A Programming Framework. to address. Gender-Based Violence. Women Defining Peace (WDP)

Transcription

1 A Programming Framework to address Gender Based Violence A Programming Framework to address Gender-Based Violence Women Defining Peace (WDP) September, 2009

2 Table of contents Titles Page numbers Purpose of this Programming Framework 4 Why is a programming framework useful? 4 What is Gender Based Violence? 5 Why focus on Gender Based Violence? 7 Creating change 9 Programming framework to address Gender Based Violence 10 The four R s needed for change 11 Levels of change 13 Aspects of change 16 The context 16 A diagram representing the framework 17 About WDP 18 2

3 Acronyms CEDAW CSO CIDA DEVAW GBV IDP UN WDP Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women Civil Society Organizations Canadian International Development Agency Declaration of Elimination of all forms of Violence Against Women Gender Based Violence Internally Displaced Persons United Nations Women Defining Peace 3

4 Purpose of this Programming Framework Women Defining Peace (WDP) 1 developed this Framework as a Guide to programming to prevent, reduce and ultimately eliminate Gender Based Violence in Sri Lanka. It provides a simple understanding of Gender Based Violence. It is a guide to government and non governmental organizations to design, develop and implement effective projects and programmes to address gender based violence. The Framework is not intended to be a comprehensive document on gender based violence, but a TOOL for effective programming. Why is a Programming Framework useful? It was formulated to summarize current understanding of gendered violence and lessons learnt about social change in a way that can guide planning and practice. The programming framework is aimed at helping groups who want to work individually or collaboratively to develop strategic plans, initiatives and interventions for reducing violence against women. It is WDP s vision for achieving a society free of violence against women through 4 R s: the recognition of the issue, the need for resources, an understanding of relations of power and full realization of women s rights. The outline of the framework was developed in 2008 over a two-day workshop, by a group of Sri Lankan activists and researchers with many years of experience addressing violence against women in various parts of the country. 1 Refer to Page 18 to learn more about Women Defining Peace (WDP) 4

5 What is Gender Based Violence? Gender Based Violence (GBV) is violence that is directed at a person based on her or his specific sex and gender role in a society. GBV can affect both females and males, but affects women and girls disproportionately. In Sri Lanka women face GBV more than men. Thus for WDP, programming on GBV relates to working to address violence against women with the pro-active participation of men and boys with sensitivity towards recognizing that GBV can affect men and boys as well. Violence against women Violence against women is a violation of human rights. This was recognized during the Second World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in In March 1994, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights passed a resolution that integrated women s rights within the mechanisms assuring protection of human rights. This Commission also named a Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, to receive and investigate information on situations of gender-based violence throughout the world. The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (DEVAW) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in This is the main international document addressing GBV. In DEVAW, the UN offered the first official definition of gender-based violence. Section 2 of DEVAW defines violence against women as: Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. It also accepts that violence against women encompasses but is not limited to physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family, including battering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry-related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to women, non-spousal violence and violence related to exploitation; physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring within the general community, including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, in educational institutions and elsewhere, trafficking in women and forced prostitution and physical, sexual and psychological violence perpetrated or condoned by the State, wherever it occurs. Types of Gender-Based Violence Physical abuse Sexual abuse Psychological abuse Verbal abuse Economic abuse Deprivation of resources needed for physical and psychological well-being Restriction of freedom and mobility Commercial exploitation 5

6 Sites of Gender-Based Violence GBV takes place in different places including: At home and/or in the family In the workplace In educational institutions At places of worship Where services are provided in public places Different government bodies and institutions And in places of political power Levels at which Gender-Based Violence occurs Family a group of persons living in one household and/or related by blood /marriage Can also include partners with intimate relationships. Community the more closely related individuals, institutions and groups eg: a community in the rural village /Society made up of many communities with broader dynamics, interactions and issues eg: Sri Lankan society at large Community/society consists of the places where people interact with others outside our families, study, where we work, access services, travel and worship and where diverse ethnic, religious, social, cultural groups interact State level at which a nation is governed and decision making, policy formulation and reform, law enforcement and service provision take place Is a primary site of GBV A place where physical abuses and psychological abuses can occur A place where violence is considered a private matter and is often hidden A place where violent behavior can be learned as a normal response and even a right of men and an expected burden of women from one generation to the next Example include incest, domestic violence and intimate partner violence Community/societal structures institutions and groups often perpetuate and exacerbate power inequalities and violence Some of these structures justify, ignore and condone the behavior of perpetrators, control over women and children and supports harmful practices like battering and corporal punishment Examples include workplace violence and harassment in public transport State is responsible for and carries power to prevent, redress and eliminate GBV However the State also legitimizes power inequalities in family and society and can be responsible for tolerance and perpetration of GBV Examples include violence by armed forces, and treatment of both victims and perpetrators by the police and legal system 6

