Sexual and Gender-Based Violence - Definition, Identification, Causes and Prevention

SGBV
Definition, Identification, Causes, Prevention
courtesy of GAC & CWY - 2021
Learn About Series from WELI Ghana
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The problem is not about women and men being
biologically different; the problem is that society
values them differently based on these differences.
Gender stereotypes reinforce the power imbalance
that exists in society between men and women. The
gender power imbalance perpetuates gender
discrimination and gender inequalities at all levels,
and greatly constrains the advancement of women.
Inequality in turn feeds violence and abuse against the
seemingly weaker gender.

Stereotypes are labels given to things and situations which though are not
true, have come to stay with the people. For example, in our society women
are expected to be modest, unassuming and motherly but men should be
assertive, boisterous and adventurous.
The man of the family is to be the ‘breadwinner’, primarily involved in
productive work outside the home, while the woman as the housewife and
‘homemaker’ takes overall responsibility for the reproductive and domestic
work involved in the organization of the household. Forgetting that many
females also work to contribute money for the upkeep of the family. Many
families are headed by females.
Where Does It All Begin?
STEREOTYPES: 1

In many societies stereotypes of the household structure and the gender
division of labour are seen to reflect the ‘natural’ order. Any deviation is
frowned upon. Consequently, the state, family, and media ideologically
reinforce them through the legal and educational system, and other
programmes.
Gender stereotypes limit life options and choices for women, men, boys, and
girls. They also violate human rights. These stereotypes suppress and
discourages people from recognizing their capabilities. Society overlooks the
reality of individual differences and, instead, judges’ females and males simply
for being a man or being a woman.
STEREOTYPES: 2

It is a social or cultural systems in which men hold primary power and
dominance over women and children.
Men in this case tend to dominate in roles of political leadership, moral
authority, social privilege and control of property. Here men are regarded
as authority within the family.
Some patriarchal societies are patrilineal with property and title inherited
by male lineage.
Men dominate and hold the power over women and children. Women are
largely excluded.
PATRIARCHY

Sex refers to the biological and physiological differences between males
and females as determined by nature.
Sex classifies a person as either male or female.
Sex characteristics are universal, unchanging and it is defined by genetic
make-up such as chromosomes, external and internal genitalia, and
hormonal status. E.g., only women have the physical and biological
features which can make them give birth and only men have the physical
and biological features that can make women pregnant.
SEX

Gender is the different social roles assigned to males and females by a
particular society. Gender identifies the social relations between men and
women. Gender can therefore be defined as the set of characteristics, roles
and behaviour patterns that distinguish women from men. These
characteristics are constructed not biologically but socially and culturally.
Example, women and men can each work as teachers, engineers and laborers
by virtue of their training. Again, women and men can cook and take care of
children and the elderly. Gender roles as a result differ from one society to
another. “Sex” and “gender” are often used interchangeable, but there is
difference in their meanings.
GENDER

Sex is biologically determined whereas gender is socially constructed.
Sex is natural (chromosomes, genes, hormones, anatomy) and God-given
whilst gender is a product of culture, traditions, societal norms, religion,
history, nurturing, and conditioning.
Sex does not change without surgical intervention however gender
characteristics change over time and vary from one culture to another.
Sex is constant, universal and non-changeable (irreversible) whilst gender
relations are contextually specific and often change in response to altering
economic circumstances.
It is common for people to confuse sex and gender or misconstrued both as
synonyms. But they are actually not the same.
SEX vrs GENDER

Gender equality and equity are often viewed from a human right
perspective which is based on the belief that everyone has certain
inalienable human rights, because he or she is a human being.
It is also viewed from the axiom of equality and non-
discrimination which believes that all human beings are equal
irrespective of race, sex, religion, caste, class
and political affiliation; that we all have
an obligation to fight injustice and
human rights violations, including
gender inequality.

There are numerous traditions and practices which are discriminatory to
women and make them inferior to their male counterparts. These have been
structured into socializing mechanisms, which have become acceptable
patterns with time.
Equality is the absence of discrimination on the basis of a person’s sex in
authority, opportunities, allocation of resources or benefits and access to
services. It is a condition in which women, men, boys and girls participate as
equals, have equal access to resources and equal opportunities. It is achieved
through gender equitable strategies. For example, producing curriculum that
is gender equitable is a strategy to achieve gender equality in the classroom.
The Fundamentals
EQUALITY: 1

