Gender-Based Violence
Theme: Empathy.
To help the boys realise the impact of violence against girls and champion its prevention.
Definitions
Violence, any act that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering.
Gender-based violence, any act of violence resulting in or likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm inflicted on the basis of gender. GBV affects both boys and girls.
Violence against girls, any act of violence resulting in or likely to result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm inflicted on girls.
Forms of violence and consequences
Physical, hitting with objects, beating, punching, slapping, kicking, biting; cutting with sharp instruments; burning with hot water, acid, fire, hot irons; hair pulling. Consequences: death, injuries, chronic pain, permanent disability.
Sexual, rape; defilement; sexual harassment (bad touches, sexual threats); human trafficking for sex work; forcing someone to watch sexual acts. Consequences: STIs, HIV/AIDS, unplanned pregnancy.
Emotional, refusal to give meals at home; prolonged silence, bullying, threats; blaming you for everything; isolation. Consequences: digestive problems from bad eating habits, low self-esteem.
Economic, denial of basic scholastic materials; destruction of property; refusal to provide for needs. Consequences: poverty, poor performance in school.
Violence takes place anywhere, homes, communities, streets, schools, churches, workplaces, agricultural fields, refugee camps.
Myths about GBV, debate
A myth is a widely held but false belief. Split the boys into pairs to debate each myth, then come back and discuss.
Violence is not bad, it's a sign of love.
Some girls like being beaten or hit.
A woman should accept violence for the sake of her family.
It is better to have a violent father than no father at all.
Girls provoke sexual violence by the way they dress.
Boys cannot control their sexual urges and therefore should not be held responsible for rape and sexual harassment.
What happens behind closed doors remains there and should not be discussed.
Boys do not experience violence.
Root causes
Violence against women is about power and control.
The root causes lie in a society's attitudes and practices of gender discrimination.
Abuse of power; societal disrespect for women; lack of belief in human rights for all; lack of knowledge about women's and girls' rights, all lead to male dominance / patriarchy / abuse of power.
Prevention & response
Prevention: understand that violence is unacceptable; never respond to violence with violence; don't ignore warning signs; seek help before and when it happens; always report cases.
Response, VAG: time is critical, report as soon as possible to authorities or a trusted adult; support, do not blame or stigmatise; it is normal to feel confused, sad and helpless, don't blame yourself.
Exercise, scenarios: is it violence?
1. Laughing at a girl who is in her menstruation with your friends. → This is bullying and teasing (name that form of violence).
2. Spreading a rumour about a girl. → Spreading a rumour psychologically tortures a girl, that makes it violence.
3. Discouraging girls from sharing their views in class. → Violence, it limits a girl's right to freedom of expression.
Note: ask participants to share more scenarios and continue the discussion.
- There is no excuse for violence, whatsoever.
- The victim is never to blame.
- Violence affects us all; we all have the responsibility to prevent it.
- Violence is a behaviour that is learned, and can be unlearnt.
- Boys have a responsibility to use their voice to advocate for a violence-free school and home.
- Abuse of power is the root cause of gender-based violence.