REDUCING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS USING GENDER ACTION LEARNING SYSTEMS (GALs) METHODOLOGY

Author Name: 1. Letitia Sampoa Apam 2. Karim Fusheini

Volume/Issue: 04/05

Country: Ghana

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/11.2023-47291963/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa. Sampoa.lit@gmail.com
2. GIMPA Business School, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Greenhill- Accra, Ghana, West Africa. fwulensi@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The major global problem of gender-based violence now affects community development, human rights, and health. It is an indication of inherent inequality and power disparities that influence every community on the planet and transcend all boundaries of location, ethnicity, culture, class, and religion. The construction of a legal framework and interventions on prevention, and participation are only a few of the tactics the government, projects and programs, pressure groups, and civil society organizations have utilized to lessen gender-based violence. The methodological tool used in this study was the Gender Action Learning System (GALs) focusing on the gender justice diamond tool, gender challenge action tree and the multilane vision journey. Focus group discussions were held with the participants and some community-led discussions. The study's findings indicate that women's labour burden, sexual abuse, polygamous marriage, low decision-making and leadership of women and youth as well as low women’s economic empowerment are some of the causes of gender-based violence in the household and the communities. Households and communities should try to reduce alcohol intake, community support systems should be created and respect for human rights should be encouraged if gender-based violence is to be curtailed.

Key words: Gender, Violence, Action, Learning, Households