Introduction 

Gender-based violence (GBV) is the harm done to a person against his/her will. It encompasses different forms of violence affecting not only girls and women but also boys and men. However, it is women and girls who are the most affected at all stages of their lives (excision, rape, forced marriage, harassment, etc). There are different types of GBV, mainly verbal, psychological, economic, physical, and the most widespread which is sexual violence.

Situation of GBV

In Africa, GBV is maintained by social norms and stereotypes. In some cases, from a very young age, girls are taught to tolerate and sometimes even accept domestic violence. Thus, more than one woman in three (37%) has been the victim of domestic violence during her life, compared to one man in five (16%). Approximately 115 million girls are married before the age of 18, and more than 85% are victims of either verbal, economic, sexual or physical violence. In 2022 alone, more than 40% of cases of conflict-related violence involved male victims. In Cameroon, more than 85% of women and girls, compared to about 67% of men and boys, are affected by GBV. Unfortunately, about 57% of those concerned do not dare cross the denunciation. And above all, we note an increase in physical violence by more than 12%.

Causes of GBV

Several factors such as age, ethnicity, and/or religious affiliation, location, disabilities, and sexual orientation amplify GBV. However, discrimination, alcoholism, drug abuse, underschooling, harmful norms, human trafficking and gender inequality are the main causes.

Consequences of GBV

The consequences for victims, families and communities are huge. We have among other things, injuries, disabilities, transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, depression, isolation, rejection, emotional shocks (guilt, shame) and sometimes suicide. 

Solutions against GBV

To fight against this scourge, we need to consider three approaches: 

• A rights-based approach; promoting, protecting and guaranteeing the inherent rights of a human being. This approach guarantees everyone, regardless of sex, age, ethnic, or religious origin, the right to a free life. 
• A community development approach; promoting transformation and social justice by empowering individuals, groups, and communities through the provision of resources, means and useful skills. This could be achieved by involving all actors through the identification of the needs, rights, opportunities and responsibilities of all actors related to the fight against GBV. 
• A victim-based approach, empowering victims by putting them at the center of the aid process. By providing them with minimum and quality services, including adequate care, social and psychological support, safety and protection. All this must always be made according to their wishes and needs.

Conclusion

In 2022 alone, more than 40% of cases of conflict-related violence involved male victims. So, we should make people aware that, even though women are mostly affected by GBV, men are also affected. GBV has a profound impact on both men and women. It perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes, undermines human rights, and hampers social and economic development. Therefore, addressing GBV requires multi-faceted approaches. It involves raising awareness, challenging stereotypes, and promoting gender equality. 

TO NOT DENOUNCE GBV IS TO PARTICIPATE!!!