Ending Violence Against Women: An Oxfam Guide

Ending Violence Against Women | OXFAM i
ENDING VIOLENCE
AGAINST WOMEN
An oxfam Guide
ii OXFAM | Ending Violence Against Women
Ending Violence Against Women | OXFAM 3
Contents
Key oxfam policy documents and
more comprehensive resources, such
as the UN WoMEN Virtual Knowledge
Centre to End Violence against women
and Girls, are listed in the annex.
Why do we work on Violence against women? 3
What is Violence against women? 4
Key Concepts: 4
What Are the Causes of Violence against women? 5
What Does oxfam Do to End Violence against women? 7
A Priority Theme for Oxfam 7
A Rights-Based, Transformative Approach 8
What does rights-based and transformative mean in practice? 9
Transforming Attitudes and Social norms 11
tracking Change 14
Theories of Change 14
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL): 18
Examples from Oxfam programs: 19
What Can I Do to End Violence against women? 20
Oxfam Programs 20
Inside Oxfam 21
Suggestions for Monitoring 25
Implementation of the Oxfam Guide on Ending Violence against women 25
Questions and Indicators 25
Processes for Monitoring and Experience-Sharing 26
Annexes 27
Resources 27
Key Oxfam Internal documents 27
Other key resources 27
The Oxfam International Statement on GBV/VAW 28
Statement on Support to a Transformative Approach to Ending GBV and VAW 28
The Oxfam Policy Compendium on GBV/VAW 31
2. Oxfams thematic policy positions on gender equality and womens rights 31
2.1 Violence against women and Girls 31
What is Violence Against Women? Why does it happen? What does it have to do with
development? What does Oxfam do to end violence against women? What does it
mean to do that work with a transformative approach?
Ending Violence Against Women: A Guide for Oxfam Staff is a resource for Oxfam
(www.oxfam.org) staff to inform and inspire their work, and to share with partners.
It can be read and consulted individually or used for discussion with peers.
The "candid queslicn and "exercise bcxes cffer avenues fcr such rehexicn and
discussion. While the guide is directed towards internal Oxfam staff, it is available
for external distribution as well.
This booklet was compiled by Michaela Raab. The guide was commissioned by the
Oxfam Gender Justice Program Development and Support Group (GJ PDS), which
provides operational leadership and support to the development of gender justice
programming and the strengthening of gender justice perspectives and processes in
afhliale, glcbal, regicnal and ccunlry prcgrammes.
Prcjecl underlaken wilh lhe hnancial suppcrl cf lhe 6cvernmenl cf Canada prcvided
through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Oxfam International November 2012
4 OXFAM | Ending Violence Against Women
WHY DO WE WORK
ON VIOLENCE
AGAINST WOMEN?
A human rights Violation And A Barrier to Development
Violence against women and girls (VAW) is one of the most
rampant human rights violations. According to United Nations
estimates, one in three women world-wide has experienced
physical or sexual violence because she is a woman
1
. Violence
is a major obstacle to womens and girls development, and
to the welfare and development of their communities and
societies as a whole.
Several binding human rights treaties prohibit violence against
women. Key international treaties are:
T|e I99 Ccnventicn cn t|e E|iminaticn cf ||| Fcrms cf
0iscriminaticn against wcmen |CE0|wl
T|e I99 |frican |nicn rctccc| tc t|e |frican C|arter cn
human and ecp|es Rig|ts cn t|e Rig|ts cf wcmen in |frica
T|e I99 |nter-|merican Ccnventicn cn t|e reventicn,
unis|ment and Eradicaticn cf \|w |Ccnventicn cf Ee|em dc
aral
T|e ?OII Ccunci| cf Eurcpe Ccnventicn cn preventing and
combating violence against women and domestic violence
T|ree || Security Ccunci| Resc|uticns |I?S, I8?O and I888l
address \|w in armed ccnfict and wcmens participaticn in
peace building
|n I99, t|e |nited |aticns |||l Cenera| |ssemc|y adcpted
t|e 0ec|araticn cn t|e E|iminaticn cf \ic|ence against wcmen.
T|ere |ave ceen semina| judgements in internaticna| |aw t|at
remind governments of their responsibility to protect womens
and gir|s rig|ts. Fcr examp|e, t|e Campc ||gcdcnerc Judgment
|?OO9l cf t|e |nter-|merican Ccurt fcund t|at t|e Hexican
government had violated the rights of three young women and
their family by failing to prevent their murder.
