia (European average 30.7%), and this percentage has been decreasing since 2018 (Deloitte, 2021).
Improvements are also needed in political representation – there are 31% women in the Saeima, only 14% or 2 ministerial chairs out of 14 are held by women in the Cabinet of Ministers, there are 29.8% women in local governments, but only 7% of them are led by women. In order to improve the situation in both women's political representation and women's economic opportunities, it is essential to inform and create a dialogue with the public about gender equality issues and the necessary improvements that would increase the opportunities of every woman in Latvia in both the political and economic spheres, as well as provide more opportunities to engage in the realization of their interests and rights. The creation of various public activities not only provides information about various opportunities for advocacy, but also promotes involvement in various public participation activities.
The project will strengthen the activities and sustainability of the association, thereby strengthening its advocacy work and providing an opportunity to continue building a civil society based on the principles of gender equality in Latvia. The interdisciplinary team of the MARTA Center provides services to victims of violence and victims of human trafficking, while simultaneously creating a dialogue between clients and state institutions, as well as decision-makers, in order to advance the identified equality problems and shortcomings in legislation on the agenda of policy planners, as well as integrate the perspective of women, youth and children's rights, expressing opinions on policy planning documents and regulatory enactments, as well as monitoring the implementation of existing legal norms and policy planning documents and stimulating discussions in the public space, thus encouraging women, youth and children to seek help to defend their rights, promoting trust in the state and its ability to provide social, economic and political security to all its residents.
Taking into account that issues of importance for the protection of the interests of women, young people and children, such as the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention, the punishment of sex buyers, the development and adoption of a gender equality law, are issues that, as previous experience shows, require a long-term lobbying process, 22 months has been chosen as the most appropriate project duration. During the course of the project, it is planned to significantly increase the support of society and politicians for resolving the above issues. Such a project duration is appropriate, also considering the sub-goal of strengthening the sustainability and effective functioning of the association, as it allows the association to develop a more far-reaching work plan, as well as allows it to devote more time to direct activities and reduces the administrative burden.
Planned implementation period: 01.01.2023–31.10.2024.
The project is implemented with the support of the Society Integration Foundation from the Latvian state budget-funded program "NGO Fund".
Projects 2022
Project “Support for the activities of the MARTA Center Rēzekne branch, promoting the well-being and protection of the interests of families with children”
"Centre MARTA" Rēzekne branch, with the support of the Society Integration Fund, is launching the implementation of the project "Support for the activities of the Centre MARTA Rēzekne branch, promoting the well-being and protection of the interests of families with children" under the open project application competition "Support for ensuring the basic activities of NGOs representing the interests of families" funded by the Latvian state budget program "Family-friendly municipality".
Project implementation period: from 01.10.2022 to 01.09.2023
The total eligible costs for the implementation of the Project are EUR 29,994.67 (twenty-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-four euros, 67 cents). The Programme funding constitutes 100% of the total eligible costs of the Project.
The aim of the project is to create and develop a mutually coordinated support system for families with children. It will ensure the development of educational materials for the prevention of domestic violence, promote inter-institutional cooperation, which will result in the creation of a support mechanism for families with children in crisis, as well as strengthen the cooperation of the "MARTA Center" with organizations that implement activities in the field of supporting children, youth and families, and ensure the involvement of NGOs in decision-making on issues related to the protection of the interests of children and their families.
The continuity of operations of the "Centrs MARTA" Rēzekne branch and the provision of support to families with children have been ensured. Burnout syndrome prevention work for specialists who work in the field of family support on a daily basis has been implemented.
Project "Prevention of violence against women and girls in Latvia"
Project name: "Prevention of violence against women and girls in Latvia"
Project duration: 01.08.2022.-31.12.2022.
Project activities will serve to reduce and prevent violence in Latvia, to promote the involvement of women and girls in peacekeeping processes in accordance with the National Action Plan to achieve the goals of the UN Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace and Security.
Project objective:
preventing violence against women and girls:
providing effective support to victims – a helpline and rehabilitation services;
representing the interests and rights of victims of violence – ratification of the Istanbul Convention, amendments to the Criminal Law and Civil Law, and the Social Assistance Law;
developing work with young people – youth groups for safe and respectful relationships.
Project target groups:
women and girls who have suffered and are suffering from violence;
relatives of victims and society at large;
decision-makers and public administration employees;
women and girls who have arrived in Latvia from war-torn regions of Ukraine;
leaders of young people and youth groups;
young people – boys and girls in various regions of Latvia.
