GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to any harmful act directed at an individual based on their gender, gender identity, or perceived gender roles. It encompasses physical, sexual, psychological, and economic harm and stems from systemic power imbalances and social norms that perpetuate discrimination and inequality—particularly against women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals.

GBV is rooted in patriarchal systems, cultural traditions, and institutional structures that reinforce gender hierarchies and enable control, coercion, and violence. It can occur in both public and private spheres and includes, but is not limited to:

• Intimate partner violence

• Sexual assault and rape

• Sexual harassment

• Female genital mutilation (FGM)

• Forced marriage

• Human trafficking

• Cyber harassment

• Economic and reproductive coercion

While anyone can experience GBV, it disproportionately affects women and girls, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender and nonbinary people, who face elevated risks due to intersecting forms of discrimination.

The impacts of GBV are far-reaching, contributing to long-term physical and mental health issues, social isolation, loss of economic opportunity, and intergenerational trauma.

Effective responses to GBV require interdisciplinary intervention, including trauma-informed healthcare, legal protection, social services, education, and community-based prevention strategies that challenge the social norms enabling such violence.