Privacy Policy

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MWA Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment

The Maldives Women's Association (MWA) is committed to providing a safe and respectful work environment that is free from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment in any form. We are dedicated to preventing these behaviors within our organization and in all our professional operations. This policy outlines our commitment and expectations for all individuals associated with MWA, including employees, volunteers, partners, beneficiaries, and anyone conducting activities on our behalf.

MWA has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. We are committed to upholding the dignity, rights, and well-being of all individuals, including those we serve and those with whom we work.

Definitions

• Sexual Exploitation: Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust for sexual purposes, including but not limited to, profiting materially, socially, or politically from sexual exploitation.

• Sexual Abuse: The actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

• Sexual Harassment: Unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or any other conduct based on sex, affecting the dignity of women and men at work, which includes unwanted physical, verbal, or visual attention, advances, comments, or requests.

MWA is committed to preventing, detecting, and responding to any incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment within the organization or in connection with our work.

• All staff, volunteers, partners, and associates of MWA are expected to adhere to this policy.

• Individuals associated with MWA are encouraged to report any concerns or incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment.

• Reports can be made through established reporting channels, which will be confidential and treated with sensitivity.

• Retaliation against those who report such incidents is strictly prohibited.

• MWA will promptly investigate any reported incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment.

• Appropriate action will be taken in response to substantiated claims, which may include disciplinary measures, termination, or legal action.

• MWA will handle all reports and investigations with the utmost confidentiality, within the boundaries of the law.

The Maldives Women's Association is committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment for all. We expect everyone associated with our organization to share in this commitment and to conduct themselves accordingly. Together, we can prevent sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and uphold the principles of dignity and respect in all our activities.

Community Engagement and Feedback Policy 

MWA is firmly committed to fostering inclusive community engagement in all our initiatives. Our approach involves the active participation of community members at every stage, encompassing planning, design, and implementation of our programs. We are dedicated to providing transparent and easily understandable information regarding our programs, their objectives, and anticipated outcomes. We strongly advocate for open and constructive dialogue, ensuring that the voices of the community are not only heard but also valued and respected.

MWA extends a warm welcome to insights and suggestions from community members, beneficiaries, and various stakeholders. To facilitate this, we have established multiple channels for feedback, which include surveys, community meetings, and digital platforms. We remain mindful of the cultural context, ensuring that these feedback mechanisms are sensitive, accessible, and safe for all participants. Furthermore, we take data privacy seriously, ensuring the utmost confidentiality and protection of the identities of those providing feedback.

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, MWA is dedicated to the effective utilization of feedback to enhance our programs. We systematically analyze feedback on a regular basis, identifying key areas for program refinement. Findings from feedback are shared openly with relevant stakeholders, promoting transparency and accountability within our organization. We are proactive in incorporating valuable community suggestions into the design and execution of our programs whenever it is feasible and appropriate. Through this comprehensive approach to community engagement and feedback, MWA aims to make a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve.

Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Policy

MWA is dedicated to advancing gender equality and preventing all forms of gender-based violence. This policy reaffirms our commitment and outlines measures to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment within our organization and programs.

MWA will not tolerate gender-based violence in any form within our organization or associated programs, as such we commit to the following:

• Implement comprehensive prevention measures, including awareness campaigns, training, and clear reporting mechanisms.

• Support survivors of gender-based violence and provide access to necessary services.

• Ensure that our staff, volunteers, and partners adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for gender-based violence.

MWA actively promotes gender equality in all aspects of its work by striving for gender balance within our staff, board, and leadership positions. Designing programs that empower women and girls to enhance their access to opportunities, and challenge gender stereotypes. Advocating for gender equality within the communities we serve and beyond.

Project and Program Documentation Policy

MWA recognizes the importance of effective documentation and reporting to ensure transparency, accountability, and learning.

We are dedicated to systematically collecting and managing project and program data. This includes well-defined methods like baseline and end line assessments, surveys, and qualitative research. We prioritize data accuracy, security, and confidentiality, always aligning with data protection laws. Our aim is to use this data to measure program impact, inform decision-making, and provide transparent reports to our donors and stakeholders.

Transparency and accountability are core values at MWA. We ensure program documentation is accessible to staff, partners, beneficiaries, and the public as appropriate. We diligently adhere to donor reporting requirements, delivering timely and accurate reports. Furthermore, we foster a culture of openness within our organization, encouraging questions, feedback, and continuous improvement to better serve our mission.

Environmental Sustainability Policy

MWA recognizes the significance of environmental sustainability in our work. While our primary focus is on gender equality and women's empowerment, we are committed to environmentally responsible practices whenever possible.

MWA will incorporate environmental sustainability into its operations and programs by:

• Reducing waste and promoting recycling within our offices and events.

• Minimizing energy consumption and using eco-friendly technologies when feasible.

• Collaborating with partners who share our commitment to environmental sustainability.

we are dedicated to advocating for environmental awareness and action within our community by integrating environmental education components into programs where they are relevant. By doing so, we aim to boost awareness among our beneficiaries and promote eco-friendly practices among our staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve. Through these efforts, we strive to contribute positively to our environment and foster a sustainable future.

Donor Privacy Policy

MWA is dedicated to safeguarding the privacy and security of donor information. At the Maldives Women's Association, we highly value the privacy and safety of our supporters. This policy outlines our approach to handling supporter contributions, respecting anonymity, and ensuring their preferences are upheld.

Supporter Contributions:

MWA primarily operates on the generous support of individuals and entities that align with our mission. We understand and appreciate our supporters' preference for privacy, which is often influenced by the closely-knit nature of our small community in the Maldives. These contributions typically encompass full project funding, financial aid, as well as the provision of transport, accommodation, or community spaces for our activities.

Data Collection:

MWA does not engage in the collection or retention of personal data related to our supporters, given the voluntary and often anonymous nature of contributions. We do not maintain databases of donor information, ensuring the privacy and security of our supporters.

Data Security:

While we do not collect personal data, MWA is committed to the general security of all financial and material contributions. We take measures to ensure that all forms of support are used for their intended purpose, maintaining transparency and accountability in our operations.

Supporter Preferences:

MWA highly values the preferences of our supporters and respects their decisions regarding anonymity and the nature of their support.

We will: 

• Uphold supporters' requests for anonymity, ensuring that their identities are not disclosed in any communications.

• Provide accessible options for supporters to communicate their preferences or provide feedback.