The project will ensure cooperation with members of the Saeima Gender Equality Group, the Saeima Justice and Social and Labor Affairs Committees, the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, other non-governmental organizations – the Dardedze Center, the Skalbes Crisis and Consultation Center, the MKB Training Center, the Latvian Cooperation Organization for People with Special Needs SUSTENTO, and the Ombudsman.
During the project:
Success stories will be collected to illustrate both the changes in the lives of victims and the effectiveness of the work of youth groups in various parts of Latvia;
Helpline calls registered;
recorded media reaction;
approved amendments to legal acts and other policy documents, as well as position papers and letters, have been made public;
A youth group training program has been created and a training evaluation has been conducted.
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Project funding 95,108.05 EUR
Providing legal aid to women victims of violence
Project name: “Providing legal assistance to women victims of violence”
Duration: 01.02.2022. – 12.12.2022.
Funding: Ministry of Welfare from state budget funds for the project
Project implementer: Association “Centre MARTA”
The MARTA Center provides assistance to about 70 victims per week on average, from 300 to 400 people per year. During the pandemic, the demand for the service, as well as the workload of specialists, increased by approximately 60%. Currently, specialists provide consultations both remotely and in some cases in person. Assistance can be received in 3 branches in Riga, Liepāja and Rēzekne.
Victims are provided with a multidisciplinary team service, where a social worker is the case manager and responsible for identifying problems, planning a safety plan and team meetings, a psychologist/psychotherapy specialist helps to reduce the mental health consequences of violence (expenses for the psychologist's assistance are covered from other project funds), a lawyer helps to prepare applications for temporary protection against violence, as well as gets involved in divorce, alimony claims, child custody issues, and provides support in criminal proceedings. In certain cases, representation in court is provided. Coordination of appointments and administration of telephone calls is provided by an administrator. Cooperation with other institutions and coordination of team work in Riga is provided by the specialist team leader, in Liepāja and Rēzekne - by branch managers. Support in managing complex cases and prevention of specialist burnout is provided by a supervisor.
Within the framework of the allocated state budget funds, it is planned to provide assistance to at least 70 women victims of violence in 2022. Depending on the complexity of the case, 1-30 legal consultations are required, the duration of one consultation is 45 minutes, and additional documents must be prepared for law enforcement agencies. 15 specialists (7 lawyers, 3 social workers, an administrator, 3 managers, a supervisor) will receive compensation from the state budget funds and other expenses related to providing assistance will be covered.
Projects 2021
MARTA Center, in collaboration with partners from Bulgaria, Italy, Spain and Turkey, is implementing the project “Dare to Care”
Violence is a global public health problem, therefore its effective early prevention (educational preventive work) includes working with adolescents and young people - helping them acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for building healthy and respectful relationships. Thus, reducing the risks of gender-based violence and mobbing, promoting the social inclusion and well-being of adolescents and young people.
Goals of the “Dare to Care” project:
Reduce the risks of adolescents entering violent relationships by creating and leading youth groups - non-formal education classes for boys and girls (aged 12 to 18).
To provide training for project participants in the Youth Group Methodology developed by the MARTA Center. To ensure piloting of this methodology in the project partner countries.
Both within the project and in the activities organized after it, participate in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals #5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls), #4 (Ensure inclusive and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities) and #16 (Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development).
Project participants: 18 youth workers, educators, social workers, psychologists, mentors and other professionals whose daily work target adolescents and young people.
Project coordinated by: MARTA Center (Latvia)
Project partners: Association MUNDUS (Spain), The Future Now (Bulgaria), Dinamika Centre Association (Bulgaria), Beyond What they Sell (Italy) and Faal Derneği (Turkey).
Project activities:
International training in Latvia, February 24-28, 2020
Piloting the youth group methodology in the project partner countries, March 2020 – March 2021
Online project review meeting, April 2021
Achievable results: Youth workers will improve and develop the competencies necessary for working with adolescents to reduce the risk of violence and promote gender equality. By mastering the Youth Group methodology and piloting it in the project partner countries, a sustainable, culture-specific approach to violence prevention in the youth environment will be developed. Project activities and exchange of experience between partner countries will increase and promote understanding of issues related to gender roles, existing harmful stereotypes and prejudices and their connection with violence in different societies and cultures.
Project implementation period: 01.01.-31.07.2021.
