“Gender-based violence (GBV) is the general term used to capture violence that occurs as a result of the normative role expectations associated with each gender, along with the unequal power relationships between the two genders, within the context of a specific society.” (Bloom 2008, p14).

Gender-based violence refers to violence that target individuals on the basis of their gender. The act itself include physical, mental or sexual harm or suffering, the threat of such acts, coercion and other deprivations of liberty. Gender-based violence is considered to be any harmful act directed against individuals or groups of individuals on the basis of their gender. It may include sexual violence, domestic violence, trafficking, forced/early marriage and harmful traditional practices.

Usually when talking about SGBV it is focused on violence against women, this does not mean that all gender-based violence victims are female and that a male cannot be affected. Although violence disproportionately affects the members of one sex more than another. It’s estimated that worldwide one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime. Gender-based violence undermines the victim’s dignity, health, security and autonomy. Victims may suffer from forced or unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, traumatic, sexually transmitted diseases and even death.

This is a general explanation of sexual gender based violence, we will in this blog write about the following during the 16 days of activism:

• What is SGBV : An introduction to SGBV ( forms of SGBV)
• How SGBV manifest itself in Kenya : Discussion on Gender and tradition in Kenya
• Legal Frameworks – International and National
• Reporting SGBV
• What to do when you have been raped
• Strategies in addressing SGBV issues
• Taking a stand against SGBV

Tomorrow you can read about gender: what gender is and gender in the Kenyan context.

And lastly, don’t forget our #IamAware social media challenge! Keep on posting.

By:

Christina Malmgren

Kituo cha Sheria -AGCP