Summary of my presentation at the "Reframing and ending violence conference in Nairobi-Kenya (2012) What is Gender based violence? "Refers to any act that results into or is likely to result into physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty". (UN declaration on the elimination of violence against women 1993) GBV is a world wide problem, though the scourge is particularly difficult to eradicate in Africa where unhealthy mix of traditions, inequality and even ignorance conspires against women. It takes many forms including physical, sexual and psychological abuse. Women encounter violence as a result of conflict and other social upheavals, and are often exposed to violence in public spaces or places. Nonetheless, it occurs most frequently in the private spheres by partners, other family members or acquaintances. GBV may also be economic in nature, for example; taking away one's finances, stopping one from working and refusing one to advance with education among others. Other forms of GBV include; rape, forced marriages, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), discrimination of females etc. CAUSES OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE 1-Culture:-Some cultures encourage parents to marry off their daughters as early as 12 years old. This will definitely fuel violence in the relationship. Making the matter worse, it could just be for the desire of material gains. Research has it that a number of women and children are subjected to various forms of violence but they fear to report because they were forced into marriage and for fear of stigma. Some cultures treasure FGM which is typically a form of violence. Girls are left with no choice save to accept their genitals to be mutilated. They are afraid that if they do not accept, they will not get married! Culture has been fueled by contradicting laws particularly on what age is right for the girl to get married. For instance, where as the marriage Act of 1971 (Tanzania) legalizes the marriage of girls as young as 15 years with consent of their parents, the Penal Code prohibits any sexual intercourse with a girl below the age of 18 even if the girl had consented. Other causes are; 2-Patriarchy 3-Male chauvinism 4-Bride price 5-Socialization (teaching boys to treat girls and women as 2nd class people) 6-Background 7-Religion 8-Wars/conflicts 9-Poverty/Unemployment 10-Alcoholism ETC... FORMS OF VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS -Bullying and teasing girls -Discriminating girls -Rape/defilement -Early marriages -Sexual harassment -Stalking -Bartering Threats and insults.......etc. HOW TO PREVENT GBV (and all kinds of violence) +Understand GBV and know that it's acceptable. +Do not ignore the warning signs such as threats and insults. +Seek help before it happens. +Join a group speaking out against violence (it gives you the courage to be confident). +Support women experiencing violence (listen to them, advise them, financially support them and put yourself in their shoes). +Promote gender equality and womens' rights. +Establish, implement and monitor multi-sectoral action plans to address violence against women. +Enlist social, political, religious and other leaders in speaking out against GBV. +Enhance capacity and establish systems for data collection to monitor GBV and the attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate it. +Prioritize the prevention of child sexual abuse. +Make physical environments safer for women. +Make schools safer for girls. +Develop a comprehensive health sector response to the various impacts of violence against women. +Strengthen both formal and informal support systems for women living with violence. +Support research on the causes, consequences and costs of GBV .............See closing the gap of GBV in South Africa RESPONDING TO GBV -Time is vital (report all cases) -Support not blame and stigmatize victims of GBV -It's normal to be confused, feel rejected and helpless after experiencing GBV. Whatever the case, do not blame yourself! IMPORTANT ASPECTS TO KNOW ABOUT GBV @It's learnt and it can be unlearnt. @Silence in violence--Speak out against violence. @There is no excuse for violence whatsoever!. @It affects us all, we all have the responsibility to prevent it. Tots I used "Each one of us here has her own strength, power and spheres of influence in our own respective countries--let's utilize our strengths" "If you can imagine it, you can hate it and if you hate it, you can fight it, and if you fight it, you can get rid of it--Yes we can!" "If you care at all, you will get some results, If you care enough, you will get incredible results--let's care enough" "Do not wait until the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking it"-William B It does not matter what part of the world you come from, we all have a deep desire to end GBV. Therefore, we should not give up despite the hardships we might encounter in the due course. Remember, "YOU CAN'T MAKE AN OMELET WITHOUT BREAKING THE EGGS!"
