Confronting gender-based violence at its roots

Perspectives from Somalia and the Asia-Pacific

December 5, 2024

Gender-based violence is among the most widespread human rights violations globally. As the 16 Days of Activism campaign reminds us, it demands urgent and collective action.

UNDP is on the ground around the world working to address the causes of gender-based violence (GBV) and reverse this shocking trend. UNDP experts work closely with local partners to prevent GBV, provide support to survivors, and strengthen justice systems to hold perpetrators accountable. By deploying dedicated professionals to boost Country Office capacities and enrich various projects, UNDP is bringing essential support to vulnerable populations and advocating for long-term change to eradicate GBV.

We hear from two remarkable women who have been on the ground, sharing their experiences and insights. Their stories reveal the unique challenges they face in these regions and the impact of their work in transforming lives and fostering safer, more resilient communities.

Asha Arabi, Gender-based violence expert

Asha Arabi is a gender-based violence (GBV) expert with over 15 years of extensive experience across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and North America. She was pivotal in developing the Standard Operating Procedures for GBV and Juvenile Courts in South Sudan and has successfully led numerous assignments addressing GBV-related issues.

Across various countries, including South Sudan, Vanuatu, Ethiopia, Somalia, Samoa, the Cook Islands, and others, I've witnessed firsthand how UNDP’s targeted efforts to address Gender-Based Violence are transforming lives, especially for women.

In May 2024, I travelled to Somalia to document the inspiring success stories from the Women, Peace, and Protection project. This was not my first experience with the project; in 2022, I conducted a capacity needs assessment on the women, peace and protection project in Somalia, and within just two years, I saw incredible progress. Somali women, once vulnerable, have gained the confidence to advocate for their rights, participate in peacebuilding, and assume leadership roles in their communities. With UNDP’s training and support, they are now influential voices in decision-making processes, challenging gender norms and advancing equality.

Through UNDP’s collaborative approach – engaging local leaders, men, and community members – gender-based violence is being confronted at its roots. I have seen how this approach fosters a supportive environment that reduces violence and promotes women’s active participation in community affairs. Successful community projects are changing perceptions around gender-based violence, and survivors who once lived in silence are now stepping forward to share their stories. These platforms validate their experiences, fuel advocacy for policy change, and demonstrate the power of comprehensive support - psychosocial services, legal aid, and other resources - in helping survivors find resilience and healing.

Despite significant challenges, the resilience of Somali women has shone through. Many have emerged as role models, inspiring others with their courage and leadership as mediators and advocates, showing how individual efforts can drive collective progress toward gender equality. UNDP’s work is creating lasting social change - transforming survivors into advocates, men into allies, and communities into safe spaces where equality and respect can thrive.

As we observe the 16 Days of Activism, I thank UNDP for its unwavering commitment to building a world where women and girls can live free from fear and lead lives filled with hope, opportunity and justice. Through UNDP work, there is hope for a future where gender-based violence will no longer be tolerated.

Sonali Owen, Gender-based violence legal expert

Sonali Owen is a gender-based violence legal expert with vast experience in child safeguarding, gender equality and eliminating violence against women and girls. She has a particular interest in the way social work and law intersect and has worked in her local community in Victoria, Australia as well as in an international development context across the Pacific region.

Being able to support the partnership between MLSC and UNDP in the North Pacific to address GBV has been deeply meaningful. We reached 349 people across Chuuk, Pohnpei, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. Working collaboratively with other GBV services and experts, the team engaged a diverse group, including mayors and community leaders, students and police officers, outer-island community and GBV advocates, seeing firsthand how knowledge can be transformative.

Each workshop was an opportunity to share tailored information and create opportunities for genuine community dialogue about the intersection of justice and violence against women and girls. The team worked to carefully contextualize the content with their communities in mind, driving facilitation and design that was locally led and focused on regional strengths and wisdom.

I’m incredibly grateful to have been able to support this significant work. The experience reinforced the importance of community engagement and advocacy when promoting GBV justice outcomes.

Awareness isn't enough

As we reflect on these empowering stories and the efforts to address gender-based violence, it’s a reminder that awareness alone is not enough. True change requires sustained, collective action from individuals, communities and institutions.

The 16 Days of Activism echoes this message, but it is the continued work – like that of UNDP experts and partners on the ground – that drives lasting transformation.

By investing in education, justice, and community resilience, we are not only empowering individuals but also paving the way for a world where gender-based violence has no place. Jointly, we can commit to a future where there is safety, equality and dignity for all.