Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence is a global human rights issue that affects millions of people, mainly women and girls, because of their gender. It can take many forms, such as physical, sexual, emotional, or economic violence, and it can happen in any setting, such as the home, the workplace, the school, or the community. At United Partners for Humanitarian Welfare (UPHWO), we are committed to fighting against gender-based violence and to supporting the survivors.
We provide comprehensive and survivor-centered services to the survivors of gender-based violence. These include:
- Medical care: We ensure that the survivors receive timely and appropriate medical attention, including treatment of injuries, prevention of infections, and reproductive health care.
- Psychosocial support: We offer counseling and therapy to the survivors to help them cope with the trauma and heal from the emotional wounds. We also provide them with peer support and self-care activities to enhance their well-being.
- Legal aid: We assist the survivors in accessing legal services and justice, such as filing complaints, obtaining protection orders, and seeking compensation. We also accompany them to court hearings and police stations, and protect them from further harassment or threats.
- Economic empowerment: We empower the survivors to become financially independent and self-reliant, by providing them with education, vocational training, and income-generating opportunities. We also help them access social protection and other benefits.
We also work to prevent and reduce gender-based violence, by challenging the harmful norms and attitudes that perpetuate it, and by engaging men and boys as allies and agents of change. We do this by:
- Raising awareness: We educate the public and the stakeholders about the causes and consequences of gender-based violence, and the ways to prevent and respond to it. We also campaign for the elimination of gender-based violence and the promotion of gender equality.
- Changing behaviors: We conduct workshops and trainings for various groups, such as community leaders, religious leaders, teachers, health workers, and security personnel, to sensitize them on gender-based violence and to equip them with skills and tools to prevent and address it. We also work with men and boys to challenge their stereotypes and attitudes, and to encourage them to respect and support women and girls.
- Influencing policies: We advocate for the implementation and enforcement of laws and policies that protect and empower women and girls, and that prevent and punish gender-based violence. We also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of these laws and policies, and provide recommendations for improvement.