Gender-based violence (GBV)
Gender-based violence (GBV) in humanitarian settings is a life-threatening issue. It undermines dignity, causes pain, and is a threat to equality and development around the globe. We are exploring potential solutions to address humanitarian GBV through both our research and innovation programmes.
Why gender-based violence (GBV)?
Globally, an estimated one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime.
There is growing recognition that people affected by crises can experience various forms of GBV during conflict, natural disasters and displacement. In these settings, existing support structures and prevention mechanisms are often compromised, while the risk of abuse and violence of all kinds increases, in particular for women and girls.
Despite this, the issue of GBV in emergencies has too often been overlooked during times of crises, or not considered to be a humanitarian need. Despite initiatives over the past ten years to implement GBV programmes in emergencies, the practical difficulties are complex and context specific.
In 2015, we realised the potential for innovation to improve humanitarian GBV was relatively unexplored and there was a lack of evidence as to what works.
We set about exploring this problem, beginning with the first ever GBV Gap Analysis: Opportunities for Innovation. This looked into the primary needs in humanitarian GBV where innovation could best support.
Since then, we’ve created new and targeted innovation approaches to tackle GBV and we’ve included the insights of people affected where appropriate and possible.
What we do
1.
We conduct research on the most pressing gaps in GBV programming and identify areas where innovation and research can really have an impact.
2.
We take a flexible, ethical and collaborative approach as a donor. We know that research and innovation takes time and we support our GBV projects to continually assess their work and pivot if needed to get the best result.
3.
We work with our grantees and the wider humanitarian community to create and share practical tools and guidance.
4.
We collaborate to drive adoption and change in the system to support wider improvements to humanitarian GBV programming.
What we fund in GBV
Explore the groundbreaking projects that Elrha supports across the globe. From health innovations to disaster risk reduction, our funding drives impactful solutions in humanitarian contexts.
Image credits
1. Anwar, the Syrian mother of five who sought refuge in Ramtha - Photo by Timea Fauszt/International Rescue Committee.