Project No. 2019-3-LV02-KA105-002799
The material has been prepared within the framework of the MARTA Youth Programme of the Centre with the support of the Erasmus+ Programme “Youth in Action” of the European Commission, administered in Latvia by the Agency for International Youth Programmes . This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.
COALESCE: project on support for migrant women victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation
Since January 2021, the MARTA Center has been participating in the COALESCE project, funded by the AMIF Fund and led by the Cyprus Institute for Mediterranean Gender Studies, in collaboration with the Irish Immigrant Council, Caritas and the Cyprus Refugee Council, Solwodi in Germany, Klaipėda Center in Lithuania, and Iroko Onlus from Italy.
The project aims to support migrant women who are victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in Europe by providing gender-based psychosocial, legal and economic support and assistance; to develop synergies and complementarities by facilitating the identification of victims' needs, assistance and support; and to improve transnational cooperation between leading professionals and practitioners.
In 2021, as part of the project, interviews were conducted with women who are third-country nationals who were victims of human trafficking and a report "Notice the Difference" based on the results of the interviews and analysis of information sources was published on the needs of victims, the support received and integration, and the conclusions and recommendations of the report .
The project has been implemented with financial support from the Society Integration Fund from the Latvian state budget. The MARTA Center is responsible for the content of the developed materials.
Project Support for women and children victims of violence during the Covid-19 crisis
The aim of the project "Support for women and children victims of violence during the Covid-19 crisis" is to reduce domestic violence and violence against women caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and prevent its consequences by providing knowledge, skills, methods and tools to service providers for victims of violence, as well as to improve the digitalization of services, as well as to provide knowledge to victims and fellow citizens about recognizing the problem and the availability of support services.
Project activities: Improving support services for victims, Creating information materials for victims, Support measures for specialists and improving the digitalization of services
Project target groups: women victims of violence and their children, fellow human beings – witnesses of violence, specialists from the “Centre MARTA”
Project implementation period 01.01.2021 – 30.06.2021
Project results:
Improved guidelines for professionals working with victims in pandemic-restricted settings,
Informative articles and video materials have been created for victims,
Ensuring the development of the necessary competencies for specialists (support measures for the team of specialists),
A solution has been found for high-quality digitalization of services.
Project location: Riga, Rēzekne, Liepāja, as well as Latvia as a whole
The project is financially supported by the Society Integration Fund from the Latvian state budget.
MARTA Center implements a project to strengthen the activities of the association
The project “Strengthening the activities of the Association “Centre MARTA”” is aimed at more effective advocacy of the interests of women, youth and children, ensuring the activities of the association, maintaining and improving the provision of services and the protection of related rights, as well as developing the professional competencies of the association’s employees. The project will ensure the association’s participation in decision-making and policy-making processes, as well as in the processes of creating, implementing and improving legal regulations, promoting respect for the gender equality perspective and the prevention of violence, including human trafficking. The project will promote public involvement in the creation of equality, ensuring both public awareness by familiarizing itself with the prepared documents and information on decision-making and protection of interests processes, and the opportunity to participate in public campaigns and events organized by “Centre MARTA”, as well as to engage in volunteer work in the field of human rights and women’s rights protection. The project will also improve the opportunity to receive quality support services in cases of violence and discrimination, and to directly or indirectly participate in the defense of rights, sharing their experiences and demanding the necessary changes. The project activities will take place throughout Latvia, and will be aimed at a wide target audience – women, young people, as well as men who advocate for gender equality.
Project target group: women, youth and children, men who are ready to support gender equality initiatives, employees of the association “Centrs MARTA”
Project implementation period: 01.01.2021 – 21.11.2021
The main activities of the project: participation in working groups and commissions of state institutions, provision of opinions on policy planning documents and regulatory enactments, public activities (participation in the LAMPA festival, organized informative regional seminars in municipalities during the pre-election period, etc.), support for the development of the MARTA Center Rēzekne branch by ensuring recognition and organizing activities that promote customer attraction, support for the maintenance and improvement of the service of an interdisciplinary team of specialists by developing a system for prioritizing clients, ensuring that clients with the highest life-threatening risks receive the service as a priority, capacity building of the MARTA Center employees was promoted, and the team was strengthened.
Planned results of the project:
Awareness of the society and decision-making institutions about the problems of women, youth and children, strengthened cooperation with the government and institutions in the context of gender equality and human rights issues, prepared position papers, opinions, expressed opinions on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, prevention of violence against women and domestic violence and other problematic issues related to gender equality, prepared a document on the client prioritization system, implemented an information campaign in Latgale.
