Elimination of gender-based violence
At school, at home or on the street - women and girls around the world experience violence every day. This violence takes many forms: For example domestic or sexual violence, child marriages or female genital mutilation.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence perpetrated against a person because of their gender. In principle, anyone can experience gender-based violence. However, since women and girls are particularly affected, gender-based violence is often equated with violence against women.
Today, gender-based violence is recognized as a global development and health problem by the UN.
Statistics and estimates paint a disturbing picture:
1 in 3 women experience sexual or physical violence in the course of their lives
Gender-based violence affects people all over the world. In Switzerland, according to current statistics, one person dies from domestic violence every two weeks. Approximately every week there is an attempted homicide. Again, it is mainly women and girls who are affected. Often it is a person within the circle of acquaintances who commits the violent act.
40,000 underage girls are married off every day worldwide
Child marriages mainly affect girls. In lower-income countries, one in three girls is married before the age of 18. The majority of these girls come from poorer backgrounds, live in a rural area and have minimal schooling. After marriage, they often experience violence at the hands of their husbands, become pregnant early, and face major health risks during pregnancy and childbirth due to their young age.
200 million women and girls suffer from genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation, or FGM, refers to various practices in which the female genitals are either completely removed or injured without medical necessity. Many communities that practice FGM see it as hygienic and beneficial. However, affected women experience major problems, especially during childbirth, and more often require medical intervention such as an emergency cesarean section.
Causes of gender-based violence
Gender inequality
Inadequate implementation of equality and protection laws
Extreme poverty
Traditions and convictions
Lack of awareness regarding the serious consequences of gender-based violence
How Women's Hope is comitted to combating gender-based violence
Women's Hope is committed to helping girls and women lead healthy, self-determined lives. To achieve this, we support local initiatives and work closely with affected communities. We create safe spaces so that disadvantaged girls and women can exchange ideas and organize themselves. Raising awareness and providing information about the harmful consequences of gender-based violence is also part of our work.
Young girls in Bangladesh during a karate training session.
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How we work
Together with the Alliance «Gender Equality & Health» and our local partner organizations, we take a multifaceted approach to address challenges at their roots whenever possible.
Fighting against forced marriages
Become a Sponsor for STRONG GIRLS AND WOMEN!
With your regular donation (for example CHF 50/month), you support efforts in the fight against forced marriages and child marriages.
Women's Hope project examples
Bangladesch: Ending Child Marriage
Girls should be able to decide for themselves when and whom they marry. Girls who are already married should be able to lead healthy, self-determined lives and have a say in family planning. Communities are sensitized and mobilized on the issue of child marriages.