GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE PRACTICES, IMPLEMENTATION AND CHALLENGES IN CONFLICT AFFECTED AREAS IN DEBATIE WOREDA, BENISHANGUL-GUMUZ, ETHIOPIA

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.