Almost Twenty Years Later: Lessons Learned from Critical Resistance and INCITE! on Building an Organizing Framework to Tackle Violence at the Nexus of State Violence, Gender-Based Violence, and Structural Islamophobia

There is increasing concern about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown’s social and economic consequences on gender-based violence. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender-based violence by comparing the prevalence of spousal violence against women before and during the COVID-19 related lockdown periods. This study was conducted in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq using a self-administered online questionnaire survey after the COVID-19 lockdown period in June 2020. Data were collected from a sample of 346 married women about the occurrence, frequency, and forms of spousal violence before and during the lockdown period. Significant increases in violence were observed from the pre-lockdown period to the lockdown period for any violence (32.1% to 38.7%, p = .001), emotional abuse (29.5% to 35.0%, p = .005), and physical violence (12.7% to 17.6%, p = .002). Regarding emotional abuse, humiliation (24.6% to 28.3%, p = .041) and scaring or intimidation (14.2% to 21.4%, p < .001) significantly increased during the lockdown. For physical violence, twisting the arm or pulling hair (9.0% to 13.0%, p = .004) and hitting (5.2% to 9.2%, p = .003) significantly increased during the lockdown. Forcing to have sexual intercourse also significantly increased during lockdown (6.6% to 9.5%., p = .021). The concerned authorities and women’s rights organizations should collaborate to enhance the prevention of violence against women. An effective prevention strategy should emphasize recognizing and acknowledging the extent of the problem, raising awareness about the problem and the available resources to address it, and ensuring social and economic stability. Lessons learned about the increased prevalence of spousal violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to adopt appropriate strategies to prevent and address it will be valuable for similar future crises.

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Accountability for Sexual and Gender-based Violence During Mass Repression and in Conflict

Journal of International Criminal Justice ◽

10.1093/jicj/mqaa025 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 307-324

Author(s):

Daniela Kravetz

Keyword(s):

Sexual Violence ◽

Criminal Law ◽

International Criminal ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

International Criminal Law ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

National Courts ◽

Gender Based ◽

And Gender ◽

Domestic Level

Abstract This article examines how national courts in Argentina and Guatemala are applying the international criminal law framework to address sexual violence perpetrated during mass repression and in conflict. It focuses on the emerging domestic jurisprudence in both countries and explores the challenges to prosecuting sexual and gender-based violence at the domestic level and the lessons learned from these experiences.

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Nationwide multi-channel sexual reproductive health and gender based violence messaging campaign in Sierra Leone (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.31387 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emeka Chukwu ◽

Sonia Gilroy ◽

John Sesay ◽

Lalit Garg ◽

Kim Eva Dickson

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Sierra Leone ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Second Phase ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Significant Drop ◽

Radio Stations ◽

Sexual Reproductive Health ◽

Gender Based ◽

And Gender

BACKGROUND UNFPA launched two one-month campaigns to reach Sierra Leoneans at scale with critical Sexual Reproductive Health and gender-based violence messages during the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic. OBJECTIVE The intervention objective was to deliver Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) messages to mobile phone subscribers in Sierra Leone. This paper presents the intervention’s messaging campaign design, deployment methodologies, and design-decisions; shows campaign effectiveness; and share lessons learned, including call pickup rates and listening-duration. METHODS We designed and deployed a two-phased campaign – phase one targeted Freetown (urban) residents, and phase two targeted Sierra Leoneans nationwide (urban and rural). Phase one delivered Family Planning, Maternal Health, Gender Based Violence (GBV), and Coronavirus 2019 messages through automated voice calls, SMS, radio jingles, and social media. Phase two of the campaign delivered national GBV only campaign messages through SMS and Radio jingles. RESULTS In phase one, only 31% of the 1,093,606 initiated automated calls to 290,000 subscribers were picked up, and this dropped significantly at 95% confidence (p=1) after each of the four weeks. Also, at 95% confidence levels, a significant number of subscribers did not listen to the complete messages when repeated (p=1). Thirty-one million two hundred (31.2 million) SMS messages were sent to all 3.9 million active Africell subscribers in Sierra Leone during the second phase. Also, SRH and GBV messages were aired on thirteen national radio stations in Sierra Leone during the second phase. The national toll free helpline for GBV cases reported an increase in calls and attributed it to the campaign. Automated call interventions are cost and human resource intensive. Call pickup rates, listening duration, language, and consideration for users’ ability to re-reference messages are key factors when selecting scalable messaging campaign channels. The drop in the number of subscribers picking up automated calls from the first to fourth week was significant at a confidence level of 95%. According to the GBV helpline operators, the increase in calls reporting GBV was attributable to our campaign. CONCLUSIONS Only a third of subscribers called with pre-recorded messages picked up their calls. When automated calls are repeated, it leads to a significant drop in call completion rates. There was an increase in demand for service to the GBV helpline in the month following the campaign. A multi-channel messaging campaign helped reach different groups of young people.

