16 Days: stepping up efforts to prevent GBV

Reflecting on the toolbox chapter dedicated to preventing and responding to gender-based violence, participants discussed the importance of community-based solutions, as well as a survivor-centered approach and the inclusion of men and boys in the work to change attitudes and norms that perpetuate violence, stigma and abuse. 

In some countries, respondents noted that “a deep-rooted normalization of gender-based violence persists,” meaning that few victims come forward to report incidents and compiling statistics remains challenging. Ndlovu stressed the importance of ensuring protection for survivors, “making sure that we don’t compromise their safety in our efforts to collect data.” 

To Mei Ling from Hong Kong, one of LWF’s gender justice coordinators for Asia, said that “under-reporting” is widespread, particularly in countries where there is “systematic discrimination,” a lack of legislation, weak institutions and conflict at national or local level. “Survivor-centered approaches work best where there are strong legal and healthcare systems to support the victims,” one speaker noted. 

Communities need to see that they are the solution to this problem.

– Betty Lamunu, gender and protection advisor for LWF South Sudan

Discussions also centered on the importance of strong community involvement in tackling the scourge of gender-based violence. Participants underlined the need to provide counseling for family members, alongside survivors, to combat stigma and ensure their full reintegration into community life. “Communities need to see that they are the solution to this problem,” said Betty Lamunu, gender and protection advisor for LWF South Sudan, “rather than expecting outside agencies to zoom in without a deep understanding of the issues and resources to be found within the community itself.” 

Participants reaffirmed the need to involve men and boys “from a very early age so that they grow up with different values, rather than trying to reshape attitudes in later life.” Churches in southern Africa have been developing material for use in Sunday schools and youth groups to introduce gender justice concepts to children within safe learning environments. Colleen Cunningham, LWF’s gender justice coordinator for southern Africa, stressed it is vital to pursue “a multisectoral approach, because we have learned that the patriarchy is too strong for us to tackle on our own.”