Russel Masaya
Form 4 student: Starbright Academy
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue that affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. It can occur in various setting.
GBV can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial violence. It’s important to recognize that GBV is never the victim’s fault and that everyone deserves to live a life free from violence and fear.
As they say a hungry man is an angry man, meaning when people’s basic needs are not met, they can become frustrated, irritable, and even angry. This phrase is often used to highlight the importance of addressing poverty, food insecurity and economic inequality.
When people are struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and healthcare, it can lead to feelings of desperation, hopelessness and anger. This anger can manifest in different ways, such as:
* Conflict and gender-based violence in all environments
*Substance abuse and mental health issues
* Social instability
Gender based violence can be caused due to food shortages at home. Gender based violence is not only happening to women only, but men also are experiencing it. Statically the number of men who report GBV is less as they fear judgment by the society. Gender based violence may also happen at workplaces. Women are often taken advantage of by the high places for them to gain favors. In school settings often children are exposed to gender-based violence by the teachers who try to solicitate sexual favours from them. There are ways that gender-based violence can be reduced by establishing victim friendly units at centres. The laws can be made to be more strict when it comes gender-based violence.
In addition, it is important to continue raising awareness and taking action to prevent GBV. Some approaches include:
* Challenging harmful gender stereotypes and biases
* Promoting healthy relationships and consent
*Supporting survivors of GBV
*Encouraging men to speak out against GBV
*Providing education and resources on GBV
*Encouraging bystander intervention
*Advocating for policy and systemic change