What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is violence committed against a person because of his or her sex or gender. It is forcing another person to do something against his or her will through violence, coercion, threats, deception, cultural expectations, or economic means.
Experiencing gender-based violence is never your fault! Violence is never OK.
Awareness Raising:
Do you want to learn more about how to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls? Do you want to discuss how to engage men and boys in preventing gender-based violence? Do you want to empower young girls? Join us at the community centre. Women, girls, men, and boys are all welcome to take part in social awareness sessions facilitated by a diverse team of trained facilitators. These sessions are interactive discussions and information-sharing sessions to learn more about Gender-Based Violence, the risks, causes and consequences. Join our sessions and share your thoughts in an open and interactive environment.
Gender-Based Violence Case Management:
If you have experienced any type of physical, sexual or emotional violence or if you have been subjected to any coercion, threat or deprivation of resources against your will, because you are a man or a woman, UNHCR can provide support. The community centre is a safe place. A trained staff is available to listen to your story in full confidentiality and explore possible services. Case Management is all about you feeling safe, comfortable, and respected, ensuring that your needs are heard, and available services are explored. Be sure that you are the decision-maker at every step! Click here for a list of community centres offering these services. If you have been exposed to any harm, UNHCR and its partners are available to support you. You can approach the nearest community centre directly. Also, the Family Protection Unit – supported by UNFPA – has a helpline available to provide Psychological Support services, Legal consultations, medical support (Referral to the nearest mobile team or facility when possible), Safe Shelter (when feasible and needed for GBV Survivors only). The helpline is open 24/7 and is a free call on 0119416 or 0951444190.
Women Committees:
You are a woman, passionate about gender equality and women empowerment! You are ready to share your knowledge with your peers! You are interested in up-to-date information on available services and protection approaches! You can translate women’s issues into tangible achievements and support other women in your community! Please join the women’s committees. Reach out directly to any staff member at the community centre to express your interest. The committee is a group of committed female volunteers who are a trusted source of information on the available services and activities at the community centre and the surrounding area. The committee members also help vulnerable women and girls to connect with the services they need.
Men committees:
You are a man, supportive of women’s role in the community, You believe in gender equality, and you are ready to enhance men’s role in combating gender-based violence and related inequalities, You are interested to discuss current challenges on gender-related issues. Please join the men’s committees. Reach out directly to any staff member at the community centre to express your interest. The committee is a group of committed male volunteers who are pioneers in gender equality. The committee members are a true ally supporting women and girls in the community, ensuring that their safety and needs are a priority!
