Preventing and Responding to Gender-Based Violence: Expressions and Strategies

Ending gender-based violence (GBV) and ensuring women’s security is apriority for the Swedish government, a priority reflected in central objectivesof Swedish policy for development cooperation. Sida defines GBV as anyharm or suffering that is perpetrated against a woman or girl, man or boyand that has negative impact on the physical, sexual or psychological health,development or identity of the person. The cause of this violence is foundedin gender-based inequalities and discrimination. GBV is the most extreme expressionof these unequal gender relations in society, and a violation of humanrights, as well as a main hindrance of the achievement of gender equality. InSida’s work an important point of departure is that GBV is preventable, whichentails a focus on the root causes of violence and on possibilities for change.