The project is financially supported by the Society Integration Fund from the Latvian state budget.
Courage to care! In the Baltic States
With the support of the Society Integration Fund, the MARTA Center is implementing the project "Courage to Care in the Baltic States" within the priority area of the Council of the Baltic Sea States "safe and stable region".
The project aims to reduce and prevent violence among children and young people living in the Baltic States. The project activities strengthen the well-being of young people and increase their understanding of healthy relationships, as well as develop the competencies necessary to prevent young people from entering violent situations and human trafficking.
Participating organizations: MARTA Center , Latvia (Leading Partner); NGO Paikuse Open Youth Center , Estonia (Cooperation Partner); Women's Issues Information Center , Lithuania (Cooperation Partner)
SIF co-financing project support period: 01.01.2021.-31.12.2021.
Full project duration: 01.10.2020 – 30.04.2022.
Project description:
The direct target group of the project is specialists - youth workers, social workers, educators - who work with young people aged 12 to 18. The project aims to develop competences in working with youth, providing specialists from partner countries with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to prevent violence between children and young people. This will be done using the Youth Group Methodology developed by the MARTA Centre. During the project, trained specialists from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia will implement the Youth Group Methodology. 4 specialists from each country (12 in total) will attend international training, become youth group leaders and will implement the methodology in local communities in partner countries, as well as actively participate in competence-building seminars and reflections. Each partner country will organize and lead at least 3 youth groups in this long-term (5–7 months) group cycle, directly involving at least 30 young people from each country (90 in total). The Youth Group methodology will be piloted and adapted based on feedback from participants. This will ensure that the methodology is relevant to the cultural context of the country and community. To ensure long-term impact, each youth group will organize 1 local activity (9 in total), directly involving at least 15 people (135 in total), to raise awareness of topics of importance to young people, related to healthy relationships and violence prevention. At the end of the project, an international youth forum will be organized in Vilnius, where delegations of youth groups from each partner country will meet with local and international stakeholders, youth workers and other professionals to share the approach, results and lessons learned from the Youth Group methodology.
Youth group methodology is a cycle of classes in which young people can come together, discuss and engage in non-formal education activities that cover a variety of topics: from friendship, respectful communication, sexual and reproductive health to unhealthy relationships, their risks, causes and consequences. Learning skills - how to promote tolerance and respect not only in an individual, but also in a local context.
The project is financially supported by the Society Integration Fund from the allocated funds of the Latvian state budget. Project No. 2021.LV/NVO_LIDZFIN/09
Project Support for the Repressed and Their Families
The project's goals are to assist more than 350 victims of repression, political prisoners and their families in Belarus by offering practical, legal, and psychological assistance, to strengthen and develop the assistance infrastructure for victims of repression, political prisoners and their families, as well as to collect documents proving torture, repression, and ill-treatment for international legal proceedings.
Project activities:
Practical and legal assistance to repressed persons, political prisoners and their family members who have been left without means of livelihood.
Support for the helpline volunteer network by providing therapeutic support to the team of aid organizations who are actively involved in providing assistance and are at risk of burnout. The volunteer team will be supervised on average once a month, or upon special need, to increase professionalism in providing support to victims.
First aid training. Volunteers will be trained in conversation building, communication with the victim, active listening, referral for assistance, and strengthening emotional stability when working in high-stress situations.
Project implementation period: 01.01.2021 – 31.10.2021
Project impact and results:
More than 350 victims of repression, political prisoners and their family members will have received practical support, documentation will have been collected, more than 50 cases will be described, which will be forwarded to international legal proceedings, including UN structures, a support system for victims of repression, political prisoners and their family members will be developed and strengthened, a safe and stable volunteer network will be strengthened, which ensures the work of the "helpline".
The project will reduce emotional burnout, provide therapy for managers and a team of supervision volunteer coordinators. The assistance provided will be recognizable and increase mutual trust, which is currently being undermined as a result of the actions of the management regime. Work will be carried out to institutionalize the “helpline”, select “helpline” coordinators. Measures have been taken to ensure that there is a backup in cases where one of the coordinators disappears (currently there are two coordinators to provide cover in the event of the loss of one coordinator and to prevent the blocking of “helpline” elements).
The project is financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia from the Latvian state budget.
