Maha Muna Gender Advisor, UNFPA March 2012



Gender-based Violence

Gender-based Violence is an umbrella term for any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will, and that is based on socially ascribed (gender) differences between males and females. Acts of GBV violate a number of universal human rights protected by international instruments and conventions. Many — but not all — forms of GBV are illegal and criminal acts in national laws and policies. Around the world, GBV has a greater impact on women and girls than on men and boys. The term “gender-based violence” is often used interchangeably with the term “violence against women.” The term “gender-based violence” highlights the gender dimension of these types of acts; in other words, the relationship between females’ subordinate status in society and their increased vulnerability to violence. It is important to note, however, that men and boys may also be victims of gender-based violence, especially sexual violence. The nature and extent of specific types of GBV vary across cultures, countries, and regions. Examples include:     Sexual violence, including sexual exploitation/abuse and forced prostitution • Domestic violence Trafficking Forced/early marriage Harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, honour killings, widow inheritance, and others

Physical and sexual violence is extremely common in women’s lives 3

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings DESIGNING APPROPRIATE PREVENTION & RESPONSE PROGRAMS Understanding the causal relationship between: Types of gender based violence believed to be occurring – Rights (and Culture) Analysis Vulnerability of women and girls (and men and boys) The nature and phase of the crisis (acute, protracted, transitional/recovery, etc.)



Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings

Adhere to the 4 Guiding Principles 1.

Confidentiality 2.

3.

Safety Respect 4.

Non-discrimination  Supporting a survivor-centered approach   Promote recovery by ensuring survivor agency in decision making Prevent re-traumatization  Enable survivors to make truly informed choices that consider community reintegration and consequences

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings

We risk further harming those same individuals that we are trying to assist

The Unintended Consequences of Well-Intentioned Action

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings

We risk further harming those same individuals that we are trying to assist

The Unintended Consequences of Well-Intentioned Action

HOW?

Health and Nutrition SRH Protection GBV IASC Clusters and Sectors (PHT)

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings PROTECTION CLUSTER The 5 Global “Areas of Responsibility” – Pacific PHT

1.

Child Protection (UNICEF) 2.

Gender-Based Violence (UNFPA) 3.

Housing, Land and Property Issues (UN-Habitat) 4.

Mine Action (UNMAS) 5.

Rule of Law and Justice (UNDP/OHCHR)

WHAT THE POLICY SAYS: 1. Where there is a Protection Cluster:

As the global GBV AoR co-leads, UNFPA and UNICEF must first determine if one or both agencies have adequate capacity to assume a leadership position in this regard, including funding, staff (e.g., allocating a full-time, preferably mid- to senior-level staff person to the role of GBV Coordinator) and technical expertise/understanding of GBV.

a) UNFPA and UNICEF have the capacity to assume leadership:

One or both agencies – depending on which agency has the capacity to lead – are responsible for supporting and/or establishing an inter-agency GBV coordination body, preferably in partnership with a local entity/organization.

• • •

WHAT MAKES SENSE IN FIJI:

The UN Gender Group has revised the ToR and is managing a Gender Surge Capacity.

UNICEF is already responsible for cluster management and Child Protection AoR.

UNFPA and UN Women have strong links with NGOs and frontline providers working on GBV prevention and response.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings – Survivor-Centered Approach PROTECTION HEALTH PSYCHO SOCIAL* SURVIVOR/ COMMUNITY LEGAL/ JUSTICE SAFETY/ SECURITY

*Includes social reintegration and livelihood initiatives

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings

RESOURCES AVAILABLE:

GBV Standard Operating Procedures GBV Coordinator’s Handbook