Curbing Gender-Based  Violence, a collective effort

GENDER-Based Violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide, with far-reaching consequences for survivors, families and communities. 

It encompasses various forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual violence, child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). 

This article explores strategies for preventing GBV, with a focus on ending child marriages. It highlights the crucial role that individuals, families, communities, organisations and governments must play in this collective effort.

 Understanding the Scope of Gender-Based Violence

GBV is a complex issue, deeply rooted in societal norms, cultural beliefs and power imbalances. It affects individuals of all ages, backgrounds and socio-economic statuses. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about one in three  women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner.

 Preventing Child Marriages

Child marriage is a form of GBV that robs girls of their childhood, education and prospects. It increases the risk of domestic violence, sexual abuse and health complications. To prevent child marriages:

Enforce laws and policies: Strengthen and enforce laws prohibiting child marriage, and ensure that these laws are consistent with international human rights standards.

Empower girls through education: 

Provide girls with access to quality education, which can help them develop skills, build confidence and make informed decisions about their lives.

Engage communities and families: Raise awareness about the negative consequences of child marriage and involve community leaders, parents and caregivers in efforts to prevent it.

Provide economic support: Offer economic incentives, such as cash transfers or vocational training to families that keep their daughters in school and delay marriage.

 Community-Based Initiatives

Communities play a vital role in preventing GBV and supporting survivors. Some effective community-based initiatives include:

Community outreach and education: Organise awareness-raising campaigns, workshops and training programmes to educate community members about GBV, its causes and its consequences.

Support groups for survivors: Establish support groups where survivors can share their experiences, receive emotional support and connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

Community-based counselling: Provide counselling services that are accessible, affordable and culturally sensitive to help individuals and families affected by GBV.

Role of Governments and Organisations

Governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) must work together to prevent GBV and support survivors. Some key strategies include:

Develop and implement policies: Enact and enforce laws, policies and regulations that protect women’s and girls’ rights, prevent GBV and hold perpetrators accountable.

Provide funding and resources: Allocate sufficient funding and resources to support GBV prevention and response efforts, including community-based initiatives, counselling services and support groups.

Collaborate with civil society: Foster partnerships with NGOs, CBOs and community leaders to leverage resources, expertise and networks to prevent GBV and support survivors.

 Engaging Men and Boys

Men and boys have a critical role to play in preventing GBV and promoting gender equality. Some effective strategies for engaging men and boys include:

Challenging harmful masculinities: Encourage men and boys to question and challenge traditional masculine norms and behaviours that contribute to GBV.

Promoting positive masculinity: Foster positive masculine roles and behaviours that promote respect, empathy and equality.

Engaging men as allies: Encourage men to become allies and advocates for women’s and girls’ rights and to support efforts to prevent GBV.

In conclusion, curbing GBV requires a collective effort from individuals, families, communities, organisations and governments. By working together, we can create a society that promotes gender equality, challenges harmful norms and behaviours and supports survivors of GBV. Remember, preventing GBV is everyone’s responsibility.

Call to Action

Report cases of GBV to the authorities or support hot-lines.

Support organisations working to prevent GBV and promote gender equality.

Engage in conversations that challenge harmful norms and behaviours.

Advocate for policies and laws that protect women’s and girls’ rights.

Together, we can create a safer, more equitable world for all.

Complied by DR. Rev Barbra M Silumbu

Clinical Psychologist