Executive Summary
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive human rights violation that affects millions of women and girls worldwide, cutting across cultures, socio-economic groups, and geographic regions. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, as well as harmful practices such as early and forced marriage. GBV undermines health, education, economic participation, and social cohesion, and it imposes significant costs on individuals, families, and societies.
The project “Combating Gender-Based Violence Through Education and Advocacy” aims to prevent and reduce GBV by addressing its root causes, strengthening community awareness, and promoting protective social norms and policies. Over a 30-month period, the project will implement comprehensive education programs, community-based advocacy, survivor-centered support mechanisms, and policy engagement initiatives. By focusing on prevention as well as response, the project seeks to create safer, more equitable environments for women and girls.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), the project adopts a rights-based and gender-transformative approach that empowers individuals, mobilizes communities, and strengthens institutional responses to GBV.
Problem Statement
Gender-based violence remains one of the most widespread yet underreported forms of violence globally. Social norms that condone inequality, rigid gender roles, and power imbalances perpetuate violence against women and girls. In many contexts, survivors face stigma, fear of retaliation, limited access to justice, and inadequate support services, which discourages reporting and help-seeking.
Educational systems often lack comprehensive gender and violence prevention curricula, while community awareness of GBV laws and services remains limited. Weak coordination among health, legal, and social service providers further constrains effective response. Crises such as conflict, displacement, economic stress, and public health emergencies exacerbate GBV risks, particularly for marginalized groups.
Addressing GBV requires integrated strategies that combine education, community mobilization, survivor support, and policy advocacy. Preventive approaches that engage men and boys, challenge harmful norms, and promote gender equality are essential to achieving long-term change.
Target Beneficiaries
- Primary beneficiaries:
- Women and girls at risk of or affected by gender-based violence
- Adolescent girls and young women
- Secondary beneficiaries:
Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To prevent and reduce gender-based violence through education, advocacy, and strengthened community and institutional responses.
Specific Objectives
- Increase awareness and understanding of gender equality and GBV prevention.
- Strengthen community capacity to prevent and respond to GBV.
- Improve access to survivor-centered support and referral services.
- Engage men and boys as allies in preventing violence.
- Promote policy dialogue and accountability for GBV prevention and response.
Project Approach
The project adopts a gender-transformative, rights-based approach that addresses individual attitudes, social norms, and institutional practices. Education and advocacy are combined with survivor-centered principles to ensure safety, dignity, and inclusion. Partnerships with community organizations, service providers, and authorities will support coordinated and sustainable implementation.
- Key Approaches
- Comprehensive GBV prevention education
- Community mobilization and advocacy
- Survivor-centered referral and support mechanisms
- Engagement of men and boys
- Evidence-based policy advocacy
Project Activities
- Baseline Assessment: Assess GBV prevalence, attitudes, and existing services.
- Education Programs: Deliver age-appropriate education on gender equality, consent, and non-violence.
- Community Advocacy: Conduct dialogues, campaigns, and grassroots advocacy initiatives.
- Men and Boys Engagement: Facilitate peer groups and leadership programs promoting positive masculinity.
- Survivor Support Systems: Strengthen referral pathways to health, legal, and psychosocial services.
- Capacity Building: Train teachers, community leaders, and service providers on GBV prevention and response.
- Policy Engagement: Support evidence-based advocacy and stakeholder dialogues.
- Knowledge Sharing: Document lessons and disseminate best practices.
Implementation Plan
- Phase 1: Planning and Baseline (Months 1–6)
- Stakeholder mapping and partnerships
- Baseline assessment and planning
- Phase 2: Education and Community Mobilization (Months 7–20)
- Rollout of education and advocacy programs
- Capacity building for community actors
- Phase 3: Policy Engagement and Sustainability (Months 21–26)
- Policy dialogues and advocacy initiatives
- Strengthening institutional linkages
- Phase 4: Evaluation and Learning (Months 27–30)
- Endline evaluation and learning dissemination
- Sustainability planning
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Monitoring Factors
- Participation in education and advocacy activities
- Number of trained teachers and community leaders
- Functionality of referral and support systems
- Timely implementation of project activities
- Evaluation Factors
- Changes in knowledge, attitudes, and norms related to GBV
- Increased reporting and help-seeking behavior
- Improved access to survivor-centered services
- Strengthened policy and institutional responses
- Key Indicators
- Percentage increase in GBV awareness among participants
- Reduction in acceptance of harmful gender norms
- Number of survivors accessing support services
- Engagement of men and boys in prevention initiatives
- Policy actions influenced by project evidence
Budget Table
- Baseline & Planning $XXXXXX
- Education Programs $XXXXXX
- Community Advocacy $XXXXXX
- Men & Boys Engagement $XXXXXX
- Survivor Support Systems $XXXXXX
- Capacity Building $XXXXXX
- Monitoring & Evaluation $XXXXXX
- Project Management $XXXXXX
- Total Estimated Budget $XXXXXXX
Sustainability Plan
Sustainability will be achieved by embedding GBV prevention education within schools and community structures, strengthening local service networks, and supporting policy reforms. Capacity building will enable local actors to continue prevention and response efforts beyond the project period. Partnerships with government and civil society will support long-term impact and scale-up.
Conclusion
Combating gender-based violence is essential to achieving gender equality, social justice, and sustainable development. Through education, advocacy, and strengthened support systems, this project addresses the root causes of GBV while supporting survivors and promoting accountability. Investing in this initiative will contribute to safer communities, empowered women and girls, and more equitable societies.