7 Addressing violence against women in Sri Lanka Gender equality and non-discrimination of women is a guiding principle of State machinery and State action in Sri Lanka. The Constitution of Sri Lanka promulgated in 1978 in Article 12(2) sets out the principle of non discrimination on the ground of sex (and other specified grounds). Article 12(4) further provides for affirmative State action for the special advantage of women. In 1981, in keeping with the commitment made in the Constitution, Sri Lanka ratified the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Sri Lanka is also signatory to a number of other international conventions including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which clearly distinguish discrimination on the grounds of sex as a violation of human rights. In 1993 Sri Lanka signed the Vienna Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women setting out the country s focused commitment to fight against gender based violence. The Women s Charter is seen as the first positive response by the Sri Lankan Government to securing the rights of women although CEDAW was ratified in 1981, over ten years before the adoption of the Charter. The Women s Charter in Article 16 recognises the right to protection from GBV. The Charter undertakes: To undertake all measures to prevent violence against women in the workplace, the family, and in custody To promote legislative reforms in substantive law as well as in preventive and punitive measures to recognise the rights of women victims of violence To promote structural reforms in law enforcement and in sensitising law enforcement officials to strengthen capacity to deal with violence directed against women To support NGOs, CBOs and programmes that provide support and services to women victims of violence Why focus on gender based violence? In Sri Lanka gendered violence is manifested by violence against women and is widespread. The political turmoil and conflict in the country has undoubtedly contributed to the increase in violence against women. It has created an environment in which power is yielded with impunity, which has filtered into the lives of ordinary people resulting in the breakdown of law and order, good governance and respect for life, and women have suffered disproportionately. Acts of violence against women range from sexual harassment in public spaces to violence within the privacy of the home or at workplaces. Incidences of domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, incest, assault, obscenity against women, unwanted advances, perverted acts, forced pornography, forced prostitution and media violence all prevail in Sri Lankan society. These acts of violence stem from inequalities in power, be it in the public sphere or the private, and are very much rooted in notions of social power and hierarchies in exercising such power. They arise out of unequal power relations resulting from socialisation processes, gender based discrimination from structural violence against women, lack of adherence to policies, laws and administrative actions that uphold the rights of women. 7

8 In addition to socio cultural, political and religious structures there are issues such as alcoholism that do not cause violence against women but increase the likelihood of violence occurring in a given situation such as alcoholism. Similarly there are factors that may increase women s vulnerability to violence, such as poverty or economic dependence. Ending violence against women is intrinsically linked to promoting and strengthening gender equity and equality between men and women. Gender equality is the concept of women and men having equal opportunity and capacity to develop to their fullest potential. Gender equality does not mean sameness between women and men but a respect for each others rights, responsibilities and opportunities. In order to attain gender equality it is important to work towards gender equity, which involves taking affirmative action to give greater or a specific kind of support to women operating from a position of disadvantage compares to that of men, e.g. quota system for women s political participation. To promote gender equality and to end violence, there must be a clear understanding of what we must do and how we must do it. To address gender based violence there has to be recognition of the issue, access and control over resources needed in addressing GBV and in attaining gender equality, full realization of women s rights and with understanding of power relations between women and men. Issues that are important to developing programmes to address gender based violence include: Strengthening theoretical understanding of gendered violence experienced by women Finding a holistic and comprehensive approach to address violence against women, with an emphasis on prevention as well as intervention strategies Finding effective strategies for preventing and reducing violence Working towards well defined goals, objectives and results to track short term, medium term and long term results Encouraging greater coordination among initiatives and more effective collaboration between different stakeholders Collaborating and networking with others working to end GBV also involves sharing resources and learning from our own work as well as from the work of others Understanding that violence against women in Sri Lanka is also promoted by the militarized environment and the current culture of violence The conflict also increased women s vulnerability, contributed to particular conflictrelated abuses (particularly in the case of IDPs) and created an environment that supports opportunistic sexual assaults, extortion, etc. The presence of deserters from armed factions and de-mobilized troops is linked to an increase in violence against women 8

