Elimination of Gender Based Violence (GBV)
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a widespread yet under recognized human rights violation issue, both a cause and a consequence of poverty and gender inequality.
Young African Women Initiatives (YAWI) recognizes GBV as a systemic social problem, rooted in patriarchal norms, unequal relationships, discriminatory laws, and unresponsive institutions.
YAWI’s aim is to eliminate violence against women and girls by facilitating the development, promotion, and implementation of sustainable processes for prevention, protection, and response to violence against women and girls.
YAWI’s Efforts to Combat GBV
Our goal is to create a society where women and girls can live free from gender-based violence and enjoy equal opportunities.
YAWI prioritizes the needs and rights of women and girls in everything we do. We focus on empowering women and girls to confront gender-based violence by providing physical, psychological, and economic recovery support. We also offer health, counseling, and livelihoods assistance to rebuild lives.
We are actively working with other local organizations and communities to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote gender equality. We empower women and girls through education, sexual reproductive health (SRH), economic empowerment for sustainable livelihoods opportunities, mitigation of climate change, peace-building, and supporting women in speaking up for their rights. We also engage men and boys to break the cycle of violence.
Advocacy and campaigns
1. Education initiatives aim to raise community awareness about VAWG, FGM, and early marriages through social media and campaigns like “KNOW YOUR RIGHT.”
2. We advocate for women, girls, and marginalized communities’ rights and priorities, collaborating with grassroots and national partners to influence change in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
3. Advocate for policy and legislative enactment, particularly Sexual Offenses Act, Anti-FGM Act, and Protection against Domestic Violence Act, and participate in the annual 16-day activism campaign.
4. We strengthen VAWG prevention and response networks, structures, and mechanisms at all levels, including community working groups, support centres, and change champions.