Gender Based Violence Programming in Contexts Affected by Violence and Conflict

This paper is intended as a resource for programme staff, in Christian Aid and elsewhere, who are designing and implementing interventions to address Gender Based Violence (GBV) in contexts affected by violence and conflict. It draws on analysis of existing policies, a review of relevant global programming approaches and an examination of case studies from five countries affected by violence and conflict – the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia, Myanmar, Nicaragua and Zimbabwe. Based on this analysis, the paper offers recommendations for programming and policy.

In this paper, GBV is understood to be any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will and is based on gender norms and unequal power relationships. It includes physical, emotional/psychological, and sexual violence, violence on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (SOGIE), as well as denial of resources or access to services. This includes threats of violence and coercion. GBV inflicts harm on women, girls, men, boys, transgender, intersex and non-binary individuals and is a severe violation of several human rights. In contexts affected by violence and conflict, GBV can increase and take on different forms owing to an array of factors including, but not limited to: the use of GBV as a tactic of war, increased militarisation, limited mobility and access to services, and the breakdown of law and order. These different forms often emanate from existing and deep-rooted gender inequalities that prevail throughout different levels of society, which are present before, during and after periods of conflict or widespread social violence. GBV disproportionately affects women and marginalised groups such as people with disabilities and diverse sexual and gender identities.1 Understanding the root causes and drivers of GBV, as well as the nuanced factors that contribute to GBV in contexts affected by violence and conflict, is a fundamental aspect of designing and implementing effective programmes. Christian Aid’s global strategy on violence and peace building, led by Christian Aid Ireland, highlights the dynamic relationship between destructive violent conflict, human security, development and sustaining peace. The strategy aims to reduce the risk of GBV, ensure that survivors receive adequate support, and empower women, men, sexual and gender minorities to change the conditions that lead to GBV.