9 Creating change To reduce and prevent GBV we need to make changes There must be changes in power structures, beliefs and values, laws, attitudes and behavior There must be changes in the home, within the family, in the community and in State structures Agents of change must include people experiencing violence, people witnessing violence, people committed to reducing violence, people in places of authority to prevent and reduce violence Those committing acts of violence (perpetrators) are a vital group in this process of change Creating change can be done individually and collectively through different strategies and processes involving diverse groups of people and agencies How can change happen? Change can happen if we look at two approaches Intervention Prevention Intervention strategies respond to violence that has happened in order to: Stop the violence and provide safety for the victim(s); o Hold the perpetrator to account including through law and justice enforcement Provide practical and psycho social support to women and others affected. Effective intervention strategies can prevent a recurrence of a violent situation and could contribute to broader prevention efforts. Prevention strategies try to prevent violence before it occurs by addressing the underlying causes of gendered violence as well creating change in factors that support or condone violence. Prevention strategies can be efforts to intervene with groups who are at risk of perpetrating violence or those who are vulnerable to violence (because of their circumstances, personal experience, environment). Strategies can also include advocacy, lobbying (for state level changes), engaging men and boys and youth in preventing GBV, as well as collaboration and collective action. 9

10 The Programming Framework to address GBV To work towards achieving a vision of respect, dignity, equality, and freedom from violence for all, especially women, it is useful to take the following four areas into consideration: 1. The changes needed in addressing violence against women 2. The levels at which change must be created 3. The aspects of change needed 4. The context in which we work The FOUR R s needed for change Recognition through understanding, awareness and acknowledgement of GBV Resources to address GBV Building equal Relations of power Full realization of Rights The four R s are not in isolation of each other and contain significant overlapping, as will be evident when planning strategies, interventions and initiatives. Programming strategies can target one of more R s needed for change. The LEVELS at which change must be created At individual level In the family In the community/society In State governance structures The ASPECTS of change Change aimed at sources of gendered violence Change aimed at those affected by and vulnerable to gendered violence The CONTEXT in which we work It us important to have a clear and concrete understanding of the nature and location of target groups, socio-political setup, cultural and traditional backgrounds, actors and agencies involved and their level of capacity and all related ground realities of the environment in which the plans, interventions and initiatives are based 10

11 The four R s needed for change Recognition This category of change includes addressing attitudes, values and beliefs that contribute to violence in general and violence against women in particular. Recognition means awareness, understanding and acceptance of the prevalence, characteristics, underlying root causes and consequences of GBV And thus promoting: Changes in attitudes, patriarchal ideologies and gender equality concerns to be incorporated into all levels and spheres of change Women s access to and control over resources Women s contributions to and participation in peace initiations and decision making at all levels Equal and respectful relationship between women and men Alternate masculinities that are healthier, pro-equality and anti-violence Resources Resources are a source of power and are mainly controlled by men, which reinforces patriarchal hierarchies and subordinates the status of women. Thus resources, both human and physical, are vital assets that are needed to take action in addressing violence that is happening and make changes that will prevent violence in the future. In utilizing resources - individuals, communities, organizations and State need to ensure that women and men of different ethnicities, religion, race, age, etc. have equal access to and control over resources to meet their needs. More access and control over resources for women would mean more equitable power within their families, communities, institutions, society and State. This would in turn encourage and enable women to influence policies, decisions and actions on their behalf and be less vulnerable to violence. Types of resources Human resources are the capacity, physical and mental abilities of a person to be productive. For women, empowerment is the expansion of these capabilities in order for them to participate in, negotiate with, influence, control, and hold accountable institutions, communities and structures that affect their lives. Knowledge and skills are human resources acquired though experience and education. Knowledge and skills are highly essential in raising awareness and gaining conceptual understanding about issues, strategizing ways of addressing them and taking action towards prevention and intervention of GBV. Physical/material resources include resources such as funds, infrastructure, institutions, equipment, products and services. They are the easiest to measure and quantify. In terms of prevention and intervention of GBV, material resources often add valve to and support a process/activity, or are the end result. It must be ensured that prevention and intervention strategies that focus on resources will also focus on women who are victims of and/or vulnerable to violence. Such strategies can 11

