WHAT COMMUNITY-LED STRATEGIES HAVE PROVEN SUCCESSFUL IN PREVENTING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE ASIA AND PACIFIC COUNTRIES

Abstract

Gender-based violence is not only a social issue but also deeply rooted power imbalances. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. The results of the interview with 10,000 men in 6 Asian and Pacific countries showed that gender inequality and factors such as women's educational issues and their level in society were the main causes of male violence against women. To be honest, men and women supported gender equality only in the abstract life, but they didn’t follow this approach in the practice. Major numbers of people supported the idea that “people should be treated the same whether male or female,” but when asked about specific norms related to family and household practices and women’s positions, their views confirmed the opposite of what they say. In 2019, India has proven successful programs to prevent gender-based violence. India has empowered women through self-defense training programs. By teaching women physical skills, these programs not only improve self-defense but also increase self-confidence. Also, in countries such as Cambodia and India, women's economic knowledge and empowerment have been increased through microfinance loans and training. Financial independence reduces socioeconomic violence and empowers women to leave abusive relationships. Education, through empowerment, can work to reduce all forms of GBV in Asia and the Pacific.