GENDER BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION: 16 Days of activism

Every year the world celebrates the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence. It starts on 25th November, commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10th December, the International Human Rights Day. Gender based violence (GBV) has been associated to violation of human rights especially on enjoyment of living and fundamental freedom and becomes a major public health problem on physical, psychological and sexual aspects.

Gender based violence becomes a priority issue on gender, women and health work since it has been highlighted by 9 out of the 11 countries in the South East Asia Region, which are: Bangladesh, Bhutan,  India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Four countries had enacted Domestic Violence Act they are: Indonesia (2004), India (2005), Thailand (2007) and Nepal (2008). Research and public advocacy on the awareness, prevention, protection and elimination of gender based violence have been performed in the nine countries mentioned above. 

The GBV caused by submissive perception in patriarchal culture with reluctance to family changes with less communication and gender inequality. The low patriarchal culture with high communication in gender equality had reduced the prevalence about 50%. Primary prevention starts in early education for adolescents and gender awareness campaign for public, while secondary prevention performs in public services such as: health facilities, police alert, social & community work and legal counseling. This is a multi-sectoral approach within multidisciplinary sciences.  A strong network and systematic planning needed for practical and integrated mechanism on GBV prevention and handling in health sector and community.