Gender equality is, therefore achieved when society begins to ensure and
guarantee equal condition, opportunities, access to resources, power and
decision making and assured equal rights and freedom to all regardless of their
gender. Equality does not mean that women and men will become the same but
that women’s and men’s rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not
depend on whether they are born male or female. The absence or lack of gender
equality means there is gender inequality, and it creates disparity between
women, men and girls and boys. This gap is referred to as ‘gender gap’. It is the
disproportionate difference between males and females, particularly reflected in
the attainment of development goals, access to resources and levels of
participation. A gender gap indicates gender inequality.
The Fundamentals
EQUALITY: 2

It is the extent of being fair and reasonable to all individuals. It calls for a fair
share of benefits as well as responsibilities of the family, community and
society. Gender equity is the process of ensuring fair treatments for men and
women, boys and girls in a manner to make up for imbalances in order to
achieve parity between women, men, girls and boys.
Gender equity may involve the use of temporary special measures to
compensate for historical or systemic bias or discrimination. It ensures
differential treatment that is fair and positively addresses a bias or
disadvantage that is due to gender roles or norms or differences between the
sexes.
The Fundamentals
EQUITY: 1

To ensure fairness, measures must often be available to compensate for
historical and social disadvantages that prevent women and men from
operating on a “level playing field.” Gender equity strategies may or may not
achieve desired results and need to be monitored closely.
DIFFERENCE: Equity is the means, while equality is the desired result.
Equality: Equal treatment by giving males and females the same support.
Equity: Everyone getting the support he/she needs.
Equity leads to equality! Equity means that there is a need to continue taking
differential actions to address historical inequality among men and women and
achieve gender equality!
The Fundamentals
EQUITY: 2

SGBV: sexual and gender-based violence
Generally defined as any act of violence that results in, or is likely
to result in, physical, sexual, emotional or psychological harm or
suffering to girls, boys, women and men, including threats of such
acts, on the basis of a specific sex and/or gender, whether
occurring in private or public life. SGBV is a form of
discrimination that seriously inhibits
one sex group’s (e.g., women/girls)
ability to enjoy rights and freedoms
on a basis of equality with the other
sex group (e.g., men/boys).

Sex and gender-based violence (SGBV) is an umbrella term for any harmful
acts of violence directed at an individual or group based on their sex or
socially ascribed (i.e., gender) differences between a male and female. The
violence may occur in an intimate relationship (e.g., marriage, cohabitation,
dating, exercising of one’s sexual orientation (LBTQI+).
It is important to note that the term “SGBV” is often used interchangeably
with the term “violence against women (VAW)” however, this usage is
inaccurate. Also issues of domestic violence with sex or gender undertone is
captured under the broad banner of SGBV. SGBV is broader than VAW and
includes violence against men, boys, and sexual and gender minorities (e.g.,
homosexuals and transgender persons).
Understanding SGBV: 1

SGBV is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health
and protection issue. SGBV can take different forms and mostly affects
women and girls.
SGBV can occur in any ethnic group and across the socio-economic
spectrum.
Evidence suggests that it is more prevalent in areas associated with lower
levels of socio-economic status.
Women are more likely than men to experience all forms violence. Intimate
partner violence is more commonly experienced by women.

SGBV is often associated only with physical violence, neglecting other
non-physical forms. Violence is a complex issue and categorising
different types of violence can never be exact (Council of Europe,
2021). However, According to Council of Europe SGBV can be classified
into five interrelated categories as: physical violence, verbal violence
(including hate speech), psychological violence, sexual violence and
socio-economic violence.

Male and/or society attitudes of disrespect or disregard towards women.
Lack of belief in equality of human rights for all
Cultural/social norms of gender inequality
Lack of value of women and/or women’s work
The root causes of SGBV lie in a society’s attitudes, patriarchal systems, and
cultural norms which promote gender discrimination of practices (roles,
responsibilities, limitations, privileges, and opportunities) afforded to an
individual according to gender.
Addressing the root causes through prevention activities requires sustained,
long-term action with change occurring slowly over a long period of time.
Root Causes of SGBV are:
Root Causes of SGBV

Social Factors/Attitudes
Prevalence of Patriarchal Systems
Cultural Traditions
Masculinities
Socio-economic Status
Other forms Societal Violence and SGBV (due to ethnic conflicts or war)
The causes of SGBV can be grouped as:
Root Causes of SGBV 2

