Abstract:
This qualitative study explored gender-based violence (GBV) practices, implementation, and
challenges in Debatie Woreda conflict-affected areas of Benishangul-Gumuz, Ethiopia. The
study employed a descriptive case study design and employed purposive and snowball
sampling to recruit 15 participants, including GBV survivors, program implementers
(governmental and NGO), health providers, and social workers. Purposive sampling
ensured that all the key stakeholders were represented, and snowball sampling assisted in
reaching hard-to-reach populations, which enriched the perspectives. Data collection was
done through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), and the data
were subsequently analyzed thematically. The results illustrated that GBV prevention
interventions such as community awareness sessions, safe spaces, and education that was
culturally adapted were obstructed by a lack of resources, societal stigma, and logistics.
Cultural norms like victim-blaming and child marriage severely compromised reporting and
response. Survivors were undermined from accessing services by confidentiality issues as
well as infrastructure. The study underlines the need for sustained funding, leadership
involvement of the community, and culturally sensitive methods to enhance program
performance. Recommendations also include mainstreaming GBV prevention into
humanitarian response, expansion of mobile services, and enhancing legal frameworks to
facilitate survivor-led response. These results guide context-specific interventions for GBV
prevention in conflict-affected settings through the realization of the importance of multi sectoral partnerships and long-term support systems.
