Gender Based Violence and way forward

We must ensure survivors and those at risk of violence have access to comprehensive support including quality health services, psychosocial support, justice and legal services, shelters and safe spaces and economic assistance. .

Let us promote the economic, social and political empowerment of women and girls. This includes supporting economic empowerment and livelihoods programs, social protection and safety nets that support women and girls and access to safe and equitable education for girls and boys. This importantly also includes promoting the leadership and meaningful participation of women and girls at all levels of decision-making, where they today remain conspicuously absent. 

Let us support and expand policies, programs and strategies that promote gender equality in social norms, attitudes and behaviours and that address the root causes of violence. It is critical to engage men, boys, community leaders and other community members in challenging and transforming patriarchal norms, practices and beliefs that justify violence against women. An example of how this can work is the 16 Days activitism  program against Gender Bàsed Violence held by World pulse sisterhood, which expected to reduce rates of intimate partner violence by 75% amongst women, .

Increase funding, support and space for organisations that promote women’s and girls’ rights and gender equality, particularly local women-led and women’s rights organisations that are on the frontlines of action on GBV as well as youth-led.

Let us ensure public planning and budgeting processes and public financial systems integrate gender equality principles and gender analysis, and make sure adequate public resources are allocated for GBV prevention, risk mitigation, and response.

Fortunately, there is now an international instrument available that can help advance many of these priorities.

There is no vaccine that will end GBV. What is needed instead is profound structural and social change at all levels of society, led by governments, businesses, public and private institutions, civil society and ordinary people. We must support women, girls and organisations that are leading efforts to support survivors, challenge patriarchal practices, and advance gender equality.

STAND UP NOW, LETS ELIMINATE GENDER BASED VIOLENCE.