Further reAding
A full overview of international and national legislation to
end violence against women and girls is available from the
|| w0HE| \irtua| |ncw|edge Centre tc End \ic|ence against
wcmen and Cir|s www.endvawncw.crg. C|ick cn Legis|aticn
for a detailed menu.
0xfam wcrks tc end vic|ence against wcmen cecause it is
a human rights violation and a major obstacle to human
deve|cpment. Fcr effective interventicns, we need tc defne
violence against women and understand its main causes.
Ending violence against women is everyones responsibility.
-UNITED NATIONS SECRETARy-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON IN AN INTERVIEW ON hIS

WORLD-WIDE UNITE CAMPAIGN TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (2010)
sexua| |arassment and intimidaticn at wcrk, in educaticna|
instituticns and e|sew|ere, traffcking in wcmen and fcrced
prostitution;
|cl |ysica|, sexua| and psyc|c|cgica| vic|ence perpetrated cr
ccndcned cy t|e State, w|erever it cccurs.
Ercader defniticns inc|ude structura| and cu|tura| vic|ence,
which limit women and girls in achieving their full potential,
both personally and for the whole society. For example, laws or
traditions that exclude women from owning land are structural
vic|ence. T|e resu|ts cf structura| and cu|tura| vic|ence can
be lethal: for example, girls in South Asia run a much higher
risk t|an ccys cf dying cefcre t|ey reac| t|e age cf fve years,
among other reasons because their parents tend to give them
less nutritious food, health care and attention
2
.
KEy CoNCEptS
Cender is nct accut t|e cic|cgica| differences cetween
women, men and intersex persons (i.e. people who combine
ma|e and fema|e cic|cgica| featuresl. |t is c|iefy accut t|e
characteristics and roles that societies attribute to women and
men respective|y. Cender is nct natura| - it is ccnstructed
by societies. Violence is the deliberate use of force or power
to hurt someone. Hence, gender-based violence is the use
of power to enforce gender norms. For example, a husband
might beat his wife because his society has brought him up to
ce|ieve t|at men must discip|ine disccedient wcmen. |n scme
societies, a mother might have her daughters genitals cut
cecause s|e ccnsiders it necessary fcr a decent wcman.
Oxfam subscribes to the united nations
0EFkITI0k 0F VI0LEk0E A0AIk8T w0KEk
T|e term vic|ence against wcmen means any act cf gender-
cased vic|ence t|at resu|ts in, cr is |ike|y tc resu|t in, p|ysica|,
sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including
threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty,
whether occurring in public or in private life.
Violence against women shall be understood to encompass,
but not be limited to, the following:
|al |ysica|, sexua| and psyc|c|cgica| vic|ence cccurring in t|e
family, including battering, sexual abuse of female children in
the household, dowry-related violence, marital rape, female
genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful
to women, non-spousal violence and violence related to
exploitation;

|cl |ysica|, sexua| and psyc|c|cgica| vic|ence cccurring
within the general community, including rape, sexual abuse,
What is Violence
against women?
0Ak0I0 00E8TI0k: I8 ThEkE AL80 0Ek0Ek-
8A8E0 VI0LEk0E A0AIk8T KEk?
Yes, t|ere is! Hany men and ccys are ceaten, raped,
|umi|iated and discriminated against - mcst frequent|y,
cy ct|er men and ccys - tc make t|em fee| pcwer|ess, cr
because they behave differently from the way their society
imagines prcper men cr gccd ccys. hcwever, 0xfam
focuses on violence against women and girls, as many more
women are affected by gender-based violence than men.
T|e 0xfam-initiated we Can campaign fcund situaticns
w|ere men and ccys were ridicu|ed and cu||ied fcr ceing tcc
scft cn t|eir wcmen cr fcr speaking up against vic|ence.
T|is is w|y 0xfams apprcac| tc ending CE\ inc|udes
initiatives t|at enccurage men and ccys tc refect cn gender
roles and to learn that a man does not need to be violent to
ce a rea| man.
WhAt ArE thE CAUSES of VIolENCE
AGAINSt WoMEN?
