Why gender-based violence fight is still far from being won

Igiza Africa theater group performed a play about the dangers of gender-based violence during a campaign to end teenage pregnancies and stigma. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Gender-based violence (GBV) is today considered one of the most widespread barbaric human behaviors; and it ranges from physical assault, sexual violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and sexual violence.

Though GBV mostly harms women and children, in East and Southern Africa, adolescents and children are the most vulnerable. Barbaric practices like FGM and child marriage have significant consequences on the bodily autonomy of women, impacting on their right to choose when, if and a number of children they wish to have.