Ending Gender-Based Violence:

A Comprehensive Approach

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global issue that affects millions of individuals, families, and
communities worldwide. It takes many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, and
disproportionately impacts women and girls. Addressing this complex challenge requires a multifaceted
approach that addresses the root causes, empowers those affected, and fosters a culture of respect and non-
violence. This presentation outlines a comprehensive strategy to end GBV and create a more just and equitable
world for all.

by Paula Andrea S. Quintana

Understanding the Root Causes of GBV

1 Gender Inequality 2 Patriarchal Structures

GBV is rooted in deep-seated gender inequalities, Patriarchal systems, which privilege male authority and
where power imbalances, discriminatory social norms, control, perpetuate the belief that men have a right to
and rigid gender roles create an environment that exercise power over women, leading to the
enables violence against women and girls. normalization of GBV.

3 Cycles of Abuse 4 Intersecting Inequalities

Exposure to violence in childhood, whether as a victim GBV is exacerbated by the intersection of gender with
or witness, can increase the risk of perpetuating or other forms of discrimination, such as race, class,
experiencing GBV in adulthood, creating an sexual orientation, and disability, putting certain
intergenerational cycle of abuse. individuals and communities at higher risk.
Empowering Women and Girls through Education
and Economic Opportunities
Education
Ensuring access to quality education
for women and girls is crucial for
empowering them, building their
resilience, and challenging harmful
gender norms. Education provides the
tools and knowledge to make
informed choices, advocate for their
rights, and become leaders in their
communities.
Economic Opportunities
Increasing women's economic
independence through access to skills
training, employment, and
entrepreneurship opportunities can
reduce their vulnerability to GBV.
Financial empowerment enables
women to have greater control over
their lives, resources, and decision-
making power.
Holistic Approach
A comprehensive approach that
combines education and economic
empowerment with support services,
legal protections, and community
engagement is essential for creating
sustainable change and breaking the
cycle of GBV.
Engaging Men and Boys as Allies in the Fight
Against GBV
Challenging Harmful Masculinities
Engaging men and boys to critically examine and transform harmful masculine norms, such as the glorification of
violence and the objectification of women, is crucial for dismantling the root causes of GBV.

Promoting Positive Masculinity

Encouraging men and boys to embrace positive, non-violent forms of masculinity that emphasize respect, empathy,
and the equal treatment of women can help create a culture of non-violence and promote healthy relationships.

Mobilizing as Allies
Empowering men and boys to become active allies in the fight against GBV, by speaking out against violence,
supporting survivors, and advocating for policy changes, can amplify the impact of efforts to end this persistent
problem.
Strengthening Legal and Policy Frameworks to
Protect Victims
Comprehensive Legislation Enact laws that clearly define and criminalize all forms of
GBV, providing robust protections for victims and survivors.

Enforcement and Accountability Ensure effective implementation and enforcement of laws,

with clear mechanisms for holding perpetrators accountable
and providing justice for victims.

Survivor-Centered Approach Develop policies and procedures that prioritize the safety,
privacy, and well-being of survivors, empowering them to
access support and seek redress.

Intersectional Perspective Address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by

marginalized groups, such as women with disabilities, ethnic
minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals, in the legal and policy
frameworks.
Improving Access to Comprehensive Support
Services for Survivors
Medical Care
Provide access to
comprehensive medical
services, including
emergency treatment, long-
term care, and mental health
support, to address the
physical and psychological
impacts of GBV.
Psychosocial Support
Offer confidential and
trauma-informed
counseling, support groups,
and other mental health
services to help survivors
heal, build resilience, and
reclaim their lives.
Legal Assistance
Ensure survivors have
access to free or low-cost
legal aid and guidance to
navigate the justice system,
seek protection orders, and
pursue legal remedies.
Safe Shelters
Establish and maintain
accessible, inclusive, and
well-resourced shelters and
safe houses that provide
temporary refuge and
comprehensive support
services for survivors and
their families.
Fostering a Culture of Respect, Consent, and Non-
Violence
Education and Awareness
Implement comprehensive education programs in schools,
communities, and workplaces to promote respect, healthy
relationships, and the importance of consent, challenging
harmful gender norms and stereotypes.
Media Representation
Advocate for responsible and ethical media representation
of gender issues, challenging the objectification of women
and the glorification of violence, and promoting positive,
empowering portrayals of gender equality.
Community Engagement
Engage local communities, religious and cultural leaders,
and other key stakeholders to challenge the social
acceptance of GBV, foster open dialogues, and encourage
collective action to create a culture of non-violence.
Bystander Intervention
Empower individuals to become active bystanders,
equipping them with the skills and confidence to safely
intervene and speak out against acts of GBV in their
communities.
A Collective Call to Action to
End Gender-Based Violence

Ending gender-based violence is a critical challenge that requires a

comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach. By addressing the root causes,
empowering those affected, strengthening legal and policy frameworks, and
fostering a culture of respect and non-violence, we can create a more just,
equitable, and peaceful world for all. This is a collective call to action, inviting
individuals, communities, and organizations to join forces, mobilize resources,
and take decisive steps to end this persistent and pervasive form of human
rights abuse. Together, we can break the cycle of violence, challenge harmful
norms, and build a future where everyone can live with dignity, safety, and
freedom.