Topic [003]: Gender-Based Violence

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence

Introduction

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an international pandemic that is deeply rooted in harmful gender roles and inequality1 . It is one of the most significant violations of human rights within all societies. The normalization of violence towards women, rigid gender concepts, and harmful cultural practices perpetuate GBV. The UN Declaration on the

Elimination of Violence Against Women stated, "violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women" and "violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men." International Alert described Gender-Based

Violence as a way ‘for men to not only reinforce the traditional patriarchal gender roles used to control women, but also to validate their own feelings of insecurity derived from culturally

1“W hat Is Gender-Based Violence?” European Institute for Gender Equality, February 27, 2019. https://eige.europa.eu/gender-based-violence/what-is-gender-based-violence.

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence prescribed gender roles.2 ’ By threatening the safety, mobility, autonomy, and freedom of women, gender-based violence prevents women from fulfilling their potential as human beings and restricts their full participation in society. One in every three women globally have experienced either physical or sexual violence. This issue has devastating impacts on the victims and their families, and entails notable social and economic costs3 .

Addressing this issue requires a community-based, multidimensional, sustainable approach. Effective solutions have to take into account the unique perspectives of women from all socio-economic backgrounds and address the intrinsic risk factors for violence.

Many women have not accepted these violations to their autonomy and freedom, and have challenged the violence they have faced, both with and without the support of their government and community4 . Women have used socially sanctioned actions to defend themselves, such as “naming and shaming”, forming alliances, and performative acts.

Women have taken it upon themselves to resist their oppressions; two monumental examples are the #MeToo Movement, the Gulabi Gang. #MeToo is an international movement against sexual assault and harassment, with the goal of breaking silence, empowering women through strength in numbers, and demonstrating empathy by speaking about their own experiences as victims of gender-based violence. The Gulabi Gang is a women’s movement

2 “ Ask the Right Questions about Gender and Violent Extremism.” International Alert. Accessed January 2, 2020. h ttps://www.international-alert.org/blogs/ask-right-questions-about-gender-and-violent-extremism. 3“G ender-Based Violence (Violence Against Women and Girls).” World Bank. Accessed December 27, 2019. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/socialdevelopment/brief/violence-against-women-and-girls. 4 “Confronting Violence Against Women - What Has Worked Well and Why.” United Nations. United Nations. Accessed December 30, 2019. https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/confronting-violence-against-women-what-has-worked-well-and-wh y.

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence in the Banda Region in North India5 . The group originally formed in response to widespread domestic abuse and other violence against women in their community. Today, the group has over 20,000 recruits and is the largest female vigilante force globally.

Figure 1: M embers of the Gulabi Gang. G ULABI GANG - Women Empowerment India.

“Welcome to GULABI GANG.” GULABI GANG :: Women Empowerment India.

Accessed January 2, 2020. h ttps://gulabigang.in/.

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee proposes three overarching goals in their Guidelines for Integrating Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action 6:

1. To reduce risk of GBV by implementing GBV prevention and mitigation strategies

across all areas of humanitarian response from pre-emergency through to recovery

stages;

5 G ULABI GANG - Women Empowerment India. “Welcome to GULABI GANG.” GULABI GANG :: Women Empowerment India. Accessed January 2, 2020. h ttps://gulabigang.in/. 6 Inter-Agency Standing Committee. 2015. Guidelines for Integrating Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action: Reducing risk, promoting resilience and aiding recovery.

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence

2. To promote resilience by strengthening national and community-based systems that

prevent and mitigate GBV, and by enabling survivors and those at risk of GBV to

access care and support;

3. To aid recovery of communities and societies by supporting local and national

capacity to create lasting solutions to the problem of GBV.

United Nations Stance

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is based on the idea that ‘no one is left behind’7 . This requires the eradication of gender inequality by challenging social norms and behaviours that incite violence. The United Nations works with governments, womens’ groups, community and religious leaders, and humanitarian organizations on legal and policy framework to put an end to gender-based violence, protect women and girls, and provide support to victims. It also supports initiatives and programs with the aim of raising community awareness through public campaigns, meaningful discussions, and education.

