Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a pervasive and devastating human rights violation that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, with women and girls disproportionately impacted. SGBV encompasses physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. It includes child marriage, female genital mutilation, and intimate partner violence. Survivors suffer physical and emotional trauma, hindering education, work opportunities, and overall well-being.
In many parts of Africa, SGBV is fueled by harmful social norms, unequal power dynamics, poverty, lack of access to education, conflict and displacement, and inadequate legal and support systems. In Eastern and Southern Africa alone, a staggering 42% of women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes [World Bank].Survivors often face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing justice and support services, perpetuating cycles of violence and impunity.
SGBV weakens communities and economies. Studies suggest it can cost up to 4% of a country's GDP [World Bank].
AWIN is dedicated to ending sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across Africa and creating safe, just, compassionate and inclusive communities where every individual can live free from violence and discrimination. We work tirelessly to address SGBV through the following approaches:
Capacity Building
We build the capacity of frontline responders, including healthcare workers, law enforcement officials, and community leaders, to effectively identify, respond to, and prevent SGBV. We provide training on trauma-informed care, survivor-centered approaches, and the rights of survivors under national and international law.
Advocacy and Legal Reform
We advocate for the adoption and enforcement of laws and policies that protect against SGBV, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure access to justice and support services for survivors. We work with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to strengthen legal frameworks, developing national plans to address SGBV, improve service delivery, and promote survivor rights and empowerment.
Prevention
We conduct community outreach and awareness-raising campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms, promote gender equality, and prevent violence before it occurs. Our programs engage men and boys as allies in the fight against SGBV, emphasizing the importance of respectful relationships and consent.
Referrals & Linkages
We provide a list of local or regional hotlines and organizations that support survivors of SGBV with medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and shelter, to our members.
Research and Data Collection
We conduct research and data collection on SGBV to better understand its root causes, prevalence, and impact, informing evidence-based interventions and advocacy efforts. We work to fill gaps in knowledge and data on SGBV, particularly in marginalized and underrepresented communities.
By working together to prevent SGBV, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable, we can create a future where everyone can live free from fear and violence.