Abstract
The study highlights the importance of acknowledging the full extent of the problem, including the many different forms of abuse that can be involved, and recognizing the need for a comprehensive, society-wide response. It emphasizes that behavior change requires a movement that recognizes that GBV and VAC are systemic and built on protecting and defending rights, steeped in evidence and practice-based knowledge, making knowledge about rights and the systemic nature of the drivers of GBV accessible to all, acting simultaneously on multiple fronts, combining top-down and bottom-up approaches, and being sensitive to individual contexts and the interaction with systemic factors.
GBV: The key considerations in implementing an authentic and legitimate campaign against Gender-Based Violence and Violence Against Children
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a complex and pervasive problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can take many different forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and it affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Unfortunately, GBV is also a problem that is growing in many parts of the world, and it is essential to understand how the narrative around GBV is impacting this trend.
The narrative around GBV can play a significant role in shaping people’s attitudes and behaviours towards this issue. For example, if the narrative around GBV portrays it as something that only happens to certain types of people, such as women or minorities, it can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy for those who experience it. This can make it more difficult for survivors to come forward and seek help, and it can also make it more difficult to create effective prevention and intervention programs.
Similarly, if the narrative around GBV focuses solely on the physical aspects of abuse, it can fail to capture the full extent of the problem. GBV is a complex issue that can involve many different forms of abuse, including emotional abuse, financial abuse, and coercion. By focusing solely on physical violence, we risk overlooking these other forms of abuse and failing to provide adequate support for those who experience them.
Finally, the narrative around GBV can also impact how society as a whole responds to this issue. If the narrative suggests that GBV is an individual problem that only affects a small number of people, it can lead to a lack of political will and funding for prevention and intervention programs. On the other hand, if the narrative acknowledges that GBV is a pervasive problem that affects many people, it can create a sense of urgency and mobilize resources to address it.
In conclusion, understanding the ways in which the narrative around GBV is impacting the increasing problem of GBV is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention programs. By acknowledging the full extent of the problem, including the many different forms of abuse that can be involved, and by recognizing the need for a comprehensive, society-wide response, we can work towards creating a safer, more just world for all.
Summary findings:
Awareness of violence against women and children is HIGH amongst respondents and they have a deep understanding of the causes of violence and ways to mitigate and prevent it.
In their own spaces they are trying to keep themselves & their families safe and to aid victims/survivors of violence. Unfortunately, THEY ARE OVERWHELMED by:
- The high levels of poverty, unemployment & inequality.
- Corruption.
- Social, cultural & religious institutions that are promoting inequality.
- Weak delivery of basic services.
- Destruction of infrastructure.
- Non-existent leadership by government, business, traditional authorities & religious organisations.
Nonetheless, they are ready to engage in collective action and to reclaim their local public spaces. They will heed the call to act locally when there is TRUST in the organisers and transparency of their actions.
Behaviour change requires a movement that recognises that GBV & VAC are systemic and…
- Built on protecting & defending rights.
- Steeped in evidence & practice-based knowledge.
- Making knowledge about rights and the systemic nature of the drivers of GBV accessible to all.
- Acting simultaneously on multiple fronts.
- Combining top-down & bottom-up approaches.
- Being sensitive to individual contexts and the interaction with systemic factors.