The UN acknowledges that reducing violence against women will have signficant, positive consequences: it improves the health of women, reduces risk of HIV and STIs, reduces risk of mental illnesses, increases the likeihood of girls staying in school, and improves economic productivity. The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women has invested in

7 Replication-Receiver. “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.” UNDP. UNDP, November 23, 2018. https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2018/Joint_UN_statement_on_In ternational_Day_for_the_Elimination_of_Violence_Against_Women_and_Girls.html.

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence community-based and national initatives that have aimed to prevent gender-based violence for the past twenty years.

Child Marriage

Every year, 12 million girls under the age of 18 are married. Child marriage is a form of gender-based violence and one of the biggest violation of a girl’s fundamental rights.

Child marriage usually entails the end to formal education, pregnancy at a young age (before they are physically and/or emotionally ready), and a lifetime of physical, psychological, and sexual violence.

Child marriage is a practice rooted in gender inequality, traditional customs, and the belief that women are worth less than men8 . The practice is fueled by poverty, inadequate access to education, cultural and traditional practices, gender roles, and insecurity. Child marriage is seen as a strategy for economic survival. In many communites where child marriage is prevelant, girls are seen as a burden on the family, which is transferred to her husband’s family through marriage9 . Many poor families view marriage as their daughter’s best chance at having a future and reaching her full potential10 . Many families also believe that marriage is in their daughter’s best interest, as her husband can protect her from physical and sexual violence. In many societies, marrying a girl at an early age is an effort to prevent her from becoming sexaully active before marriage, which is seen as an assault on

8Girls Not Brides. “Why Does Child Marriage Happen?” Girls Not Brides. Accessed December 27, 2019. https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/why-does-it-happen/ 9 Save the Children UK, Rights of Passage, 2003 10 ICRW and G irls Not Brides, T aking action to address child marriage: the role of different sectors: Economic Growth and Workforce Development brief, 2015.

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence the families’ and communities’ dignity. The practice is driven by patriarchal norms: the need to control a woman's autonomy and sexuality11 . It is also a common traditional practice in many communities, that has been passed down through generations. When a girl begins to menstruate, it is a symbol of becoming a woman. The next step in womanhood is believed to be becoming a mother and wife.

The consquences of child marriage are devestating and long-lasting. Young, married girls are at a higher risk of pregnancy complications, infant and maternal mortality, high fertility rates, contracting AIDS and HIV infections, and becoming a victim of domestic violence. In 2007, UNICEF reported that girls who marry and give birth before the age of

15, when their bodies are not fully developed, are five times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth12 . There is also a high correlation between child marriage and HIV infections. In 2015, 7500 adolescent girls became newly infected with an HIV infection weekly.

Early marriage deprives young girls of their childhood. These girls are burdened with domestic responsibility, sexual relations, and motherhood rather than recieving an education, socializing with friends, and developing both emotionally and physically. In many communities, a girl moves away from her home to live with her husband — leaving behind her family, friends, and support system. Many of these girls experience self-esteem issues, isolation, abandonment issues, and depression. Child brides often develop a distorted sense of their own worth — nearly half of girls aged 15-19 globally believe that a partner is

11 American Jewish World Service (AJWS) and al., C hild, Early and Force Marriage and the Control of Sexuality and Reproduction, 2015 12 UNICEF. 2007. The State of the World’s Children 2007: Women and Children, the Double Dividend of Gender Equality. UNICEF: New York, NY. http://www.unicef.org/sowc07/docs/sowc07.pdf

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence justified in beating or hitting their partner under certain circumstances. Young child brides, many of whom lack education, often do not understand the ‘mechanisms’ of reproduction, contraceptions, and safe sex. Therefore, many young, married girls are unable to make informed decisions regarding sex, pregnancy, and child birth.

