Gender-based violence (GBV) is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions of women and girls worldwide. GBV can manifest in various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse, and it can occur in both public and private domains. GBV has devastating consequences on the health, well-being, dignity, and empowerment of survivors, as well as on their families, communities, and societies.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is deeply rooted in gender inequality and discrimination, and is often exacerbated by poverty, conflict, humanitarian crises, and harmful social norms. GBV also presents a significant obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal, which focuses on gender equality and empowering women. To eradicate GBV and ensure that all women and girls can live without fear and violence, it is imperative to address the underlying causes and drivers of GBV, while also providing comprehensive and survivor-centered support services to those who experience it.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a pivotal role in preventing and responding to GBV. NGOs operate at the grassroots level, raising awareness, educating, and mobilizing communities to challenge and change the attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate GBV. NGOs women empowerment also offer essential services to GBV survivors, including healthcare, psychosocial counseling, legal aid, shelter, and livelihood support. Moreover, NGOs advocate for the implementation and enforcement of laws and policies that protect the rights of women and girls and hold perpetrators accountable.
Some examples of NGOs working to address GBV and empower women and girls include:
UN Women:
UN Women is the United Nations agency committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women. UN Women supports governments and civil society partners in implementing international legal and policy frameworks for GBV prevention and response. UN Women also coordinates the [UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women], providing grants to innovative projects by NGOs globally with the goal of preventing and ending GBV.
Women for Women International:
Women for Women International is an NGO that assists women survivors of war in rebuilding their lives. The organization offers a 12-month program providing women with life skills training, income-generating opportunities, health education, and access to social networks to Empowering Women. Women for Women International also engages men and community leaders in promoting gender equality and preventing GBV.
Raising Voices:
Raising Voices, an NGO located in Uganda, is dedicated to stopping violence against women and children in East Africa. They design anti-violence programs that are firmly rooted in the everyday realities of schools and communities. Furthermore, they provide support to others in implementing these approaches. Raising Voices diligently assesses the effectiveness of their methods in ensuring the empowering women and children. They use these findings to influence global efforts in preventing violence. One of their prominent initiatives is [SASA!], a community mobilization strategy that targets the core issue shared by violence against women and their susceptibility to HIV: the power imbalance between men and women, boys and girls.
My Abhinandan:
My Abhinandan is an Indian-based NGO with a mission to uplift both individuals and communities through education and skill development. Our goal is to make a meaningful difference in society by offering vocational training, digital literacy, life skills, and career guidance to those who are less fortunate. We also work in partnership with fellow NGOs, corporations, and government organizations to execute a range of projects and initiatives aimed at benefiting the people.
These are just a few of the numerous NGOs making a difference in the lives of women and girls who face GBV. By supporting their work, we can contribute to a more peaceful, just, and equitable world for all.
