Workshop Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
• Define gender based violence; Understand the myths and realities
surrounding gender-based violence;
• Discuss the prevalence of gender-based violence with a focus on
intimate partner violence;
• Discuss the types of violence
Definitions of Gender-based violence
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Gender-based violence is violence involving men and women, in which the female is
usually the victim; and which is derived from unequal power relationships between men
and women. Violence is directed specifically against a woman because she is a woman
Gender-based violence in general – and violence against women by their partners in
particular – is a historical phenomenon in many cultures, with no limits of age, social
class, race, ideology or religion.
Thus gender-based violence was configured as a complex issue whose existence is based
fundamentally on the inequality between men and women – an inequality that is
culturally constructed, and which is legitimized and reproduced by social structures.
Activity 1: Myths and Realities of Gender-Based
Violence
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Myths Surrounding GBV:
1. The perpetrators of violence are a minority group of mentally ill men.
2. Poverty or war lead to attacks on, and abuse of, women. (It exacerbates)
3. Violence against women is caused by substance abuse such as alcohol and/or drugs.
4.Violence against women is an inevitable part of male-female relations.
5.Violence against women is an inherent part of maleness, or a natural expression of male
sexual urges.
How Prevalent is GBV
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Millions of girls and women suffer from violence and its consequences because of their
sex and their unequal status in society.
1 of 4 men are using violence
Gender-based violence is a serious violation of women’s human Rights.
While men are also victims of violence, violence against women is characterized by its
high prevalence in the family; its acceptance by society, and its serious, longterm impact
on women’s health and well being.