Any efforts to end and prevent child marriage must involve the empowerment of girls, as well as providing them with the opportunities they need to succeed 13. In 2014, the

Girls Not Brides partnership developed a global, multi-pronged approach: empowering women and girls, working with communities and parents, providing necessary health and education services, and developing and implementing a legal framework. Today, over 650 organization worldwide are working together to end child marriage. Many successful programs focus on four common themes:

1. Providing girls with essential life skills, such as literacy and numeracy;

2. Strengthening girls’ education programs to ensure girls stay in school;

3. Raising awareness among teachers, religious leaders, parents, and other influential

figures;

4. Working with young people to understand and build support on the idea of

preventing child marriage.

13Lee-Rife, Susan, Anju Malhotra, Ann Warner, and Allison Mcgonagle Glinski. “What Works to Prevent Child Marriage: A Review of the Evidence.” Studies in Family Planning43, no. 4 (2012): 287–303. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1728-4465.2012.00327.x.

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence

Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) claims millions of victims globally and occurs in all settings, and within all socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic groups14 . IPV is defined as “any incident of threatening behavior, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.”15 It is one of the most common forms of gender-based violence. The overwhelming burden of IPV is endured by women and the most common perpetrator is a male partner or ex-partner16 . There are many different types of IPV: physical violence (hitting, beating), sexual violence (sexual coercion, rape), emotional abuse (threats, constant humiliation, intimidation), and controlling behaviour (isolating partner from others, monitoring their movement, restricting their access to employment, financial resources, and education) 17. The World Health Organization Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic

Violence Against Women conducted an analysis of IPV, collecting data from more than 24,000 women in 10 countries18 . This data represented many different cultures, social circumstances, and geographic areas.

The study found:

1. IPV is prevalent in all countries studied;

14 P atra, P, Jyoti Prakash, B Patra, and Puneet Khanna. “Intimate Partner Violence: Wounds Are Deeper.” Indian journal of psychiatry. Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6278226/. 15 HER MAJESTY’S COURT SERVICE, Domestic Violence Branch Newsletter, 1, 1 (June 2008). 16 D iksha Munjal, I ntimate Partner Violence - Is There A Solution 17 M arques, Luana, and Lorraine. “Intimate Partner Violence – What Is It and What Does It Look Like?” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. Accessed December 29, 2019. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/intimate-partner-violence-what-it-an d-what-does. 18 “ W HO Multi-Country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence against Women.” World Health Organization. World Health Organization, November 10, 2016. Accessed December 29, 2019. https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/violence/24159358X/en/.

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence

2. Between 13 and 61 percent reported having at least one experience of IPV;

3. Between 4 and 49 percent reported having more than one experience of IPV;

4. Between 20 and 75 percent reported experiencing at least one emotionally abusive

act by a partner.

Figure 2: Rates of Women and IPV by region. T he graph above shows the percentage of IPV

reported by type and the place where it occurred, conducted by the World Health

Organization study. “ W HO Multi-Country Study on Women's Health and Domestic

Violence against Women.” World Health Organization. World Health Organization,

November 10, 2016.

Domestic violence is the result of factors operating on four levels: individual, relationship, community, and societal19 . Some risk factors are similar across countries, whereas others are context specific and occur within a certain setting or group. On an

19“Understanding and Addressing Violence Against Women - Intimate Partner Violence”. World Health Organization, 2012. Accessed December 29, 2019. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/intimate-partner-violence-what-it-an d-what-does.

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence individual level, a person with a low level of education that is exposed to other forms of prior violence is more likely to become a victim or perpetrator of IPV. Within a community, gender-inequitable social norms, poverty, low social and economic status of women, and general violence in society increase the risk of IPV within relationships. Widespread belief about gender roles and the social acceptance of violence as a means to solve conflict perpetuates partner violence.

IPV affects the victim’s physical and mental health through direct and indirect pathways. Research suggests that the influence of abuse can continue to affect the victim long after the violence has ended. Evidence shows that instead of leaving their violent partners, many women instead adopt strategies to keep themselves and their children as safe as possible. There are various reasons why women choose to stay in violent relationships: fear of retaliation, lack of support from family and friends, stigma, ownership of property, and financial dependency. IPV can result in injury, as well as stress-related conditions

(ailments that have no identifiable medical causes). The WHO study indicated that the prevalence of physical abuse among women that had experienced IPV ranged from 19 percent to 55 percent. Women that experience domestic violence suffer from higher levels of depression, anxiety, phobias, and poor mental health, even years after the violence occurred.

