Combating Gender-Based Violence for Sustainable Development: Empowering African Women and Girls

Despite international frameworks and regional commitments to combating Gender-based violence (GBV), millions of women across the world, particularly in Africa continue to face high prevalence of violence. This violation of  fundamental human rights not only harms individuals but also impedes progress towards sustainable development, prosperity, and equality. In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, this article emphasises the urgent need to address gender-based violence in Africa. 

Background

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide, affecting individuals in every country and across all segments of society. It entails any harm or threat of harm inflicted on a person due to male-female power imbalances entrenched within a society (UNICEF, 2024). GBV can be physical, sexual, mental, or economic in nature. Sexual violence, intimate partner violence, female genital mutilation, child marriage, sex trafficking and femicide are all forms of gender-based violence. While men and boys can also be victims of GBV,  women and girls experience this violence at a disproportionately higher rate. Globally, an estimated 736 million women (nearly one in three) have faced  physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. The prevalence of GBV  has intensified in different settings, such as the workplace and online spaces, and has been further exacerbated by post-pandemic effects, climate change, and conflicts. Survivors of GBV often suffer from related consequences including severe physical injuries, unwanted pregnancies, exposure to HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. 

Although the international community has made strides in creating awareness and addressing violence against women, as outlined in the Maputo Protocol, Beijing Declaration, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5.2), progress remains uneven, especially in regions grappling with poverty, political instability, and limited institutional capacity.

Key Statistics on Violence against Women and Girls in Africa

*Gender-based violence in Africa remains pervasive and multifaceted, manifesting as physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. 

*Approximately 42% of women in Eastern and Southern Africa, and 37% of women in Sub-Saharan Africa experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. These figures are well above the global average of 30%.

*Africa has some of the highest child marriage rates, with 4 out of 10 girls married before the age of 18, especially in countries like Niger (76%) and the Central African Republic (68%).

*Africa accounts for more than 50% of all cases of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C), which affects over 230 million women and girls worldwide

*In 2022, Africa recorded the largest number of Femicide with approximately 20,000 women and girls killed by their intimate partners or other family members. This is nearly half of the global total of approximately 48,800. 

*Gender-based violence costs African countries an estimated 2% to 4% of GDP annually primarily due to  lost productivity and health-related expenses. For instance, South Africa loses $2 billion annually as a  result of  GBV-related costs.

Challenges in Addressing Gender-based Violence (GBV)

Significant barriers still persist, despite various national and regional policies aimed at reducing GBV in Africa. Some of these barriers include: 

Cultural Norms and Traditional Beliefs: In many African communities, particularly in rural areas, deeply ingrained  gender roles often justify or normalise violence against women, especially within marriage or intimate relationships. For instance, studies show that about 51% of African women believe that a husband is justified in beating his wife under certain circumstances, such as infidelity or neglect of household duties. These beliefs perpetuate  abuse and make it difficult for women to seek help.

Shame and Stigmatization: Victims of gender-based violence, particularly sexual violence, frequently face shame and ostracization when they report abuse. This stigma is intensified in  communities where victims are seen as complicit in the violence, discouraging women from speaking out or seeking justice. As a result, many cases of GBV are often underreported, complicating efforts to measure and address the problem effectively.

Conflict and Displacement: Armed conflicts in Africa, especially in regions like the Sahel, Central African Republic, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northern Nigeria have led to alarming rates of sexual violence and exploitation against women and girls. In these  conflict zones, women are increasingly vulnerable to abuse and face high risks of violence. Displacement driven by conflict or environmental crises, place women and girls in precarious situations where they may lack basic protections. For instance, internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and refugee settlements often lack adequate security, making women targets of sexual violence and exploitation.

Limited Support Services and Inadequate Funding: Many African countries struggle with  budget constraints that limit access to essential support services for GBV survivors, such as safe shelters, legal aid, and psychological counselling. In addition, many GBV initiatives in Africa are funded by international donors rather than national governments, leading to inconsistent and sometimes unsustainable interventions. Without stable domestic funding, these programs risk discontinuation, and efforts to establish a permanent, accessible support system for survivors remain limited. As a result, the reach and effectiveness  of GBV interventions are undermined, particularly in fragile and conflict-prone regions.

Weak Legal and Policy Framework: While many African nations have laws that prohibit GBV, significant gaps still exist. For instance, marital rape is still not universally criminalized in several countries, limiting legal recourse for many women. Even in countries with comprehensive legal frameworks, enforcement is often weak, allowing perpetrators to remain unaccountable. In addition, limited resources and inadequate training for law enforcement officials and judicial staff often prevent the effective implementation of existing laws. Some law enforcement representatives  lack the sensitivity to handle GBV cases properly, and survivors often face judgement, victim-blaming, or even retaliation when they  come forward. For instance, law enforcement officers in some regions may pressure survivors to reconcile with their abusers rather than pursue legal action, which further perpetuates cycles of abuse.

Policy Recommendations

To significantly mitigate violence against African women and girls, a multisectoral approach that brings together governments, civil society, and international organisations is essential. Prioritising women’s rights across the continent can help accelerate progress toward sustainable development and create a safe and more inclusive society that upholds human dignity. Some recommended strategies to achieve this include:

Strengthen Legal Frameworks and Enforcement: African Governments should align national laws with international and regional protocols on GBV. Traditional norms and beliefs that do not support basic human rights should not be upheld. Efforts should focus on closing legal gaps, particularly regarding marital rape and domestic violence. Additionally, governments should invest in more training and capacity-building programs for law enforcement and judicial officials to ensure the effective, fair and prompt enforcement of GBV laws.

Invest in Prevention and Support Services: African Governments should prioritise increased funding allocation for essential support services such as safe shelters, psychological counselling, and medical services for GBV survivors. Prevention programs to create awareness about GBV and reform harmful societal norms are crucial  to fostering positive social change. These programs should focus on promoting respect for women and girls, and enhancing gender equality. To be most effective, prevention and awareness initiatives  should be integrated within schools, workplaces, and community groups. 

Promote Education and Economic Empowerment for Women: Expanding access to education for girls, along with vocational training, can help reduce vulnerabilities to early marriage and economic dependency – two common precursors to violence. Having women and girls access their right to quality education can increase their independence, freedom, and employability. Furthermore, economic support programs such as  micro-loans and vocational training, should be developed for survivors to help them rebuild their lives and achieve financial independence. 

Enhance Data Collection and Monitoring: Reliable, disaggregated data on gender-based violence is crucial for understanding the full scope of the problem and tailoring responses. Enhanced data systems will enable African nations to measure progress, identify high-risk groups, and assess intervention effectiveness. Thus, governments should strengthen data collection systems to capture accurate data on GBV prevalence, types, and outcomes. This can be achieved by establishing clear protocols for reporting GBV incidents to ensure that data is collected uniformly by trained personnel. Also, a centralised and secured national database to track GBV incidents should be developed, allowing for systematic collection and analysis. This could include cases reported to law enforcement authorities, healthcare facilities, and support services, enabling a comprehensive view of GBV trends across sectors.

Expand Partnerships with Civil Society Organizations and NGOs: Governments should collaborate with NGOs, especially those with expertise in GBV, to design and implement community-based interventions. Also, funding should be allocated to local NGOs working on GBV prevention and support, recognizing their role in bridging service gaps. Stable long-term funding will empower these organisations to plan and execute interventions effectively. 

 

Image:Sandro Bozzolo