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‘I have a story to tell’: Researching migrant women’s experiences of female genital mutilation and gender-based violence in Ireland and Europe

Social Work and Social Sciences Review ◽

10.1921/swssr.v19i3.1195 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 134-151

Author(s):

Siobán O’Brien Green

Keyword(s):

Child Protection ◽

Female Genital Mutilation ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Research Issues ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Gender Based ◽

And Gender ◽

Female Genital

This article presents insights and practical lessons learned from multiple studies the author has undertaken and participated in as principal or co-researcher and/or provided expert guidance to in Ireland and Europe. These studies primarily focus on gender-based violence (GBV) and female genital mutilation (FGM) and given their foci, have an implicit need for cognisance of child protection, legislation and onward referral procedures. The research issues of interest are often considered taboo, private, not to be discussed outside immediate family and shameful. There are multiple practical and logistical barriers, as well as language and psycho-social obstacles, to participating in, and undertaking, research on these issues. The article discusses the approaches and routes taken to recruit women affected and impacted by the issues of FGM and GBV for research studies. The responsibility on researchers to present research study findings in a sensitive manner which does not add stigma to marginalised and vulnerable groups, but that enables policy makers to utilise the research for legislative and practical purposes, is also discussed.Keywords: gender-based violence (GBV); female genital mutilation (FGM); migration; ethics; stigma; research design

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Imagining a Non-Violent World "The Be the Peace, Make a Change Project": A Rural Community Peacebuilding Initiative to End Gender-Based Violence

Peace and Conflict Studies ◽

10.46743/1082-7307/2019.1462 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Nancy Ross

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Interpersonal Relationships ◽

Service Providers ◽

Community Services ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Provincial Government ◽

Professional Service ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Engagement Process ◽

Gender Based

This article will profile the innovative community engagement process initiated by the "Be the Peace, Make a Change" project to end gender-based violence in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, and conclude with lessons learned. These lessons were summarized as "headlines" to imagine a future with new narratives for interpersonal relationships. This project was a three-year grassroots initiative of Second Story Women’s Centre, funded by Status of Women Canada. It engaged the rural communities of Lunenburg County to develop a coordinated response to violence against women and girls. It focused on the engagement of all genders, youth, and adults in exploring and implementing the visions, hopes and actions identified as priorities by the community within a peacebuilding framework. Community was broadly defined to include: survivors of relationship violence; professional service providers in healthcare, community services, policing and justice; municipal and provincial government; community-based services; educators and schools; clergy; and any interested citizens. The need to alter the cultural and social roots that sustain violence was recognized. A focus on building trusting partnerships both locally and provincially, inclusion of men and boys, engaging schools and youth and the justice systems, as well as survivors were hallmarks of the project.

