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British Red Cross 🧡

British Red Cross 🧡
@BritishRedCross

Nov 25, 2022
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"We will never combat gender-based violence and violence against women if we are not addressing the root causes of the problem.” Follow below to learn why prevention is at the heart of our work in addressing gender-based violence ⬇️ #EndViolenceAgainstWomen Trigger warning. ⚠️

What is gender-based violence and what is the Red Cross doing to help? British Red Cross logo and People Postcode Lottery logo
What exactly is gender-based violence and who does this impact? #EndViolenceAgainstWomen
What is gender-based violence?  

Gender-based violence is an umbrella term for any action that causes someone physical, sexual or psychological harm, based on their gender.  

This includes sexual violence, domestic violence, trafficking, forced or early marriage, forced prostitution, female genital mutilation, sexual exploitation and abuse, and more. 

This type of violence disproportionately affects women and girls. It's rooted in gender inequality,  
the abuse of power, and harmful norms. What is gender-based violence?  

Gender-based violence is an umbrella term for any action that causes someone physical, sexual or psychological harm, based on their gender.  

This includes sexual violence, domestic violence, trafficking, forced or early marriage, forced prostitution, female genital mutilation, sexual exploitation and abuse, and more. 

This type of violence disproportionately affects women and girls. It's rooted in gender inequality,  
the abuse of power, and harmful norms.
Did you know that in Niger, West Africa, 3 out of 5 women have suffered some sort of sexual gender-based violence in their lives?
Gender-based violence affects people all around the world 

In Niger, West Africa, 3 out of 5 women have suffered some sort of sexual gender-based violence in their lives. 

Niger also has the highest rate of child marriage in the world. Approximately 3 in 4 girls married before their 18th birthday – the legal age for marriage is 15. Poverty, armed conflict and traditional practices are some factors that contribute to this.
Here at the British Red Cross, we know from our work at home and overseas that there is still much to be done. Around the world, we support women and girls who have been through unimaginable traumas.
What is the British Red Cross doing to help? 

We're working in a region called Zinder, in Niger, where many women have faced gender-based violence – Including rape, forced or child marriage, female genital mutilation, and being cut off from vital resources. 

Through groups, known as Mothers' Clubs, we're supporting women to talk about gender-based violence and raise awareness of it in their communities. 

Talking about it is the first step towards eliminating it.
While part of the work to address gender-based violence is supporting those affected by it, we also know that education and prevention is at the heart of the solution. In Niger so far this year, we have educated 681 community members on gender-based violence.
Raising awareness and strengthening communities 

The Mothers' Club members decide which topics they want to discuss, including:  

The importance of education  

Reproductive health  

Women’s legal rights  

Different types of gender-based violence, and the consequences on their physical and psychological health 

The members also provide information on available services, support referrals, and engage with men and boys to bring about behavioural change. All of this helps women to become advocates in their communities and combat stigma, so that other female survivors are supported, have the tools to make safe and informed decisions, and feel confident to ask for help.
There is plenty you can do to help support survivors: ▪️ Amplify survivors' voices ▪️ Read our blog to learn more about our work: bit.ly/UniteAgainstGe… ▪️ Join in the conversation - listen, learn and check out the #EndViolenceAgainstWomen hashtag.
What can you do to support survivors? 

 

Share this post and stand with us this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to help amplify the voices of survivors. 

Want to learn more? Click the link in our bio to read our latest blog on why prevention is at the heart of our work to address gender-based violence. 
 

Join in the conversation, listen, learn – check out the #EndViolenceAgainstWomen hashtag on social media for more.
Reminder: there has never been a more important time for survivors’ voices to lead the conversation. #EndViolenceAgainstWomen. ➡️ bit.ly/UniteAgainstGe…
There has never been a more important time for survivors’ voices to lead  
the conversation.
British Red Cross 🧡

British Red Cross 🧡

@BritishRedCross
For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. #PowerOfKindness Press inquiries: press@redcross.org.uk
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