89157 Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Burundi, Republic of Rwanda and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Great Lakes Emergency Sexual and Gender Based Violence and Women's Health Project Chair Summary June 26, 2014 Directors approved the Regional Great Lakes Emergency Sexual and Gender Based Violence and Women’s Health Project in the amount of SDR 69.45 million (US$106.96 million equivalent) for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Burundi, Republic of Rwanda and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). This operation is the second under the $1 billion Regional Initiative for the Great Lakes. Directors noted the innovative, timely and potentially transformational nature of the operation— the first in IDA with a major focus on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the Africa Region. They welcomed the project’s aims to improve access to holistic services for survivors and basic health services for poor women, and to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience. There was broad based consensus on the importance of strengthening health systems and community structures, and addressing capacity issues related to SGBV and maternal health. Directors endorsed the evidence-based approach and acknowledged the added value of a regional approach. Directors agreed with the use of regional IDA resources to support activities with a strong public good content, to strengthen the capacity of the ICGLR to advance the policy agenda on SGBV (Kampala Declaration), and to support knowledge sharing, research and capacity building beyond the three countries and across other sectors. Directors welcomed efforts to consult widely with stakeholders on the ground, and underscored the need to ensure that this operation supports and complements ongoing SGBV-related efforts of numerous partners, including the UN agencies, bilateral donors, and NGOs. They welcomed that the Bank plans to work with partners with a comparative advantage to address impunity and violence prevention. They highlighted that a strong local staff presence could assist in building relationships with partners and in project implementation. Directors recognized efforts to ensure the preparation process was country-driven and client-oriented, and they urged continued attention to bolstering ownership. Finally, Directors noted the effective use of expedited procedures and the use of measures that facilitated the timely delivery of the project. They encouraged strong indicators, results monitoring and impact evaluations to draw meaningful lessons. Directors stressed the importance of rigorous implementation of risk mitigation measures, especially to address governance risks. They emphasized the need for flexibility and resourcefulness during the implementation phase, given the continued fragility and instability in Eastern DRC.                                                              *This summary is not an approved record.