Gender-based violence and harmful practices – a widespread human rights violation
Gender-based violence is a severe human rights violation, deeply rooted in harmful gender norms and power imbalances. Addressing this issue is a key priority in Norway's Action Plan for Women's Rights and Gender Equality in Foreign and Development Policy (2023-2030). Norad takes a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach, engaging sectors like education, health, and justice.
What
Gender-based violence affects women and girls in every society. While women and girls are disproportionately affected, it's essential to acknowledge that men and boys can also be victims. This type of violence encompasses a broad range of abuses, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and digital abuse, as well as harmful practices like child marriage and genital mutilation.
Preventing gender-based violence demands a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach involving sectors like education, health, and food security. To effectively combat this issue, it's crucial to address its root causes, such as inequality and poverty. Working with both men and women is vital for achieving lasting change and preventing further harm. This approach must be long-term, as transforming societal norms around equality and violence takes time.
In addition to prevention, providing support services to survivors is critical. These services include healthcare, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and other forms of aid to help them recover and rebuild.
Why
Gender-based violence is a severe human rights violation and a life-threatening health issue, primarily driven by inequality and power imbalances. Women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, being 2-4 times more likely to experience domestic violence. LGBTQ+ individuals also face higher rates of violence; with for example, 56% of sexual and gender minorities in southern and eastern Africa having experienced violence at some point.
Gender-based violence intensifies in humanitarian crises, where underlying inequalities and discrimination often worsen. Protective mechanisms break down, leading to increased violence and harmful practices. Common types in these emergencies include domestic violence, rape, human trafficking, early and forced marriage, sexual harassment, and exploitation.
How
Norway’s efforts will contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 and, in line with Norway’s Action Plan for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in Foreign and Development Policy, we prioritise a comprehensive and coordinated effort with the aim of preventing violence and protecting and helping vulnerable women, children and young people. This work focuses in particular on education, health and justice, changing norms and cooperation with national authorities and regional and international stakeholders where appropriate for normative mobilisation.
Women’s organisations are key to the mobilisation of women’s rights and the prevention of gender-based violence. Norway also prioritises strengthening support for women-led organisations in the south through various programmes.
Who/Where
Norway's efforts aim to contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5. In line with Norway's Action Plan, we prioritise a comprehensive and coordinated approach to preventing violence and protecting vulnerable women, children, and young people. This work focuses on key areas such as education, health, and justice, as well as changing societal norms. We also collaborate with national authorities and regional and international stakeholders.
Links
- Gender related killings of women and girls - Global estimates of female intimate partner/family-related homicides in 2022
- What works to end violence
- Child Marriage Action to Reseach Network (CRANK)
- Global Humanitarian Overview 2021 [EN/AR/FR/ES] - World | ReliefWeb
- UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women’s “practice-based knowledge”
Contact details – please add contact details
For further information, please contact the Section for Gender Equality (genderequality@norad.no).