Press Release

26th September 2003

Preventing Gender-based Violence in Africa
Civil Society and Local Authorities call for Action

A group of 30 leaders from NGOs and Local Authorities from the Horn, East and Southern Africa gathered in Kampala, Uganda in September to focus attention on the need to prevent gender-based violence in Africa. The Regional Dialogue, Preventing Gender-based Violence: Sharing Experiences, Breaking New Ground was convened by Raising Voices and Safer Cities Program of UN-Habitat. It was a landmark event that brought leaders together to discuss preventive approaches to gender-based violence.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a violation of basic human rights. It results from an imbalance of power between women and men and is deeply entrenched in some cultural practices and intimate relationships. GBV negatively affects the lives of women; including their physical health and emotional well-being. It increases women’s vulnerability to HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases and an array of other reproductive health problems. The negative consequences of GBV also reach children, men and entire families. No longer seen as women’s problem, GBV is recognized as a problem that affects f the entire community.

Programs addressing violence against women have traditionally responded with services and assistance to women. This is crucial, yet the problem continues. NGOs and local authorities now recognize that efforts need to focus on the prevention of GBV that will address the root causes of inequity, rigid gender roles and women’s low status. “Challenging long held beliefs about women and men and their roles and status in society is a long-term undertaking, yet is crucial if families and communities are to become safe places for everyone” said Dipak Naker, Co-Director of Raising Voices.

Some prevention efforts are underway in the region, yet the group calls for increased attention, investment and action for GBV prevention, recognizing that civil society and local authorities need to work together to create safer families and communities. “We are truly breaking new ground with this Dialogue as local authorities and civil society are coming together for the first time to explore ways of joining forces to make families and communities safe for women” said Soraya Smaoun, Urban Safety Expert of UN-HABITAT’S Safer Cities Programme.

The first Declaration on GBV Prevention in Africa was developed during the Regional Dialogue. The Declaration calls for increased efforts in community mobilization, raising awareness, creative use of the media, engaging men, strengthening existing community structures, and building capacity of local governments and civil society organizations to plan and implement longer-term programs that work to change the attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate GBV. It also calls on the United Nations, members of the African Union, funding agencies, civil society and local authorities to take action to prevent gender-based violence.

The Declaration can be found at www.raisingvoices.org/declaration.shtml [2]. Join us in Preventing GBV in Africa by adding your name to the Declaration!

For more information please contact:
Lori Michau at Raising Voices in Kampala, Uganda +256 41 531186 or +256 71 839626
Cecilia Andersson at UN-HABITAT, Safer Cities Programme in Nairobi, Kenya +254 20 624570