Resources for talking about gender-based violence

| November 23, 2020

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The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is Nov. 25. Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent, and devastating human rights violations in the world today and remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma, and shame surrounding it.

In general terms, it manifests itself in physical, sexual, and psychological forms, encompassing:

  • intimate partner violence (battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, femicide);
  • sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, street harassment, stalking, cyber-harassment);
  • human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation);
  • female genital mutilation; and
  • child marriage.

Find more resources on gender-based violence from the United Nations: https://www.un.org/en/events/endviolenceday/

We recently published a drama script about gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened pre-existing gender inequalities and power hierarchies. To prevent widespread transmission of the virus, there have been quarantines, lockdowns, restrictions on movement, and bans on public gatherings. While these measures are important for public health, they have led to increased occurrences of sexual and gender-based violence in communities and among vulnerable people. Coupled with limited access to essential services such as shelters and hotlines, this has created a situation where gender-based violence is thriving in many communities. These challenges make it necessary to educate people on gender-based violence, so that the abused are aware of the services available to them, and the necessary steps they need to take in order to free themselves and get justice.

This drama takes place in Ghana, but could be adapted to your location. Read “Lockdown rage”: http://scripts.farmradio.fm/radio-resource-packs/covid-19-resources/lockdown-rage-gender-based-violence-covid-19/

Gender-based violence is a sensitive issue, so you should make sure you are using the right words and interviewing the right people. Read our Broadcaster how-to guide on addressing sensitive issues on air: http://scripts.farmradio.fm/radio-resource-packs/111-farm-radio-resource-pack/bh2-deal-sensitive-issues-air/