Gender-based violence remains an urgent and persistent global issue, deeply rooted in unequal power dynamics and social norms, affecting individuals across a broad spectrum of intersecting identities such as race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability. While GBV is often framed in terms of physical or sexual violence against women, it manifests in diverse ways, from emotional abuse and economic disempowerment to discriminatory policies and institutional violence. Those who face multiple layers of marginalisation such as women of colour, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from low-income backgrounds, are particularly vulnerable, experiencing compounded forms of violence and oppression.
Given the complexity of GBV, addressing it requires more than surface-level interventions. Traditional approaches that focus solely on direct support for survivors or punitive measures against perpetrators, while important, are not sufficient to dismantle the systemic roots of violence. To effectively address the issue, it is critical to adopt strategies that engage with the underlying social, cultural, and economic factors that perpetuate inequality and violence. This is where Sonke Gender Justice and the MenEngage Africa Alliance have developed a robust and transformative approach to GBV prevention and gender equality.
Sonke and MenEngage have embraced comprehensive strategies rooted in intersectional approaches vis gender transformative programming, feminist principles, and working with men and boys for gender equality. These frameworks acknowledge that GBV cannot be addressed in isolation from other forms of oppression, and they seek to transform the deeply embedded power relations that drive violence. Intersectionality, first coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, highlights how different social identities such as race , gender ,social class and sexuality overlap, producing unique forms of discrimination and privilege. Our intersectional approach ensures that the unique and overlapping experiences of individuals are considered, recognising that someone’s race, class, sexual orientation, or disability will shape how they experience violence and access justice. For example, LGBTQIA+ individuals or women living in poverty may face additional barriers when seeking support or protection from violence.
Gender transformative programming goes a step further by not only addressing the immediate needs of those affected by GBV but also by seeking to change harmful gender norms and power imbalances that are at the core of violence. Harmful gender norms include child marriage, female gender mutilation, widowhood rights, initiation ceremonies and other stereotypes that perpetually keep women and girls in subordinate positions. Power imbalances account for injustices that result from unequal power relations and how male privileges reinforce patriarchal systems. This approach also engages men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality and encourages the redefinition of masculinities that reject violence and embrace care, respect, and equality. Feminist principles ground Sonke and MenEngage’s work in the broader fight for social justice, advocating for dismantling patriarchal systems and promoting equality for all. These principles emphasise the importance of agency, bodily autonomy, and the inclusion of marginalised voices in shaping programs and policies. Feminist values, such as accountability, transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness, are deeply integrated into interventions to address GBV. These guiding principles ensure that initiatives are designed and implemented in ways that prioritise the needs and experiences of women and marginalised groups, embracing a holistic approach that includes all individuals affected by GBV, regardless of gender identity, background, or circumstance. By centring these values, interventions are better equipped to be responsive, equitable, and transformative, fostering a more just and compassionate response to GBV
These frameworks drive Sonke and MenEngage’s efforts through various programs. For example, the Power to Youth programme empowers young people to challenge harmful social norms, particularly by focusing on the intersecting challenges faced by girls, young women, and LGBTQIA+ youth in vulnerable communities. MenCare and positive parenting program promote a vision of caregiving and fatherhood that is based on equality and shared responsibilities, helping to reduce the risk of GBV by fostering healthy, non-violent relationships within families. In addition, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights for All programme advocates for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of marginalised groups, recognising that access to services and autonomy over one’s body are essential components in the fight against GBV.
The fight against GBV is far from over, but Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa’s holistic, intersectional strategies offer a robust roadmap for creating more just and violence-free societies. We believe that our feminist-driven approaches address GBV not only as a social issue but as a structural and systemic challenge requiring transformative change at every level. Civil society organisations, governments, donors, and communities must collaborate to achieve lasting impact. At this critical juncture, CSOs and partners must centre intersectionality, gender transformative practices, and feminist principles in all aspects of their work, ensuring that interventions are inclusive, equitable, and effective in challenging harmful norms and power structures. Long-term commitment is needed to change behaviours, attitudes, and policies, particularly by engaging marginalised groups to shape responses and advocating for systemic reforms addressing the root causes of violence. We call on all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, champion justice, and work toward sustainable, transformative solutions that leave no one behind in the quest for a GBV-free world.
Written by: Mabel Sengendo
Edited by: Eucharia Nkengafack
