Gaia Pallecchi

Gaia Pallecchi is an international development expert, specializing in gender analysis and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, with over ten years’ experience in gender transformative programming and policies across several countries in four continents. She has a rich theoretical understanding of unequal power relations and harmful social norms which lead to gender inequality, acquired through the II level master’s degree in “Gender, Violence and Justice” from FLACSO University of Quito, and several trainings and courses focusing on the specific condition of women and girls in armed conflict and survivors of gender-based violence. She has held progressively responsible positions managing and coordinating programs for the UNs, ICRC, NGOs and civil society organizations aimed at promoting women and girls’ safety, recovery, empowerment and participation at different levels in the society.
Pallecchi has a solid background in conducting assessments, advising on strategic planning, writing and editing, and advocacy. She participated in research and learning processes, applying different methodologies for data collection and analysis. In the field of gender equality, Pallecchi developed different strategies and approaches to involve families, communities, authorities and key institutions to build protective environments for women and girls, applying case management principles, behavior change and holistic capacity building approaches. She played lead roles in her different positions in advocating with service providers, local governments and institutions for GBV prevention and response. She designed and delivered courses on gender equality, holistic care, gender mainstreaming and GBV, also serving as Instructor for “Gender Equality” and “Gender-based Violence Holistic Care” in the framework of the Gender in Development and Humanitarian Assistance Program, at the Lebanese American University of Beirut. She is also an active member of several Rosters (IRC, UNFPA and Canadem) as Gender-based Violence and Protection expert.
Gaia Pallecchi is currently based in Rome, Italy, and works as Program Coordinator for Asia with the International Development Law Organization (IDLO).