12 include shelters, counselling and support services, trained personnel, enhancing skills, knowledge and building solidarity networks. Relations of power One of the main causes of GBV has been identified as patriarchy stemming from the imbalance of power through the process of socialization. The unequal relation of power between women and men has been resulted in the subordination and marginalization of women which has further increased women s dependency and vulnerabilities to violence. Unequal power generates different dimensions of crisis and conflicts at all levels and spheres. Creating a more equitable/equal relation of power between women and men can be achieved by changing structures and functions of power systems that reinforce inequality. Examples of different degrees of power relations Domestic power patriarchal structure (men s/boys power over women/girls) Social power social divisions such as gender, age, caste, class, ethnicity, race Institutional power- family, religion, education, occupation Administrative and governing power- typical hierarchical system of administration, decision making power, political power In order to reduce GBV women should have equal power/rights as men. To achieve this, power structures should be addressed under three different levels; individuals/household level, community/society and State. Therefore, working towards the creation of equitable relations of power is a vital step towards reducing GBV. Rights Every human being is entitled to the same human rights and freedoms from birth regardless of gender, age, nationality, caste or ethnicity. These rights include the right to life, liberty and security, freedom of mobility, speech and so forth. Gender based violence violates women s human rights. Thus ending gendered violence means working actively to realize, respect, promote and protect women s social, economic, cultural, civil and political human rights and directly contributes to strengthening gender equality. Rights-based programming uses a wide range of methods to achieve full realization of women s human rights. This approach works in getting individuals, community/society and State in fulfilling their responsibilities, to support right holders to achieve their rights, to fight discrimination and to strengthen equality and inclusion of women. A rights-based approach to addressing GBV also: ensures that there are reparations which restore full access and benefit of rights for the individuals or groups whose rights were violated ensures that those who violate rights are held to account for their actions It should be noted that having comprehensive laws in place does not necessarily prevent or protect women victims of or those vulnerable to violence. It is the effective enforcement of laws that is needed for the full realization of women s rights. 12

13 LEVELS of change To achieve change we need to work with: Individuals and their immediate social networks families, close friends, neighbors Communities and the institutions and organizations that function within communities State including local governance structures and stakeholders The changes we want to see at these levels include: Recognition Individuals/Family/Household Resources Widespread awareness of the prevalence and implications of GBV and public support (demand) for an end to GBV. Knowledge, understanding and acceptance of human rights of women, as well as equality of rights among all people regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, etc. Change in attitudes and values, including: Intolerance of violence in general and violence against women in particular Equal value and respect for women and girls Acceptance of less rigid gender roles, including appreciation of alternate masculinities Decrease in male sense of entitlement to power over women Relations of Power Women are able to contribute to the economic security of households and share access to and control over household resources. Households have decision-making processes that recognize the needs and interests of different members and respect their right to participate in decisions. Women have economic resources and social supports that enable them to make choices for their own safety and well-being. Women have skills and resources needed to take on leadership roles within their families/households. Men and women have support and life skills for solving problems without violent or selfharmful behavior. Men have social and peer supports that help them find alternate sources of value and respect (rather than those generated through imposing their power over women or their families). Rights Women and men understand the extent and limits of their rights and have the skills, knowledge and support to access or claim rights. Women and men of all groups feel entitled to respect, dignity and equality. 13

14 Recognition Community/Society Resources Change in attitudes and values held and expressed within communities, peer groups, community organizations, including: Intolerance of violence in general and specifically gendered violence Equal respect and dignity of women Tolerance of differences within gender roles and social structures Positive representation of women (respectful and reflects women s realities) within the community, within organizations and in the media. Acknowledgement of social responsibility to address discrimination and violence in general and specifically violence against women. Communities have services and resources that are able to immediately protect and assist victims of GBV and prevent further incidents. Employment structures which support equality and dignity for women. Strong Social and peer networks that value different forms of masculinity and promote non-violent norms among men. Opportunities for collective activity by women. Processes or mechanisms for constructive, non-violent conflict resolution within organizations, workplaces, the community. Accountability processes within organizations, workplaces, communities that sanction gendered violence and rights abuses. Effective and empowering services for support and protection of women, including addressing specific needs of vulnerable groups (such as displaced women, migrant workers, etc.) as well as services which support parenting and provide healing and learning opportunities for children who have witnessed or experienced violence or neglect at home or elsewhere. Relations of Power Strong representation of women in decision-making roles and processes within organizations, workplaces and community structures. Reduce cultural practices that reinforce women s subordination and develop / promote cultural practices that support equal sharing of power and responsibility between women and men. Rights Women are safe to travel in the community, safe in the workplace, safe to participate in political processes. No more impunity for perpetrators of gendered violence and other human rights abuses. Women have leadership, voice and solidarity through participation in CSOs involved in empowerment and reducing and ending GBV. 14

