Introduction

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a pervasive and devastating human rights violation, undermining individual well-being, hindering sustainable development, and perpetuating cycles of inequality globally. Addressing GBV requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that not only provides critical support to survivors but also tackles the root causes and systemic drivers of violence. Effective GBV prevention strategies aim to transform harmful social norms, challenge power imbalances, and promote equitable gender relations, while robust GBV response mechanisms ensure timely, survivor-centered, and compassionate care. For professionals working in humanitarian, development, health, justice, and social sectors, understanding and implementing evidence-based GBV prevention and response interventions is paramount to creating safer, more just, and equitable communities worldwide. This essential training course focuses on Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response, equipping participants with critical skills to combat this global challenge.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip a diverse range of professionals with the knowledge, skills, and ethical frameworks necessary to effectively engage in Gender-Based Violence prevention and response. Over five days, participants will gain a deep understanding of the drivers and forms of GBV, master survivor-centered approaches to support, and learn to design and implement impactful prevention programs. The course will cover topics such as risk mitigation in various contexts, psychosocial support, legal frameworks for protection, and community-based interventions. By mastering the principles and practicalities of GBV prevention and response, participants will be empowered to contribute to building safer environments, advocating for survivors' rights, and driving social change towards a world free from violence.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Development Program Managers
• Social Workers and Counselors
• Public Health Professionals
• Law Enforcement Personnel
• Legal Professionals and Advocates
• Community Leaders and Activists
• Educators and Youth Workers
• Gender Equality Specialists
• Human Rights Defenders

Course Objectives

• Understand the diverse forms, causes, and consequences of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
• Grasp the ethical principles and survivor-centered approach in GBV programming.
• Learn to conduct GBV risk assessments in various operational contexts.
• Develop skills in designing and implementing evidence-based GBV prevention strategies.
• Acquire knowledge of essential services and referral pathways for GBV survivors.
• Comprehend the importance of psychosocial support for survivors of GBV.
• Explore relevant international and national legal frameworks for GBV protection.
• Understand data collection and information management in GBV programming.
• Learn about community-based approaches to GBV prevention and response.
• Develop a personalized action plan for contributing to GBV prevention and response efforts.
• Enhance skills in advocacy and communication for ending GBV.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding Gender-Based Violence

• Defining Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and its various forms (physical, sexual, psychological, economic).
• Exploring the root causes and drivers of GBV: power imbalances, social norms, patriarchy.
• The continuum of violence: from everyday sexism to extreme violence.
• Impact of GBV on individuals, families, communities, and development.
• Global statistics and prevalence of GBV.

Module 2: Ethical Principles and Survivor-Centered Approaches

• Core principles of GBV programming: Safety, Confidentiality, Respect, Non-Discrimination (SCRR).
• The survivor-centered approach: empowering survivors in their healing journey.
• Do No Harm principles in GBV interventions.
• Ethical considerations in working with GBV survivors and sensitive information.
• Building trust and ensuring informed consent.

Module 3: GBV Prevention Strategies

• Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention in GBV.
• Engaging men and boys in GBV prevention.
• Transforming harmful social norms and attitudes.
• Promoting gender-equitable relationships and positive masculinities.
• Community mobilization and awareness campaigns.

Module 4: GBV Risk Mitigation in Various Contexts

• Identifying GBV risks in humanitarian emergencies (conflict, displacement, natural disasters).
• Risk mitigation in development programming (e.g., in WASH, economic empowerment, education).
• Safety auditing and environmental design to reduce GBV risks.
• Protection mainstreaming in all sectors.
• Developing safety plans for individuals at risk.

Module 5: Essential Services and Referral Pathways for Survivors

• Overview of key essential services: health, psychosocial, legal, safety/shelter.
• Mapping and establishing effective referral pathways.
• Minimum standards for GBV service provision.
• Challenges in accessing services and how to overcome them.
• Coordination among service providers for holistic support.

Module 6: Psychosocial Support (PSS) for GBV Survivors

• Understanding the psychological impact of GBV and trauma.
• Principles of trauma-informed care.
• Basic psychosocial first aid techniques.
• Components of comprehensive PSS for survivors (individual counseling, group support).
• Self-care and stress management for GBV responders.

Module 7: Legal Frameworks and Protection Mechanisms

• International human rights law relevant to GBV (e.g., CEDAW, UN Security Council Resolutions).
• National laws and policies on GBV (domestic violence, sexual offenses).
• The role of the justice system in GBV response and accountability.
• Survivor's rights in legal processes.
• Advocacy for legal reform and enforcement.

Module 8: Data Collection and Information Management in GBV

• Ethical and safety considerations in GBV data collection.
• Principles of GBV information management systems (GBVIMS+).
• Collecting anonymous and confidential data for trends and advocacy.
• Using data for program planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• The importance of robust data privacy and protection.

Module 9: Community-Based Approaches and Advocacy

• Engaging communities in GBV prevention and response efforts.
• Role of local leaders, faith-based organizations, and community groups.
• Developing community-led initiatives and social norm change campaigns.
• Advocacy strategies for policy change and resource allocation.
• Building movements for ending GBV and promoting gender equality.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training