Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most pervasive human rights violations, disproportionately affecting women and girls worldwide. It encompasses physical, sexual, psychological, and economic harm perpetrated based on gender. Addressing GBV requires a systemic, multi-dimensional approach, targeting cultural norms, inequality, education, and legal protection. Only a holistic response can tackle the deeply rooted societal factors that perpetuate violence against women.
The Need for a Multi-Dimensional Response
Gender-based violence (GBV) is not just an individual tragedy, it is a societal crisis that cuts across cultures, communities, and continents.Nearly one in three women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, often at the hands of intimate partners, relatives, neighbors, or strangers. Globally, a woman is killed by an intimate partner or family member every 10 minutes, and over half of the 51,100 women killed in 2023 were murdered by someone close to them (UN Women, 2023). GBV manifests in multiple forms: sexual harassment, early and forced child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and cyberbullying.
Violence often begins early. An estimated 24% of women aged 15–19 experience intimate partner violence since the age of 15 (WHO, 2021). Regional disparities show Oceania (49%), Central Sub-Saharan Africa (44%), and Andean Latin America (38%) have the highest prevalence rates, while Central Europe (20%), Western Europe (20%), and Central Asia (18%) report the lowest (UNICEF, 2021).
Strengthening Women and Communities
GBV is primarily driven by systemic gender inequality and discrimination, reinforced by cultural norms, patriarchy, and, in some contexts, religious or historical practices. Conflict further exacerbates sexual violence as a weapon. Ana Peláez Narváez, Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) noted that “sexual violence continues to be used as means of warfare in armed conflicts worldwide.”
Many survivors do not report abuse due to fear, stigma, or cultural normalization of violence. Laws, reporting mechanisms, and survivor-centred services are vital to change this. Governments and organizations must:
- Strengthen laws that criminalize all forms of GBV, including domestic violence, FGM, cyberbullying, and child marriage
- Improve reporting systems and ensure confidentiality
- Enforce strict penalties for perpetrators
- Expand support services including shelters, medical care, and legal aid
- Train police, judges, and social workers to respond effectively and sensitively
Strong legal frameworks not only punish perpetrators but also protect survivors and signal that violence will not be tolerated.
The Consequences of Gender-Based Violence
GBV has severe consequences for physical, mental, and social well-being. Survivors face unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, psychological trauma, and reduced societal participation. Communities and nations also bear the economic burden through healthcare costs and lost productivity.
To combat such pervasive abuse, societies must implement systemic interventions that simultaneously address cultural, educational, economic, and legal dimensions. Education and empowerment are central to breaking the cycle of violence, while legal frameworks ensure accountability and protection.
Education plays a crucial role in challenging harmful gender norms that justify violence; such as the perception that men should dominate while women are submissive or “property.” By promoting gender equality, empathy, and respect from a young age, education empowers girls to recognize abuse, assert their rights, and seek help when needed. Tap for more about education intervention
Empowerment is therefore essential. Women with access to education, income, leadership opportunities, and supportive networks gain autonomy and protection. Engaging communities and men in prevention initiatives is also critical to dismantling the social acceptance of violence. More on GBV and development