\ic|ence against wcmen is an expressicn cf unequa| re|aticns
cetween men and wcmen. T|is pcwer imca|ance is deep|y
rccted in cur sccieties - in virtua||y a|| aspects cf |uman |ife,
women and girls are overtly or implicitly considered to be
infericr tc men and ccys. cwer imca|ance tends tc ce c|cse|y
|inked tc eccncmic dependence, fnancia| insecurity and t|e
expectations societies have of men and women.
Depending on a womans or a girls situation, she may be more
cr |ess at risk cf vic|ence. |ntersecticna| ana|ysis examines
t|e intersecticns cf gender-cased discriminaticn wit| ct|er
aspects of womens and girls lives that may heighten or lower
t|e risk cf vic|ence against wcmen. |ndigencus wcmen and
girls, those living in poverty or in war, and women and girls with
disabilities experience different forms of violence that may
increase or deepen gender-based violence, and reduce the
survivors chances to get support.
Every wcman is unique in terms cf |er eccncmic situaticn,
history, ethnicity, age, body features, health status, religion,
and other aspects of her own identity and the society she is
part cf. Cender-cased discriminaticn takes different fcrms
for different women, in different contexts, and is not the only
source of power imbalance and violence.
EXAKPLE8 0F IkTEk8E0TI0kAL" w0kk Ik
0XFAK Pk00kAK8
|ndigencus wcmen: Crupc Cuatema|tecc de Hujeres |CCHl
employs staff from indigenous groups in their centers,
tc ensure indigencus wcmen w|c seek suppcrt are we||
understood and can obtain the services and solidarity they
need.
Women who are in police custody often face harassment and
acuse cy ma|e staff. T|e Yemeni wcmens |nicn |Yw|l cctained
t|e estac|is|ment cf t|e ccuntrys frst ever detenticn centre
staffed exc|usive|y cy wcmen. T|anks tc Yw|s |ega| aid fcr
fema|e detainees, SO wcmen were re|eased frcm priscn in
?OO and ?OOS.
Higrants: T|e Scut|a|| E|ack Sisters campaign aims tc prctect
minority and migrant women in the United Kingdom (UK) who
experience domestic violence. It achieved a victory when the
UK government announced that from April 2012 women who
can demonstrate they have suffered domestic violence would
be protected as refugees and allowed to stay in the UK.
Sex wcrkers face many risks. T|e |frican Sex wcrker |||iance
infcrms sex wcrkers cn |ea|t| and |uman rig|ts, and ccnducts
researc| and advccacy fcr sex wcrkers rig|ts. T|e a||iance
a|sc suppcrts sex wcrkers w|c are memcers cf sexua|
mincrities - |escian, gay, cisexua|, transsexua|, intersex, men
having sex with men, and others.
exercise: Think of the forms of violence against
women that are common in your own country. What do they
have to do with power and with the expectations of your
society from women and men, girls and boys respectively?
exercise: Think of the female population in a place
that you know well it could be an area (for example a
district) where Oxfam works, or simply the neighborhood
that you live in. Look for differences: who are the women
and girls that face more discrimination than others, and
what are the reasons? Who are the women and girls that
are the least visible, and why? Are there any women who
are privileged in some respects, and why?
List the different sources of discrimination or privilege you
have found (e.g. income, marital status, age, skin
colour, caste, physical ability). Which of them may
increase or reduce the risk of violence, or the chances
women and girls can obtain appropriate support in case
they experience gender-based violence?
Services tc suppcrt survivcrs cf vic|ence against wcmen
in ways t|at enac|e t|em tc take t|eir |ives in t|eir cwn
hands. Oxfam funds such services throughout the world, and
prcvides capacity cui|ding and netwcrking cppcrtunities.
Campaigns fcr c|ange in sccia| ncrms and ce|avicur
condoning violence against women (for example the
ncrm t|at |uscands and fat|ers must discip|ine t|eir
wives and daughters). Sensitisation meetings, peer
education by community volunteers, community theatre,
educaticna| entertainment cn T\ and radic, and ct|er mass
communication are commonly used in such campaigns.
Cir|s empcwerment t|rcug| dedicated prcjects and as part
of education programs that strengthen girls capacity to
protect themselves and claim their rights.
