Gender-based violence has negative impacts on country and an individual's economic growth

It is costly for GBV survivors to seek legal protection. [iStockphoto]

Gender-based violence (GBV) has significant economic implications on survivors.

GBV includes various forms of physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse or violence primarily directed at women and girls, although it can affect anyone regardless of gender.

The economic costs of GBV on survivors include absenteeism from work, reduced work performance/productivity, and job loss due to physical injuries, emotional distress, or ongoing court and legal proceedings.

In the long term, it may hinder career advancement because of missed opportunities. GBV survivors often require medical attention and mental health services due to physical injuries and psychological trauma sustained during the abuse.

It is costly for GBV survivors to seek legal protection or pursue other legal channels against perpetrators. Organizations that provide support to gender-based violence survivors often require the allocation of public funds since the survivors require services like shelter, food, clothing, crisis hotlines, counselling services, legal aid programmes and advocacy organisations.

The most common effect of GBV is that it contributes to physical and mental health problems, which, in turn, increase public health expenditures. Treating the health consequences of gender-based violence places an additional burden on healthcare systems.

For example, sexual violence can result in sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and gynaecological problems. Access to healthcare services for sexual and reproductive health is essential for survivors, adding to healthcare expenditures.

GBV can also discourage women and marginalised groups from participating in the workforce, which can lead to a reduction in the available labour force.

In some cases, GBV might force highly skilled and educated individuals to leave their home countries or regions in search of safety and economic opportunities. This can result in a "brain drain" where countries lose valuable human capital. This can hinder economic growth and development. GBV can exacerbate existing gender inequalities at the workplace.

Addressing GBV is essential for promoting gender equality and women's economic empowerment. When women are free from violence and discrimination, they are more likely to participate fully in economic activities, which can boost economic growth.

Raising awareness about gender-based violence and promoting gender equality can help prevent violence and reduce its economic impact on individuals and society as a whole. 

-Dina Lilly Kondoa, Communications specialist