Gender Equality and Gender-based Violence Prevention & Response Services in USAID’s PEPFAR Programs

GBV is defined as any harmful threat or act directed at an individual or group based on actual or perceived biological sex, gender identity, and/or expression, sexual orientation, and/or lack of adherence to socially constructed norms around masculinity and femininity. GBV is rooted in structural gender inequalities, patriarchy, and power imbalances, and is characterized by the use or threat of physical, psychological, sexual, economic, legal, political, social, and other forms of control and/or abuse. The impacts of GBV are far-reaching, affecting individuals across the life course and having indirect and direct costs to families, communities, economies, global public health, and development. Violence Against Children (VAC) is a critical component of GBV, encompassing all forms of violence against people under 18 years old. The World Health Organization defines VAC as including physical or mental violence, injury, and abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment, or exploitation, including sexual abuse. When directed at children or adolescents because of their biological sex or gender identity, these types of violence are also considered GBV. The prevalence of GBV is a significant concern, with many forms of VAC falling under the GBV umbrella. These include child abuse, including sexual abuse, female infanticide, neglect, child marriage, female genital cutting/mutilation, and trafficking. The intersection of GBV and VAC is critical to address, as it has a profound impact on the lives of children and adolescents. USAID and the US Government have established policies and priorities to address GBV and VAC in PEPFAR programs. The MER Indicator: GEND_GBV Overview provides a framework for tracking progress and measuring the impact of GBV prevention and response services. Technical resources are available to support the implementation of these services, including training and capacity-building programs for local partners and stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for urgent action to address GBV and VAC. The pandemic has created new challenges and opportunities for GBV prevention and response, including the need for innovative and adaptable programming that takes into account the changing context and needs of affected populations. In addressing GBV and VAC, it is essential to recognize the importance of terminology and definitions. The US Government's Strategy to Prevent and Respond to GBV Globally, 2016, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding GBV and VAC, including the use of terms such as sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. By using these terms consistently and accurately, we can ensure that our programming and services are effective and responsive to the needs of affected populations.