Engaging men and ccys sc t|at t|ey ccntricute tc ending
violence against women.
reventing vic|ence against wcmen in 0xfams |umanitarian
wcrk. wcmens rig|ts are centra| tc 0xfams prctecticn
wcrk in |umanitarian crisis respcnse. 0xfam a|sc makes
sure women participate in planning and implementing
humanitarian interventions.
Hainstreaming \|w preventicn intc deve|cpment wcrk,
fcr examp|e cy minimising \|w risks in wcmens eccncmic
empowerment programs and in primary education, and by
prcmcting gender equa|ity in a|| deve|cpment wcrk.
rcmcting wcmens |eaders|ip fcr c|ange tcwards greater
equa|ity cetween wcmen and men |wcmens transfcrmative
|eaders|ipl, tc ensure wcmen cctain equa| access tc
resources and opportunities.
All these interventions are based on Oxfams rights-based and
transformative approach.
A prIorIty thEME for oxfAM
Oxfam envisions a safe and just world where women and girls
are in control of their lives and live free from violence. Violence
against women must end, because:
|t vic|ates wcmens and gir|s rig|t tc a |ife in safety.
|t causes p|ysica| and psyc|c|cgica| |arm t|at reduces
womens and girls ability to lead a normal life, obtain
the education they need, earn a living, develop their own
future and participate in puc|ic |ife. Hcst survivcrs cf
violence against women do not get support in their efforts
tc cverccme t|e ccnsequences cf vic|ence. 0edicated
psycho-social, health and legal services tend to be few
and far cetween. Sccia| ncrms cften c|ame t|e victim, i.e.
they hold survivors responsible for their ordeal. As a result,
many survivcrs fnd t|emse|ves sccia||y margina|ised and
debilitated by crippling health conditions such as chronic
pain, fstu|a, severe injuries, cr depressicn.
|t deepens t|e unequa| pcwer re|aticns cetween wcmen
and men, girls and boys. Violence against women, described
in t|e |nited |aticns 0ec|araticn |0E\|wl as cne cf t|e
crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into
a succrdinate pcsiticn ccmpared wit| men, is an ccstac|e
tc gender justice. |t keeps wcmen and gir|s frcm s|aping
their own future and from contributing to wider social
development.
Oxfam has supported a wide spectrum of efforts to end
violence against women, including:
|dvccacy fcr cetter |aws and cetter enfcrcement cf |aws and
policies, so that womens rights are enshrined in national
|egis|aticn and wcmen can safe|y take |ega| acticn. 0xfam
suppcrts wcmens crganisaticns and netwcrks, as we||
as other organisations that support womens rights, to
undertake suc| advccacy.
What Does
Oxfam Do to
End Violence
against Women?
A rIGhtS-BASED, trANSforMAtIVE
ApproACh
0xfam ce|ieves t|at a|| |uman ceings are cf equa| va|ue, and
that everyone has fundamental rights that must be upheld at
a|| times. ||| cur wcrk s|cu|d aim at t|e universa| rea|isaticn cf
|uman rig|ts, vic|ence against wcmen, |ike pcverty, is a denia|
of these basic rights.
Oxfam considers a multi-layered approach to be
transformational, in that this approach promotes change at
individual and collective, legislative-political and social levels.
0xfam a|sc reccgnises t|at t|ere is nc simp|e cne-size-fts-
a|| sc|uticn tc end vic|ence: w|at is apprcpriate fcr scme
wcmen may nct ce apprcpriate cr suffcient fcr ct|ers. 0xfam
|as tc ce carefu| and fexic|e tc suppcrt t|e cest pcssic|e
solutions in each context.
0XFAK8 TIKE-TE8TE0 kI0hT8-8A8E0
approach
Is participatory, recognising that all people, including those
living in poverty, have a right to shape their own development
and the public decisions that affect them
Reccgnises t|at 0xfam and ct|er deve|cpment actcrs are
accountable
rcmctes equa|ity and ncn-discriminaticn
Is holistic, recognising that poverty has economic, social,
cultural and political causes and effects
Reccgnises t|at rig|ts invc|ve respcnsici|ities cy t|cse
whose duty it is to enforce laws
Hakes use cf existing |ega| systems, and |inks up
development goals and international human rights law
EXAKPLE: 80kVIV0k8 wh0 PkEFEk k0T T0 08E
ThE LAw
World-wide, many survivors of violence against women do not
seek pc|ice interventicn cr a ccurt tria|, cecause:
T|ey are eccncmica||y dependent cn t|eir intimate partner
Sccia| ncrms may make it diffcu|t tc divcrce cr tc |ave t|e
violent partner arrested
c|ice and judges are ccrrupt
In rape cases, the survivor might be rejected by her society if
|er crdea| is kncwn
0xfam and its partners respect t|e survivcrs rig|t tc make |er
own, informed choice.
