Understanding Gender-based Violence By: Ms. Patricia M. Sarenas, Deputy Director, Mindanao Commission on Women

1. UNDERSTANDING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE Presentation of Patricia M. Sarenas “ Vibrant Visions! Valiant Voices!” Mindanao Young Women Leaders Conference 21 October 2011

2. WHAT IS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE? “ Violence involving men and women, in which the female is usually the victim and which arises from unequal power relationships between men and women.” … evolves in part from women’s subordinate gender status in society (traditional beliefs, norms and social institutions legitimize and therefore, perpetuate violence against women)

11. Phase Type Prenatal Prenatal sex selection, battering during pregnancy, coerced pregnancy (rape during war) Infancy Female infanticide, emotional and physical abuse, differential access to food and medical care Childhood Genital cutting/FGM; incest and sexual abuse; differential access to food, medical care, and education; child prostitution Adolescence Dating and courtship violence, economically coerced sex, sexual abuse in the workplace, rape, sexual harassment, forced prostitution Reproductive Abuse of women by intimate partners, marital rape, dowry abuse and murders, partner homicide, psychological abuse, sexual abuse in the workplace, sexual harassment, rape, abuse of women with disabilities Old Age Abuse of widows, elder abuse (which affects mostly women) Source: Heise, L. 1994. Violence Against Women: The Hidden Health Burden. World Bank Discussion Paper. Washington. D.C. The World Bank Gender discrimination throughout a woman's life

12. 3 UNDERLYING CAUSES OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FIRST: there is learning to abuse SECOND: after someone learns to be violent, they must have the opportunity to abuse . This model is consistent with the risk factors noted that would provide the opportunity to abuse: power differences and isolation THIRD: given learning and opportunity, the abuser must choose to abuse

15. 2 nd - have the opportunity to abuse consistent with the risk factors would provide the opportunity to abuse: power differences and isolation .  Power differences may stem from a number of factors, including: sexism homophobia racism income disparity educational disparity ageism disability health and HIV status Isolation means that: 1) the abuser is less likely to be caught, 2) conflict is more likely to escalate, and 3) the victim is more likely to become depressed and less likely to see any way out of the relationship.

17. 3 UNDERLYING CAUSES OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FIRST: there is learning to abuse SECOND: after someone learns to be violent, they must have the opportunity to abuse . This model is consistent with the risk factors noted that would provide the opportunity to abuse: power differences and isolation THIRD: given learning and opportunity, the abuser must choose to abuse

21. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO COMBAT GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE? (some examples of actions) Awareness-raising Recognition and legal measures Effective mechanisms and processes for violence prevention National committees for gender advancement with a clear paln of action Equality ombud / gender ombud Effective legislation implemented to ensure legal and substantive equality Affirmative action (education, employment, etc.)

22. WHAT CAN BE DONE BY THE YOUTH? ? ? ? ? ?