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Lessons learnt from humanitarian negotiations with the Taliban, 1996-2001

10.19088/k4d.2021.11 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Luke Kelly

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Current Situation ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Main Issue ◽

Women’S Rights ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Ability To Work ◽

Lessons Learnt ◽

Gender Based ◽

Access Services

This rapid literature review finds that humanitarian actors responded in a variety of ways to Taliban actions limiting principled aid in the country during the period of their rule (1996-2001). The report is focused on the findings around humanitarian negotiation and the strategy of humanitarian actors in response to Taliban policies limiting women's ability to work for humanitarian organisations or access services. The findings are not intended to imply parallels with the current situation in Afghanistan. Evidence is in the form of a number of evaluations, academic articles and lessons learned papers on negotiating with the Taliban. It discusses the methods of negotiating with the Taliban (e.g. co-ordination, working with the leadership or rank-and-file), the content of negotiations and particularly the question of reaching agreement on women’s rights, as well as humanitarian actors’ negotiating capacity. There is less discussion on the negotiation of specific programmes (e.g. anti-gender-based violence programmes). Due to the different goals and principles of humanitarian actors, as well as different ideas of feasibility, conclusions on the effectiveness of negotiating tactics vary. Strategies therefore cannot be judged as 'successful' without reference to a conception of what is most important in humanitarian programming, and the constraints of the situation. The review highlights lessons on good negotiating practices. The main issue being negotiated was the clash between the Taliban's restrictions on women and humanitarian actors' aim of providing aid to all, including women, according to need. Various strategies were used to persuade the Taliban to consent to principled aid. This review considers aid agency negotiating strategy and tactics, as well as the underlying interests and constraints that may make negotiations more or less successful.

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Lessons Learnt from Humanitarian Negotiations with the Taliban, 1996-2001

10.19088/k4d.2021.126 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Luke Kelly

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Current Situation ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Main Issue ◽

Women’S Rights ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Ability To Work ◽

Lessons Learnt ◽

Gender Based ◽

Access Services

This rapid literature review finds that humanitarian actors responded in a variety of ways to Taliban actions limiting principled aid in the country during the period of their rule (1996-2001). The report is focused on the findings around humanitarian negotiation and the strategy of humanitarian actors in response to Taliban policies limiting women's ability to work for humanitarian organisations or access services. The findings are not intended to imply parallels with the current situation in Afghanistan. Evidence is in the form of a number of evaluations, academic articles and lessons learned papers on negotiating with the Taliban. It discusses the methods of negotiating with the Taliban (e.g. co-ordination, working with the leadership or rank-and-file), the content of negotiations and particularly the question of reaching agreement on women’s rights, as well as humanitarian actors’ negotiating capacity. There is less discussion on the negotiation of specific programmes (e.g. anti-gender-based violence programmes). Due to the different goals and principles of humanitarian actors, as well as different ideas of feasibility, conclusions on the effectiveness of negotiating tactics vary. Strategies therefore cannot be judged as 'successful' without reference to a conception of what is most important in humanitarian programming, and the constraints of the situation. The review highlights lessons on good negotiating practices. The main issue being negotiated was the clash between the Taliban's restrictions on women and humanitarian actors' aim of providing aid to all, including women, according to need. Various strategies were used to persuade the Taliban to consent to principled aid. This review considers aid agency negotiating strategy and tactics, as well as the underlying interests and constraints that may make negotiations more or less successful.

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Supporting Accountability for Sexual Violence in the Syria and Iraq Conflicts

Journal of International Criminal Justice ◽

10.1093/jicj/mqaa004 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 397-423

Author(s):

Stephanie Barbour

Keyword(s):

Sexual Violence ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Cultural Barriers ◽

Islamic State ◽

Humanitarian Law ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Criminal Investigations ◽