Women and girls learn to
end violence in their own
lives and to claim their
rights
= individual empowerment
c|icies, |aws and t|eir
implementation prevent
and punish VAW, and
ensure survivors obtain
the support they need
= well implemented laws
and policies
Associations, movements
and other social groups
defend womens and girls
rights to a life in safety
= collective
empowerment
Societies say no to
gender-based violence
= change in social norms
Transformation means fundamental, lasting changes - nct
just temporary improvements in some womens lives. Oxfam
believes that ending violence is possible if:
WhAt DoES rIGhtS-BASED AND
trANSforMAtIVE MEAN IN prACtICE?
ThE F0LL0wIk0 8E0TI0k8 PkE8EkT kEY A8PE0T8 0F
0XFAK8 w0kk T0 Ek0 VI0LEk0E A0AIk8T w0KEk
Oxfams rights-based, transformative approach strengthens
women and girls in their efforts to end violence, by mobilising
t|eir cwn pcwer and t|at cf ct|ers. T|e examp|es ce|cw s|cw
t|at 0xfam suppcrts wcmens empcwerment at twc |eve|s -
individually and collectively.
EXAKPLE8 Fk0K 0XFAK Pk00kAK8
wcmen mcnitcring t|e justice system: |n E| Sa|vadcr, 0xfam
suppcrts asscciaticns ca||ed ventanas ciudadanas, w|cse
female members monitor violence against women and
wcmens rig|ts in t|eir ccmmunities. T|ey deve|cp specia|ized
kncw|edge cf t|e justice system. |s |cca| ccmmunity experts
on womens rights, they advise local authorities on strategies
tc end vic|ence against wcmen, and fc||cw up cn specifc
cases.
wcmens crganisaticns advccating fcr c|ange: T|e wcmens
netwcrk Fcrum Hu||er in Hczamcique trains ccmmunity-cased
organisations on awareness-raising and advocacy on womens
rig|ts, sc t|at t|ey can infuence |cca| instituticns and
participate in national campaigns.
wcmen ending |armfu| practices: T|e Ending harmfu|
Traditicna| ractices and \ic|ence against wcmen and Cir|s
prcject cy t|e 0R0| |0rganisaticn fcr Re|aci|itaticn and
0eve|cpment in |m|ara, Et|icpial |as estac|is|ed ccmmunity
conversation groups. Among other topics, these groups
discuss fema|e genita| cutting |FCH{Cl and its |armfu|
ccnsequences fcr ycung gir|s, inc|uding t|e spread cf h|\{
||0S. T|ese ccnversaticns |ave ccnvinced wcmen tc stcp
wcrking as traditicna| exciscrs, i.e. cutting gir|s genita|s. |n
example is Alemitu, a widow who made her living carrying out
genital cutting. Alemitu gave up cutting after the community
ccnversaticns, wit| t|e fnancia| suppcrt cy ct|er grcup
members that enabled her to start a trading business.
Sirjana |arki, w|c |as ceen a
C|ange Haker fcr ? years
Laura Eldon/Oxfam
Women and girls learn to
end violence in their own
lives and to claim their
rights
= individual empowerment
c|icies, |aws and t|eir
implementation prevent
and punish VAW, and
ensure survivors obtain
the support they need
= well implemented laws
and policies
Associations, movements
and other social groups
defend womens and girls
rights to a life in safety
= collective
empowerment
Societies say no to
= change in social norms
Oxfam builds on its long history of supporting womens
organisations to strengthen the capacity of womens
organisations, their leadership and movement for change
through multi-year institutional funding that supports them
as a w|c|e, nct cn|y specifc prcjects. 0xfam diversifes its
partnerships, to include newly emerging and young womens
organisations with a rights-based and transformative
approach. In parallel, Oxfam develops strategic alliances with
ct|er crganisaticns t|at aim tc end vic|ence against wcmen -
including organisations led by men, or by both women and men.
trANSforMING thE QUAlIty of WorK
WIth SUrVIVorS
Womens organisations around the world have developed
empowering ways to support survivors of violence against
women. Yet, specialised support centres and shelters for
wcmen and gir|s are sti|| few and far cetween. Teac|ers,
medical staff and others who are in contact with VAW survivors
cften dc nct kncw |cw tc dea| wit| vic|ence against wcmen
- cr dc nct even reccgnise it as a prcc|em. c|ice and justice
perscnne| may ce re|uctant tc take up cases. |s a resu|t, many
women lose opportunities to escape violence and to rebuild
their lives.
