Tackling gender-based violence: 16 days of activism in Lebanon

10 December 2018

Wafa Dakwar, Medical Aid for Palestinians' (MAP’s) Senior Programme Officer in Lebanon, describes how MAP is helping to prevent and address gender-based violence in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon:

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the least reported human rights abuses, despite being widespread across cultures. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence, often by an intimate partner. GBV risks, as well as risks related to other forms of human rights abuses, are increased in situations of displacement, economic hardships, and marginalisation. To prevent and address GBV in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, MAP and UNICEF have been supporting a large-scale GBV program run by our local partner the Najdeh Association.

As part of the ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence’, a global campaign that aims to challenge and end violence against women and girls, Najdeh Association organised a series of community-based activities and events in the Palestinian camps. The activities included interactive theater, group discussions, open days, and awareness raising activities and events.

The campaign’s activities successfully reached out to more than 3,000 men, women, and young people who reported greater understanding of GBV and its impact on physical and psychological health and wellbeing.

“This year, we focused on conducting outreach activities in order to involve as many community members as possible – especially those who do not normally attend community centers,” said Najdeh’s project coordinator. In addition to schools and community centers, theater performances and other campaign activities were organised in the camps’ streets and neighborhoods.

Participants also wrote on banners messages related to the importance of combatting GBV and in solidarity with GBV survivors placed on walls in the camps.

You can support our work with refugee women and Palestinian communities in Lebanon by donating today!