Date: 2 nd Dec. 2024
Venue: CITAD, Bjorn Beckman Hall, Kano
Welcome and Introductions
The roundtable discussion begins with a warm welcome to participants, setting a positive and inclusive
tone. This is followed by brief introductions where attendees share their names, hobbies, and interest in
the topic.
To ensure a constructive discussion, ground rules are established. These include:
Active Listening: Participants should attentively listen to others without interrupting.
Empathy: Responses should be compassionate and considerate of diverse experiences.
Non-Judgmental Communication: Avoid language or actions that could be perceived as
dismissive or offensive.
Main Discussion
Defining Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
The discussion opens with a clear definition of GBV, emphasizing its various forms:
Physical Abuse: Acts causing bodily harm.
Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual activities.
Emotional Abuse: Behaviors undermining emotional well-being.
Economic Abuse: Withholding resources or financial control.
Participants discuss how cultural and societal norms influence GBV, focusing on how patriarchal systems
and stigmas perpetuate abuse. They shared experiences they had on GBV, how it affects the society and
highlighted some causes of GBV.
Causes of GBV
The conversation shifts to root causes, highlighting:
Gender Inequality: Power imbalances between genders.
Poverty: Socioeconomic pressures that exacerbate vulnerability.
Harmful Social Norms: Traditions or beliefs that normalize violence.
Inadequate Knowledge: Inadequate awareness of GBV concept promotes its perpetration and
also stigmatization
Underreporting: Fear of stigmatization and PTSD, promotes underreporting thereby hindering
action against GBV.
The role of power dynamics, such as dominance in relationships or societal structures, is explored as a
critical factor, noting that some women now take advantage of the power dynamics of awareness of
gender roles to exhibit GBV in their homes.
Consequences of GBV
Participants examine the profound impact of GBV, discussing:
Individual Consequences: Physical injuries, trauma, and psychological disorders.
Family Impacts: Strained relationships and intergenerational trauma, broken homes, divorce
and separation amongst couples.
Community Effects: Weakened social cohesion and economic burdens.
The long-term implications for mental health and societal stability are emphasized.
Prevention Strategies
A proactive approach to GBV prevention includes:
Education: Empowering individuals through knowledge about gender equality and rights.
Awareness Campaigns: Promoting societal understanding and zero tolerance for violence.
Legal Reforms: Strengthening laws and ensuring enforcement to protect vulnerable
populations.
The discussion highlights the importance of the government in involving all community stakeholders in
prevention efforts.
Support Services for Survivors
Participants delve into the challenges and solutions related to survivor support, including:
Availability: Ensuring adequate response, counseling, and legal aid.
Accessibility: Addressing barriers such as cost, stigma, and geographical constraints.
Challenges: Identifying gaps in resources and the need for community-based solutions.
The group considers innovative approaches, such as mobile clinics and digital platforms, to improve
access to support, incentivizing reporters and punishing perpetrators, whistle blowing and witness
protection, marriage counseling and discussions on peaceful coexistence, providing empowerment for
survivors, psychosocial support systems and ensuring anonymous report by victims to improve
reporting.
Conclusion
The discussion concludes with a summary of key takeaways and a commitment to action. Participants
are encouraged to collaborate on raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and supporting
survivors in their communities.