Mercy Works partners with the Good Shepherd Home–Legazpi (GSHL) to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and vulnerable families in the Albay and Catanduanes provinces of the Bicol Region, Philippines. Albay recorded the highest number of reported Violence Against Women (VAW) cases in the region from January to June 2023, with 449 cases. Catanduanes, while ...
Mercy Works
Healing and Empowerment of Women and Children
GOAL
$15,000
Australia
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- International aid and development
Target Population
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
- Women and girls
Mercy Works
Established in 2000, Mercy Works is the development arm of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Working both domestically and in the Asia Pacific region, our mission is to support vulnerable communities to build dignity, self-reliance, and resilience through transformative partnerships and life-changing programs. We are committed to advancing basic human rights—particularly access to education, healthcare, and social welfare—by working directly with communities and local organisations.
In Australia, we work alongside refugees, asylum seekers, and Indigenous communities, delivering programs that focus on education and employment pathways, cultural healing, advocacy, child protection, and community reconnection.
Internationally, in Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste, our efforts span education, technical and life skills training, agriculture, microfinance, healthcare, social services, and livelihood development, particularly in remote and marginalised areas.
Based in Sydney, Mercy Works is governed by a 10-member Board and supported by two key sub-committees—Finance, Risk & Audit, and Programs. In FY24, we reported total revenue of $2 million. We are not government-funded and rely on a diverse funding mix including contributions from the Sisters of Mercy, philanthropic grants, and donations from schools, organisations, and individuals.
We deliver programs both directly and through carefully chosen partnerships with grassroots organisations, involving rigorous accountability. As a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct, we uphold best practice in development, including robust risk management and due diligence in all program delivery
Mercy Works remains committed to creating lasting, positive change in the lives of those most in need.
Project Summary
Mercy Works partners with the Good Shepherd Home–Legazpi (GSHL) to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and vulnerable families in the Albay and Catanduanes provinces of the Bicol Region, Philippines.
Albay recorded the highest number of reported Violence Against Women (VAW) cases in the region from January to June 2023, with 449 cases. Catanduanes, while smaller, reported 68 cases. High poverty rates (15.1% in Albay/16.6% in Catanduanes) further increase the risk of GBV and limit the ability of women and children to access opportunities for development.
This project responds to both immediate and long-term needs through:
- Combination of shelter-based and community-based interventions. Survivors receive personalised case management tailored to their healing journey, including safe shelter, therapeutic support, legal assistance, and educational and skills-based programs. Reintegration into the community is also carefully supported.
- Livelihood initiatives are being expanded in remote fishing communities. Organised fisherfolk groups in Sitio Dayhagan, Cabusiw, and Quigaray will receive training and shared community boats to improve access to sustainable income. Ongoing mentoring and support are also provided to previous livelihood beneficiaries.
- Strengthening community responses, the project will train local Violence Against Women (VAW) desk personnel and volunteer gender advocates in the Municipality of Panganiban. These efforts aim to improve case handling and increase awareness of GBV, reaching at least 500 beneficiaries.
- Regular monitoring of the current water project to ensure that the terms of the agreement with the Barangay Council and community are being effectively implemented/maintained, enabling access to clean/safe water.
Project Outcomes
This project aims to contribute to the empowerment of women, girls, and children in the provinces of Albay and Catanduanes by addressing barriers such as GBV, limited access to education, and a lack of sustainable livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to strengthen community support systems that uphold and protect the rights of women and children.
Through personalised interventions, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and strengthened community support, the project will continue to deliver both shelter-based and community-based programs.
2025–26 expected outcomes:
1. Healing and Empowerment:
45 survivors and individuals at risk of GBV will receive trauma-informed support, leading to increased resilience, reintegration into their communities, and renewed self-worth.
Indicators-Number of participants receiving community-based interventions; evidence of progress in trauma recovery and reintegration.
2. Economic Empowerment:
25 low-income women at risk of GBV and marginalised families in four communities will increase their household income by at least 25% through livelihood support.
Indicator-Number of participants achieving targeted income growth through sustainable activities.
3. Build GBV Awareness & Response:
15 trained gender advocates will raise awareness and strengthen the local response to GBV in four communities through sessions reaching 500 individuals.
Indicators-Number of gender advocates trained and number of awareness raising sessions delivered.
4. Improved Access to Clean Water:
Four communities will benefit from improved access to clean and safe water sources.
Indicator-Functioning water systems monitored and maintained.
Key success measures include intake forms, case studies, intervention plans, training attendance sheets, progress reports, and regular case reviews.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $95,268
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mercy Works contribution (includes ACF $15,000 grant request) | $56,145 |
| Local Philippines contribution | $39,123 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Personnel Costs - Social Worker + Community Development Worker | $13,110 |
| Activity Costs | $52,743 |
| Project Support Costs | $2,800 |
| Administration Costs | $26,615 |
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