While women are usually the immediate victims of sex and gender-based
violence, the consequences of gender violence extend beyond the victim to the
society as a whole. Gender violence threatens family structures; children suffer
emotional damage when they watch their mothers and sisters being battered;
two-parent homes may break up, leaving the new female heads of household to
struggle against increased poverty and negative social repercussions.
Psychological scars often impede the establishment of healthy and rewarding
relationships in the future. Victims of sex and gender violence may vent their
frustrations on their children and others, thereby transmitting and intensifying
the negative experiences of those around them. Children, on the other hand, may
come to accept violence as an alternative means of conflict resolution and
communication. It is in these ways that violence is reproduced and perpetuated.
Consequences of SGBV

There are a number of physical, health, psychological, economic and social
consequences to SGBV that vary depending on the types of SGBV. SGBV can
result in health consequences.
There are serious and potentially life-threatening health outcomes (e.g.,
physical injury, HIV/AIDs, unsafe abortions, mental illness) with all types of
sexual and gender-based violence. The exact consequences vary, depending
on the type of SGBV. It could be fatal, acute, chronic and reproductive.
Most incidents of SGBV are under-reported or never reported to anyone due
to a general acceptance of these behaviours as normal.
Consequences of SGBV 2

Others feared consequences such as further violence, losing their children
or bringing shame to their family. Also, the negative impact on children
(children’s economic and emotional well-being) accounts for the refusal to
report.
Encouragement from friends and family not to report or the lack of family
support also plays a role; as well as the belief that women have to obey their
husbands and only survivors of severe acts should leave their husbands.
Lack of information or economic means to pursue legal rights is another
factor.
Consequences of SGBV 3

Training for all the actors (spouses, chiefs, elder, police, landlords,
bankers etc.)
Upscale training to cover many young women in other communities
Reporting and referral systems. o Documentation of reported incidents,
data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, Coordination and information
sharing systems among the various actors and organization.
Not all survivors may need or want all this help. However, the assurance of
their available, accessibility, and of good quality should be ensured. Women
should be empowered to appreciate that all persons deserve to be free from
all forms of violence. The acts and empowerment may include and not
limited to:
Healing from/Support for SGBV

Prevention is a long-term process and requires patience, good monitoring
for strategies to cause a change over time to maximize effectiveness of the
strategy. The root causes of SGBV are long standing cultural norms and
beliefs. A such it may take several generations to bring about a lasting social
change that results in a real reduction or elimination of SGBV. SGBV
prevention strategies must target both potential perpetrators and potential
survivors for it to more effective.
Offer safe, respectful, accessible, and confidential services to address the
harmful consequences and after-effects related to security, emotional,
health, and social issues. Response should include action in the following
key areas:
Prevention of SGBV

Health: Emergency contraception, treat injuries, and treat STIs
Security:Report to police, Investigate case, Arrest perpetrator, and File
charges with the court.
Psycho-social: Emotional support & counseling, Income generation
programs, Skills training programs, and Group counseling, outline options
for the woman, reinforce the right of all people to live in an environment free
from violence, promoting positive and healthy relationships.
Legal justice (formal and traditional): Apply appropriate laws and hold
perpetrators accountable; informing the woman that she has the right to live
her life free from violence, acknowledging that many forms of SGBV are
criminal offences and should be dealt with as such where appropriate.
Economic: Provide financial assistance e.g., emergency relief, income
support, financial advice.
Prevention of SGBV 2

the right to life, liberty and security of person
the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
the right to freedom of opinion and expression, to education, to social security and to
personal develop
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to everyone irrespective of the
persons sex, religion or ethnicity. Human rights are universal, inalienable, indivisible,
interconnected and interdependent. Everyone is entitled to all these rights and freedoms,
without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other
opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Prevention of and response to
SGBV is directly linked to the protection of human rights.
Acts of SGBV violate a number of human rights principles and policies enshrined in
international human rights instruments. These include, amongst others:
HUMAN RIGHTS re: SGBV

Ghana is a signatory of several international and regional legal instruments that protect the rights of all
citizens. Thus, Ghana similar to other Africa countries ratified and adopted important policies and
protocols such as the:
·Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948
·United Nations Declaration on violence against Women
·international human rights law
·Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
·United Nations Universal Declaration on human rights
These are to protect women and children from violence, abuse, and all forms neglects.
Article 2 of the Human Right Act guarantee your right to life. This means that nobody, including the
Government, can try to end your life. It also means the Government should take appropriate measures to
safeguard life by making laws to protect you and, in some circumstances, by taking steps to protect you
if your life is at risk. Article 2 is often referred to as an ‘absolute right’. These are rights that can never be
interfered with by the state. Article 3 protects you from torture (mental or physical) inhuman or
degrading treatment. It is absolutely forbidden to subject any person to torture or to any treatment or
punishment that is inhuman or degrading.
HUMAN RIGHTS re: SGBV

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