Terms of Reference (ToR) to Conduct an Analysis of the Policy and Legal Framework Effectiveness in Preventing and Responding to Domestic Violence in Rwanda

Context

The Government of Rwanda has taken substantial steps to address gender-based violence (GBV), including domestic violence, through the implementation of various legal and policy frameworks. Rwanda has enacted laws and policies aimed at preventing GBV, protecting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of these frameworks requires continuous evaluation to ensure they meet their intended goals. Association Modeste et Innocent (AMI), in collaboration with the National Forum Against Domestic Violence in Rwanda (NFADV-TURIHASHYE), seeks to assess the effectiveness of these legal and policy frameworks in addressing GBV in Rwanda, especially domestic violence, given the fact that the latter remains a critical issue in Rwanda despite significant efforts by the Government and various stakeholders to address the problem.

Objectives of the Research

Overall Objective of the Assignment

To evaluate the effectiveness of the current GBV-related legal and policy framework in Rwanda in preventing, addressing, and reducing GBV, particularly domestic violence.

Specific objectives

• To review existing laws, policies, and regulations related to Domestic Violence in Rwanda, including their objectives, scope, and application.
• To assess the implementation of these laws and policies, including gaps, challenges, and successes.
• To identify factors affecting the enforcement of these frameworks, including institutional, social, and cultural factors.
• To propose actionable recommendations to strengthen Rwanda's Domestic Violence -related legal and policy framework.

Scope of Work

This analysis is meant to be conducted by a consulting firm or individual consultant (s) in Rwanda. The research sampling should be representative and will cover the following areas:

• Legal and Policy Analysis:Reviewing existing laws, policies, and regulations related to Domestic Violence in Rwanda, including their objectives, scope, and application.
• Implementation Assessment:Evaluating how these laws and policies are implemented across different sectors (e.g., law enforcement, healthcare, social services).
• Stakeholder Engagement:Conduct interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, survivors, and community leaders.
• Challenges and Gaps Identification:Identifying legal, procedural, or practical barriers to effectively implementing Domestic Violence-related frameworks.
• Impact/Effectiveness Evaluation:Assessing the impact of these frameworks on Domestic Violence incidence rates and survivor support in Rwanda.
• Recommendations:Provide actionable recommendations for strengthening the policy and legal frameworks to enhance the prevention and response to domestic violence.

Research Methodology

The research intends to be qualitative and quantitative, and the methodology will be discussed in depth with the successful consulting firm or individual consultant. However, it should compulsorily comprise the following:

• Desk Review:Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, laws, and policies on GBV in Rwanda.
• Qualitative Data Collection:Use interviews, focus groups, and case studies to gather insights from relevant stakeholders and affected individuals.
• Quantitative Data Collection:Collect statistical data on Domestic Violence incidence and enforcement measures to analyse trends and outcomes.
• Data Analysis:Analyse qualitative and quantitative data to conclude the effectiveness of the Domestic Violence framework.

Deliverables

The main deliverables of this research include:

• Inception Report: Detailed research plan, methodology, and timeline.
• Interim Report: Summary of initial findings and preliminary conclusions.
• Draft Research Report: Full draft of the findings, analysis, and recommendations.
• Final Research Report: Comprehensive report with an executive summary, findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations.
• Presentation: Presentation of the findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

The research team should have the following qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Law, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Proven experience in conducting legal and policy research, particularly in the area of domestic violence or related domains such as gender-based violence, feminism, etc.
• Familiarity with Rwanda’s legal and policy framework related to GBV and Domestic Violence.
• Strong skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills in English and Kinyarwanda.

Timeline

The research should be conducted within one month from the commencement date. The timeline will include specific milestones for deliverables as outlined in the scope of work. The assignment will take place between November 25 and December 25, 2024.

Application Process

Interested research teams or consultants should submit a proposal that includes:

• A technical proposal with a clear timeframe and a description of the proposed methodology detailing how the deliverables will be achieved and the team credentials for similar assignments.
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae of the proposed consultant(s) to carry out the assignment with clear roles and functions.
• A financial offer in PDF format detailing the various costs associated with delivering the above services must be a separate document from the technical offer.
• Evidence of the consultant’s experience in doing similar assignments: Copies of similar assignments (with evidence for good completion of the previous similar assignments);
• Submit at least 3 references with their contacts and addresses. 
• Bank account information, including the scanned copy of a blank check or document from the bank confirming bank account information (name, account number, swift code, …)
• Consultant firm profile; registration certificate; RRA tax clearance certificate.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

Ethical considerations/confidentiality

The consultant (s) must adhere to the highest ethical standards, ensuring confidentiality and sensitivity throughout the assessment process, mainly when dealing with domestic violence survivors. The following are some essential points to consider regarding the ethical requirements and engagement of participants in this analysis process. Their best interests should be the primary objective of the analysis process and should be considered at all stages.

Consultants should respect the following:

• Participation should be voluntary, with no compulsion based on payment or promise of results. For children, this should be done in a child-friendly format. This means that it will be necessary to meet with them separately from adult participants and introduce the project with language appropriate for their age.
• Participants will be informed that if something upsets them, they do not need to answer the statement and can withdraw from the process.
• If there is a plan to photograph participants and to share these images in reports or on websites, appropriate permissions should be obtained from the participants. Similarly, participants’ permission should be obtained if their voices are recorded.

Submission deadline

A well-sealed envelope containing the technical and financial proposals addressed to the Executive Secretary of AMI should be dropped at AMI’s office located in Huye Town, Taba Zone, SH57 ^ST, 11 or by email at ami.rwanda@yahoo.fr and copying irabiziyo@gmail.com no later than 24 November 2024.

RUSANGANWA Théogène

LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE

ASSOCIATION MODESTE ET INNOCENT (AMI).