Any preventative efforts should reduce the occurrence of IPV by promoting non-violent, healthy relationships and strengthening women’s civil rights related to child custody, divorce, and property ownership. In past years, organizations have synthesized data on effective approaches to prevent and respond to domestic violence. This includes reforming legal frameworks, raising awareness about existing legislation, engaging men to

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence promote gender equality, providing services to at-risk families, and incentivizing social change. Mobilizing community-wide action and changing social norms, through education and mass-media campaigns, to address domestic violence is a common, effective strategy.

Stepping Stones is a community-wide programme that aims to reduce domestic violence by engaging men in violence prevention. This program was seen as successful and has been replicated in many areas around the world. Risk factors of IPV on a societal level is under-researched and many research gaps still exist. Conducting research studies and expanding the knowledge base will lead to more effective initiatives and strategies. This requires long-term collaboration between the government and all levels of society, and improving public services and resources.

Adolescent Girls in Crises

Disasters and conflicts prevent girls from reaching their full potential. Girls are becoming increasingly vulnerable to natural and human-induced disasters. Pre-existing gender inequalities are worsened in crises, and the physical safety, health, and well-being of adolescent girls are threatened in ways that differ from men, boys, and adult women. Crises that span over years can disrupt a girl’s access to education and nutrient. The combination of violence and poverty entrenched in gender discrimination, can make girls particularly vulnerable to human trafficking, exploitation, sexual assault, and forced child marriage. 90 percent of crises and disasters take place in developing countries, where communities are unable to deal with the effects and often have to endure the consequences for years.

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence

Figure 3: Percentage of girls attending school. The graph above shows the percentage of girls aged

10-14 and 15-19 attending school in three crises: South Sudan, Rohingya, and Lake Chad

Basin. The three main reasons why girls can not attend school is because they can not afford

to go to school, they have domestic responsibilities, or schools are not available.

Despite the large number of girls affected during a crisis globally, their own communities, the humanitarian sector, and governments often do not prioritize their particular needs and rights. Many attempts to improve living standards of girls in crises do not engage with girls in the practical matters of their daily lives.

The first step to address the problems that arise during disasters is upholding the rights and needs of girls and establishing disaster programs, as well as community-based sexual and reproductive education and health programs 20. For example, after the 2015 Nepal earthquakes, ‘adolescent-friendly spaces’ were implemented. These zones protected girls

20 “G irls in Emergencies.” Plan International. Accessed December 29, 2019. https://plan-international.org/emergencies/girls-emergencies.

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence from violence and gave them the space to openly discuss important issues (such as sexual health). When creating and implementing policies and programs, it is important “to acknowledge that girls, as they enter and move through adolescence, do have particular challenges to face, they do have rights, and that their ideas about how to improve their lives today and tomorrow are worth listening to and acting upon”21 This requires the increased participation of adolescent girls in decisions regarding their own welfare. It is also necessary to prioritize girls access to education, information, and services, as well as tackle all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination. In the planning of programs and infrastructure, it is important to consider cultural sensitivities and differences. The complex circumstances revolving around girls, including the ingrained gender inequalities and discrimanation that limit their opportunities, must be addressed in a holistic manner.

Guiding Questions

1. What should humanitarian organizations and governments do differently to ensure

the protection of women and girls in conflict zones, emergency, and refugee camps?

2. What is needed to prevent and end gender-based violence?

3. What widespread social and cultural beliefs potentially increased violence against

women and girls?

4. How can we effectively address Gender-Based Violence without adequate, available

data?

21 “A dolescent Girls In Crisis: Experiences of Risk and Resilience Across Three Humanitarian Settings.” Plan International, 2018.

Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly XLVIII ECOSOC: Gender-Based Violence

5. How can we prevent gender-based violence committed by armed groups?

6. What kinds of barriers do girls experience in accessing services for gender-based

violence?