Rezekne branch implements the SAFE + FREE IN LATGALE project
PROJECT SAFE+FREE IN LATGALE
Duration: 1 year (01.08.2021 - 01.08.2022)
Funding: 15,000 Eur
Project description:
SAFE + FREE IN LATGALE focuses on providing support to victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence. The CENTRS MARTA association is the only organization in Latvia that pays increased attention specifically to the needs of women and provides support to victims of violence. Every year, approximately 300-400 women receive assistance in Riga and Liepāja. With the increase in domestic violence, especially in the regions of Latvia, a branch of Centrs MARTA was opened in Rēzekne in 2020. According to the data of the Central Statistical Bureau, in the Latgale region in 2019, 40.4%, but in 2020 - 35.5% of the population were on the poverty line. Latgale also has a high unemployment rate - 16.2% (in comparison, in Riga it is 6%). Women living in Latgale are often forced to work in low-paid and low-skilled jobs, or be unemployed altogether. There are also problems with knowledge of the state language, women often have not had the opportunity to get a good education, and they are also responsible for unpaid housework (childcare, cleaning, cooking, etc.). Women are often in a socially and economically vulnerable situation, and are also dependent on their husbands or spouses. This creates inequality, which in many cases develops into unhealthy relationships and domestic violence. It should also be borne in mind that Latgale is a border region of the European Union with Russia and Belarus, which means that there is a great political and cultural influence from these neighboring countries (corruption, bossing and mobbing, internal censorship in local governments and communities). All this creates the need to strengthen democratic values and equality in society.
The project envisages:
Support 20-50 women to break the cycle of violence - research shows that in order to end a violent relationship, a victim of violence does it about 7-12 times before such a relationship is completely broken. Therefore, communication with a social worker who can provide psychosocial support to the victim is of utmost importance. This is especially important during a pandemic and social distancing. Providing safe and immediate assistance to victims of violence is a great challenge, especially in cases that are classified as high-risk cases.
Provide an opportunity for at least 25-50 women to participate in online support groups for victims of violence, designed for female survivors (one group will be held in Latvian, the other in Russian).
To inform and warn about domestic violence and gender-based violence as a problem for the entire Latgale region, as well as to educate the local community (victims, survivors, their relatives, friends and other supporters) about recognizing violence and taking action in its case through the SAFE+FREE information campaign in two languages - Latvian and Russian.
To promote long-term prosperity, social responsibility, the importance of human rights and integration in the Latgale region.
The project is supported by the "King Baudouin Foundation"
Project “Building the capacity of local NGOs in providing public services to women and other vulnerable groups in rural areas. Support for the establishment of Women's Advisory Groups in 7 pilot centers.”
The project aims to increase the capacity of non-governmental organizations in providing public services to women and other vulnerable groups in rural areas of Uzbekistan and to promote the establishment of women's advisory groups in 7 pilot locations, public service centers.
A project implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme in Uzbekistan, funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
The project will promote access to public services for women and other vulnerable groups in Uzbekistan's regions. The project, in collaboration with NGOs and aid organizations, will establish 7 women's advisory groups in 7 public service centers in the regions to promote the involvement of NGOs in the provision of public services.
The MARTA Center facilitates the process, provides expert training for the development and management of advisory groups in cooperation with a partner organization in Uzbekistan - the Civic Initiative Support Center (CISC).
Study visits to Latvia have been provided, as well as expert monitoring visits to Uzbekistan.
An online course (5-7 videos) has been created for women's advisory group counselors and individuals working with women and persons in vulnerable situations on gender equality, discrimination, violence against women, communication with target groups, etc.
Project duration April 2021 – November 2023
Project "A Safe Place"
Project name: “A Safe Place”
Duration: 01.09.2021. – 01.10.2022.
Funding: project supported by the Council of the Baltic Sea States
Lead partner: Active Youth Association (Lithuania)
Partners: Kompetenta Unga (Sweden), Centrs MARTA (Latvia), Active Women's Association (Poland)
The goal of the "A Safe Place" project is to support women living in the Baltic States, who are increasingly becoming victims of violence during the ongoing global pandemic, as well as to educate those who want to learn more about domestic violence, including specialists working with this problem.
The project will explore how women’s safety has changed during the pandemic, with the aim of providing target groups with the knowledge, strategies and methodologies needed to address this social problem and effectively support victims of violence. The project will provide a safe space for women, an opportunity to share their feelings in a creative way. These activities will also be a source of inspiration for those working with domestic violence, as they will be able to apply the acquired skills in their professional work. These goals will be achieved through a wide range of activities, including guest speaker talks, seminars, study visits, free consultations and meditation sessions.