Local Actors ◽

Evidence Gathering ◽

Gender Based

Abstract This article examines innovations in investigating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through private investigations of international criminal and humanitarian law violations in Syria and Iraq. Drawing on the progress, challenges and lessons learned at the international level, a few notable initiatives have endeavoured to implement high-quality criminal investigations driven by local actors. The article first sets out the context in which private initiatives have moved to fill the gaps in the international response to crimes in Syria and Iraq through a shift to supporting national investigators engaged in evidence-gathering in their own countries and amid ongoing conflict. Next, the article explores efforts to build the capacity of national investigators to conduct safe and ethical evidence-gathering concerning sexual violence, often facing down socio-cultural barriers and other obstacles to effective investigations. Thirdly, the article examines the case-building strategy pursued by initiatives such as the Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA), from ensuring a focus on demonstrating leadership responsibility for crimes of sexual violence by the Syrian military and security apparatus and Islamic State to feeding cases into viable avenues for prosecution. This section explores some of the innovations, good practices and lessons learned in such initiatives in response to challenges arising in sexual offence investigation. Such issues include socio-cultural barriers to effective investigation of SGBV, the risk of creating SGBV silos, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of national investigators. Finally, the article offers a prognosis for these efforts’ successful contribution to future accountability for conflict-related sexual violence in Syria and Iraq, and concludes with wider lessons for the role of private criminal investigations of this category of criminality and beyond.

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Coming Together in the Fight Against Intimate Partner Violence: Lessons Learned From a Researcher–Practitioner Collaboration Evaluating Cincinnati’s Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (DVERT)

Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice ◽

10.1177/1043986221999861 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 37 (2) ◽

pp. 221-243

Author(s):

Michelle L. T. Wojcik ◽

Batya Y. Rubenstein ◽

Amber A. Petkus ◽

Maria Racadio ◽

Valerie R. Anderson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Domestic Violence ◽

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Police Department ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Health Concern ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Response Team ◽

Gender Based

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an insidious public health concern that affects people of all demographic backgrounds. In the city of Cincinnati, Ohio there has been a significant increase in IPV-related homicides over the past 5 years. Women Helping Women (WHW), a nonprofit organization that works to prevent gender-based violence, collaborated with Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) to create the Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (DVERT). Researchers from the University of Cincinnati School of Criminal Justice were invited to work with WHW to evaluate the program. This article discusses the history of the DVERT program and collaboration, obstacles that ensued, lessons learned, and successes of the relationship between the researchers, WHW, and CPD. Implications for other researchers and practitioners looking to form partnerships are discussed.

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Implementation of Anyaka Makwiri: A Multicomponent Mentoring Program for Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Uganda

Journal of Youth Development ◽

10.5195/jyd.2021.1003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (2-3) ◽

pp. 278-286

Author(s):

Kate F. Plourde ◽

Geeta Nanda ◽

Elise Healy ◽

Dennis Kibwola ◽

Phoebe Mutonyi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adolescent Girls ◽

Young Women ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Qualitative Assessment ◽

Mentoring Program ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Gender Based ◽

And Gender

This article describes the development and implementation of the Anyaka Makwiri program and summarizes results from the qualitative assessment of participant experiences. Anyaka Makwiri is a multicomponent mentoring program developed for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) ages 15 to 24 in Gulu, Uganda. The comprehensive program consisted of a curriculum covering sexual and reproductive health (SRH), financial capabilities, soft skills, and gender-based violence and gender equality; activities designed to improve participants’ social connectedness; optional onsite testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and pregnancy along with STI treatment; group-based savings; and links to SRH services, including contraceptive and gender-based violence services. The program was implemented over a 6-month period and reached 490 AGYW. Findings are derived from routine program-monitoring data including administrative records, de-identified service statistics, and baseline surveys. In addition, this article summarizes some of the key findings from qualitative interviews with both mentors and AGYW participants, conducted at the conclusion of the program. Participants generally had a favorable view of the mentoring program, particularly in terms of the curriculum topics they were exposed to, and mentors were also positive about their experiences. Despite the program’s many successes there were some implementation challenges, the most prominent being intermittent participant attendance due to a variety of difficulties. The lessons learned from the implementation of Anyaka Makwiri provide valuable insights for the design and implementation of multicomponent mentoring programs for AGYW.

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