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Gender-Based Violence

Prevention and Response

 

SDDirect is a prominent global leader in gender-based violence (GBV) programming, policy, and research, anchored in feminist principles. We partner with diverse groups and stakeholders, offering technical support, training, and accompaniment throughout programme and investment lifecycles.

We recognise the importance of integrating gender-based violence prevention and response across other aspects of our work as an accelerator for achieving gender equality.  

A group of women's hands touching at the fingertips in a circle.

Graphic of an outline of three woman with two women in dark blue and one in light blue.

1/3 women and girls endure physical or sexual violence, with heightened risk for those facing discrimination based on factors like poverty, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and HIV status. 

Violence against women and girls is a significant human rights and public health issue rooted in power imbalances. Its costs, both social and economic, are immense, lasting generations.  

 

Prevention is possible through an intersectional, evidence-based, and practice-oriented approach addressing the underlying causes. 

Woman holding up a sign at a protest stating "Put a stop to this violence".

Our GBV prevention & response work 

Prevention and response: Holistic programming to end VAWG in various settings with an emphasis on primary prevention accompanied by response.   

GBV in emergencies: GBV prevention and response in humanitarian programming with a focus on policy, guidance, capacity strengthening and research and evaluation.   

School related GBV: Prevention and response in education spaces, with a focus on gendered and intersectional analysis. 

Violence against LGBTQI+ communities: Prevention and response with a focus on intersectional analysis, research and evaluation. 

Technology facilitated GBV: Prevention and response with a focus on policy, guidance, capacity strengthening and research and evaluation.   

We envision a world free from all forms of gender-based violence, where all women, girls and gender diverse people can realise their rights and exercise choice and agency. 

Our areas of expertise

 

Helpdesk services; programme leadership; technical assistance, accompaniment and training; knowledge products and guidance material; policy and programme guidance; specialist research, monitoring and evaluation on GBV.

We take a  feminist intersectional approach to our work on GBV, recognising how gender inequality intersects with other systems of oppression, discrimination and structural inequalities, including (but not limited to) those related to race, ethnicity, class, cast, homo and transphobia, ableism, ageism, nationality, immigration status, refugee and asylum seeker status, and health status. 

If you would like to hear more about our work on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), please reach out to Tina Musuya, Head of the GBV Portfolio, tina.musuya@sddirect.org.uk.

Annotated Bibliography: Collective Care Processes and Practices

Collective care is a strategy that can be used by gender-based violence (GBV) programmers, researchers, activists, and other GBV specialists to sustain each other in work to prevent and respond to GBV in emergencies. This annotated bibliography provides an overview of relevant literature and material (including articles, blogs and podcasts) on this topic, to signpost those working on GBV in emergencies to relevant sources of information. The GBV AoR Helpdesk has also produced a tip sheet that provides additional information on collective care.

Evidence Review: A Summary of the Links between Intimate Partner Violence, Military Personnel and Veterans

This evidence review synthesizes the available literature and data relating to linkages between intimate partner violence (IPV) and military active-duty personnel and veterans in relation to their perpetration and experiences of intimate partner violence. As part of this review the GBV AoR Helpdesk also explored data on military and mental health issues (such as substance use disorders (SUD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other factors which may interplay with, or be exacerbating factors for, IPV.

Briefing Note: Effective Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning in GBViE Programming

This note reviews the basics of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and describes some of the ethical considerations crucial to effective monitoring and evaluation of GBV programs. It summarizes approaches for ensuring participation and leadership of women and girls in MEL processes. It then highlights the basics of developing a MEL framework. The guidance note concludes with a list of additional resources for those interested in accessing more information on this important topic.

Що означає орієнтованість на постраждалих при реалізації програм протидії гендерно зумовленому насильству у надзвичайних ситуаціях (ГЗННС)

Цей лист порад містить огляд орієнтованого на постраждалих підходу і того, навіщо і як його слід застосовувати до всіх видів і фаз програм протидії ГЗННС

Integrating GBV into Humanitarian Preparedness: Pacific Regional Brief

This brief aims to assist FCDO humanitarian teams in integrating gender-based violence (GBV) considerations in humanitarian preparedness work in the Pacific region, particularly focusing on large-scale disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. It provides a summary of regional data on GBV and emerging practices on GBV integration in preparedness planning in the Pacific.

What difference are Feminist Foreign Policies making to ending Violence Against Women and Girls?

The report highlights the increasing global adoption of Feminist Foreign Policies (FFPs) and Feminist Development Policies (FDPs) since Sweden's pioneering initiative in 2014. Despite growing support, the world remains off track to eliminate violence against women and girls (VAWG) by 2023, a critical barrier to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The brief assesses how existing FFPs and gender strategies address VAWG prevention and response, emphasizing the need for systemic change beyond rhetoric.

GBV Prevention in Refugee Camp Settings in Sub-Saharan Africa

This report addresses the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in refugee camps, highlighting factors such as poverty, disrupted support systems, minority status, and limited access to essentials that contribute to increased risk. The report emphasizes the underlying root causes within camp settings, including gender inequality, patriarchal norms, alcohol/drug abuse, and controlling behaviors among men.

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