15 Recognition State Resources Recognition of state responsibility to promote and protect women s rights / all human rights (political will) Progressive changes in discriminatory policies, terminologies such as the concept of head of household Recognition of ground realities for women, and the difference in access to and control over resources and power -- should inform government practice and policy. Relations of Power Equal participation and influence of women in decision-making roles and processes: Mechanisms for women and civil society participation in policy formulation Better representation of women in elected positions and as senior officials Women are increasingly able to influence local governance as voters, candidates and elected leaders Strong, timely and gender-sensitive implementation of violence against women laws. Effective and empowering services for support and protection of women, including addressing specific needs of vulnerable groups (such as displaced women, migrant workers, etc.) Rights Officials and institutions responsible for protecting and upholding the rights of all citizens are pro-actively working to enact laws and take measures to respond to and end GBV Public policy and laws that promote equality and rights (for example in relation to labour standards, property rights, marriage, personal laws, etc). For example, recognition and protection for women in informal work. Ensure equal access to justice system and just outcomes regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, language, etc. Ending impunity for human rights abuses. 15

16 Aspects of change Change aimed at sources of gendered violence Address violence that happens by making it visible and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, and Prevent violence by influencing the potential sources of violence individuals (men and some women), institutions and systems that perpetrate or condone gendered violence against women Change aimed at those affected by gendered violence: Address violence that has happened by providing services and supports to those affected by and vulnerable to violence and Prevent violence by promoting equality, supporting empowerment and reducing vulnerability, for potential victims of violence. All strategies formulated around the four R s should take into consideration both aspects of change in order to ensure that they address issues of women who are affected by and/or vulnerable to violence, as well as the sources of violence and individuals and structure that perpetrate violence. Neither aspect of change can be achieved without the other. The context Gender based violence is highly prevalent in Sri Lanka, however data and information relating to its prevalence is very limited. Information from government agencies such as the police, as well as independent researches and data collected by organizations working on the issue show indication of a rise in levels of violence against women. This could either be because of increased reporting of incidents as a result of more awareness or an increase in the number of incidents against women, especially of domestic violence. The conflict also further exacerbated the issue of GBV and left many women as victims of or vulnerable to violence and abuse. It also led way for proliferation of small arms and an increased presence of para-military groups and armed gangs that further violated women s security. Also in the instance of women IDP s who not only face dire vulnerabilities in camps in, but also exclusion in the entire conflict transformation process. In Sri Lanka women s participation in decision making is also minimal given the limited socio-political space and acceptance of women as leaders. The Programming Framework is based in this context and any attempt to apply this framework also needs to take into consideration specific issues of working with different ethnic groups, communities, age groups and cultural, economic and social backgrounds of the individuals that they are working with. 16

17 A diagram representing the framework One way of presenting the framework is shown in the diagram below. Partners are encouraged to experiment with other ways in which the framework could be presented for their convenience and understanding. RECOGNITION RIGHTS Individual & Family RESOURCES State RELATIONS OF POWER Two aspects of change Context WDP strongly encourages partners to adopt and customize the Programming Framework for their projects in order to strengthen and synergize partner strategies and approaches in addressing gender based violence in Sri Lanka. We also encourage programming strategies and reviews to look into all four R s required for change in order to identify holistic and wellrounded project approaches. WDP partners can use the progress report in order to share ways in which it was useful or otherwise. It should be noted that the Programming Framework is a working document and therefore any feedback on its understandability, relevance, applicability and usefulness will be highly appreciated. 17

18 About Women Defining Peace Women Defining Peace (WDP) is a project which addresses the connected issues of Gender Based Violence & Women and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka. It is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and is implemented by a consortium of three Canadian Agencies; World University Service of Canada, Cowater International and Match International. Women Defining Peace has two interrelated aims. One is to strengthen the prevention, intervention and advocacy on gendered violence experienced by Sri Lankan women. The second is to integrate gender equality concerns and women s rights into peacebuilding and disaster management. Enhancing women s voice and their ability to influence decisions that shape their lives and the local context is integral to both of these aims. Towards this end, the results of WDP initiatives will include: Strengthened capacity of civil society organizations and partners to work together to prevent and respond to gender based violence and to strengthen women s influence in peacebuilding More effective, widespread and sustainable responses and prevention initiatives which are contributing to reducing gender based violence Women s increased engagement and leadership in mechanisms that promote peace and respond to disasters at community, district and national level If your organization is working in line with WDP s mandate and if you are interested in applying for funds kindly obtain the WDP Brochure and Project Proposal Guidelines from the WDP office. More copies of Programming Framework to address Gender Based Violence are also available on request. Our contact details are: Women Defining Peace (WDP) 10/4, Don Carolis Road Colombo 5 Tel: Fax: wdp@wusc.lk 18