Gender-based Violence: Prevention, Response & Advocacy

Why This Course

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pressing human rights and public health challenges worldwide. Its impact extends beyond individuals, affecting families, communities, and entire systems. Addressing GBV requires more than awareness—it demands informed professionals who understand its root causes, legal dimensions, and practical response mechanisms.

This intensive five-day training program provides a structured and in-depth exploration of GBV, combining conceptual understanding with hands-on tools for prevention and response. Participants will strengthen their capacity to support survivors, design effective prevention initiatives, and contribute meaningfully to safer and more equitable communities.

What You’ll Learn and Practice

By participating in this program, you will be able to:

• Clearly define gender-based violence and recognize its various forms and underlying causes.
• Navigate legal and policy frameworks related to GBV prevention and response.
• Apply survivor-centered case management and support principles.
• Design and implement community-based GBV prevention strategies.
• Understand the roles of different sectors in coordinated GBV response.
• Strengthen advocacy skills to promote gender equality and systemic change.

The Program Flow

Day 1: Introduction to Gender-Based Violence

• Understanding GBV and its different forms
• Root causes, power dynamics, and contributing factors
• Global prevalence and social impact
• Intersectionality and how vulnerability is shaped by multiple factors

Day 2: Legal and Policy Frameworks

• International human rights standards and instruments
• National laws and policy responses
• Barriers and challenges in implementation
• Roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders

Day 3: GBV Response and Survivor Support

• Principles of the survivor-centered approach
• Case management processes and ethical considerations
• Psychosocial support fundamentals
• Referral pathways and multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms

Day 4: GBV Prevention Strategies

• Community mobilization and engagement techniques
• Working with men and boys as partners in prevention
• Economic empowerment and protective programming
• Education, awareness campaigns, and behavior change initiatives

Day 5: Advocacy and Action Planning

• Developing practical advocacy strategies
• Engaging media responsibly and effectively
• Monitoring and evaluating GBV programs
• Creating personal and organizational action plans

Individual Impact

Participants will leave the program with:

• The ability to conduct GBV risk assessments in diverse contexts.
• Practical skills to provide immediate and appropriate support to survivors.
• Tools to design and implement evidence-based prevention programs.
• Stronger advocacy techniques to influence policy and service improvement.

Organizational Impact

Organizations will benefit from:

• Improved capacity to respond to GBV cases safely and ethically.
• Stronger prevention programming rooted in best practices.
• Enhanced coordination across sectors and services.
• Clear action plans aligned with legal and policy frameworks.

Training Methodology

• Interactive discussions grounded in real-life scenarios
• Case studies and role-play exercises
• Group problem-solving and peer learning
• Practical tools and templates for field application
• Structured action-planning sessions

Beyond the Course

By the end of the five days, participants will be prepared to:

• Respond to GBV cases with professionalism, sensitivity, and confidence.
• Lead prevention initiatives that address root causes and promote equality.
• Advocate effectively for stronger systems, policies, and survivor support services.
• Contribute to building safer environments where dignity and rights are protected for all.