Gender-based violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a clear and damaging consequence of gender inequality as well as a mechanism used to enforce discriminatory norms and maintain unequal gendered power relations. 

GBV can take various forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, and digital violence. Women and girls are most commonly victims, with queer and transwomen at increased risk of violence. People who challenge prevailing gender norms, such as gay boys and men and gender non-conforming people, are also particularly at risk. 

Gender-based violence is sustained and sanctioned by oppressive gender norms such as male authority and dominance over female bodies and masculinity being defined in terms of toughness and heterosexuality. Contesting such gender norms – through norms-based approaches and legal and/or policy change – is thus central to the prevention and elimination of GBV. This has been at the heart of feminist movements worldwide, who have been contesting GBV through street protests, digital campaigns, art, legal reform, and community-based work, among other strategies.

ALIGN’s briefings papers, case studies and blogs discuss how gender-based violence affects women and girls and LGBTQI+ people across different spaces, the impact of feminist activism on GBV-related gender norms, and ways of working with men and boys for their transformation.

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