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Exploring the Community's Understanding and Perceptions of the High Prevalence of Gender Based Violence Against Girls and Women in Nyagatare District, Rwanda: A Qualitative Study
Date Issued
2023
Author(s)
Bezawit Workneh Afessa
University of Global Health Equity
Lily Ange Kaze
University of Global Health Equity
Abstract
Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) against women continues to be an issue
across the globe and in Rwanda. The United Nations defines GBV as "any act of gender based
violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological
injury or suffering to women...whether happening in public or private life" (Kirkegaard,
2020). It is indisputable that GBV is a burden to families, healthcare system, the legal
system, and communities. This study aimed to explore the community’s perspectives and
understanding of GBV against women, its causes, its consequences and the community’s
responses to these consequences in Nyagatare district, Rwanda.
Methods:
A qualitative phenomenology was carried out, which included in-depth
interviews with GBV survivors along with focus group discussions (FGDs) involving
healthcare providers, law enforcement officials, local leaders, and community members
who do not belong to the other groups.
Results:
In total 32 participants (10 GBV survivors, 5 healthcare providers, 6 local leaders,
5 law enforcement officials and 6 other community members) participated in the study. Our
findings highlight five themes that illustrate how the community views GBV, its causes
and effects, and the community's reactions to GBV consequences: (1) traditional patriarchal
beliefs and social norms disadvantaged females and contributed to GBV against them; (2)
gender-based violence is not restricted to any specific form or type in the community; (3)
money, substance abuse, and power often lead to gender-based violence; (4) community
generally, understands the short- and long-term impacts of gender-based violence; (5) a
wide range of sociocultural and structural barriers often hindered GBV survivors from
seeking assistance. These findings draw attention to the lived experiences of GBV survivors,
shed light on areas requiring improvement in facilitating their access to essential services,
and underscore the persisting challenges embedded within the community that contribute
to perpetuating a culture of violence.
Conclusion:
The study underscores the significance of understanding the community's
perceptions of GBV in effectively addressing this prevalent and pressing issue. The
findings shed light on the community's understanding of GBV, its underlying causes, and
its effects in the Nyagatare district. Therefore, it is crucial that these viewpoints be taken
into account when formulating national GBV strategies and initiatives to support the
survivors of gender-based violence.
across the globe and in Rwanda. The United Nations defines GBV as "any act of gender based
violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological
injury or suffering to women...whether happening in public or private life" (Kirkegaard,
2020). It is indisputable that GBV is a burden to families, healthcare system, the legal
system, and communities. This study aimed to explore the community’s perspectives and
understanding of GBV against women, its causes, its consequences and the community’s
responses to these consequences in Nyagatare district, Rwanda.
Methods:
A qualitative phenomenology was carried out, which included in-depth
interviews with GBV survivors along with focus group discussions (FGDs) involving
healthcare providers, law enforcement officials, local leaders, and community members
who do not belong to the other groups.
Results:
In total 32 participants (10 GBV survivors, 5 healthcare providers, 6 local leaders,
5 law enforcement officials and 6 other community members) participated in the study. Our
findings highlight five themes that illustrate how the community views GBV, its causes
and effects, and the community's reactions to GBV consequences: (1) traditional patriarchal
beliefs and social norms disadvantaged females and contributed to GBV against them; (2)
gender-based violence is not restricted to any specific form or type in the community; (3)
money, substance abuse, and power often lead to gender-based violence; (4) community
generally, understands the short- and long-term impacts of gender-based violence; (5) a
wide range of sociocultural and structural barriers often hindered GBV survivors from
seeking assistance. These findings draw attention to the lived experiences of GBV survivors,
shed light on areas requiring improvement in facilitating their access to essential services,
and underscore the persisting challenges embedded within the community that contribute
to perpetuating a culture of violence.
Conclusion:
The study underscores the significance of understanding the community's
perceptions of GBV in effectively addressing this prevalent and pressing issue. The
findings shed light on the community's understanding of GBV, its underlying causes, and
its effects in the Nyagatare district. Therefore, it is crucial that these viewpoints be taken
into account when formulating national GBV strategies and initiatives to support the
survivors of gender-based violence.
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