Oxfam believes survivors of violence can transform their
situaticns. T|erefcre, 0xfam:
Suppcrts crganisaticns t|at |e|p survivcrs cf vic|ence in
empowering ways.
Suppcrts advccacy fcr mcre and cetter puc|ic services, e.g.
health clinics and schools, that are safe for women and
support survivors in a respectful manner.
Suppcrts advccacy fcr cetter |aws t|at prevent and prc|icit
VAW, and their enforcement.
Empcwering survivcrs: Crupc Cuatema|tecc de Hujeres |CCH,
in Cuatema|al cffers ccunse||ing, |ega| aid and s|e|ter tc
survivcrs cf vic|ence against wcmen. |n para||e|, CCH |as
successfully advocated for better government policies to end
violence against women.
Improving police services: In India, Oxfam has negotiated with
police departments to allow trained counsellors to sit in police
cffces. T|e ccunse||crs make sure t|e pc|ice cffcers actua||y
accept and f|e dcmestic vic|ence ccmp|aints, and advise
survivors on support services.
Lega| aid: T|e |igerian crganisaticn E|0E|E fcr wcmens
Rig|ts uses custcmary, statutcry and re|igicus |aw |e.g. S|arial
tc fnd t|e cest |ega| suppcrt and defence fcr wcmen and gir|s
who experience violence.
Securing eccncmic suppcrt tc survivcrs: T|e a|estinian
wcmens Center fcr Lega| |id and Ccunse||ing |wCL|Cl |as
successfully advocated for the establishment of a national
fund tc suppcrt divcrced wcmen and t|eir c|i|dren. wCL|C
is current|y a Ecard Hemcer cf t|e ||imcny Fund, as equa|
partners wit| t|e Hinistries cf Justice, Finance, Sccia| |ffairs
and wcmens |ffairs, t|e |ig|est S|aria Ccurt, and t|e Cenera|
|nicn cf a|estinian wcmen.
exercise: Think of a woman or a girl whom you know.
If she experienced violence, how could she stop it? Think
of her own life history, her special characteristics, her
household, her community or communities, her work place
or school, government administrations, and the society
she lives in: what obstacles would she face at these
differenl levels? And where cculd she hnd suppcrl and cp-
portunities to take her life in her own hands?
Then, think of a survivor of violence against women who
lives in a different situation. Are any of the obstacles and
opportunities she faces same as in the previous example?
Are there any differences, and why? And how can Oxfam
programs help to overcome the obstacles survivors face,
and offer opportunities for change?
trANSforMING AttItUDES AND
SoCIAl NorMS
Tc prevent vic|ence, wcmen and men must kncw accut
wcmens |uman rig|ts and treat eac| ct|er as equa|s. Tc
support change in attitudes and social norms, Oxfam and its
partners:
Eui|d a||iances t|at cring tcget|er men and wcmen frcm
many sectors of society
Ccnvince traditicna| |eaders and ct|er cpinicn-makers tc
suppcrt wcrk tc end vic|ence
Ccmcine mass campaigning wit| perscn-tc-perscn
discussions
Oxfam supports both womens organisations and organisations
that focus on the role of men and boys in ending violence
against women.
Eui|ding sccia| mcvements tc prevent vic|ence: T|e we Can End
||| \ic|ence against wcmen Campaign in Scut| |sia, rep|icated
in severa| |frican, East |sian and |crt|ern ccuntries, |as
encouraged millions of women and men, girls and boys, to
ceccme c|ange makers. C|ange makers p|edge tc stcp
violence in their own lives, and to convince their families, their
cc||eagues and ct|ers tc end inequa|ity and vic|ence.
\ic|ence preventicn wit| ycut|: T|e E| Sa|vadcr Campaign tc
revent Cender-Eased \ic|ence reccgnises ycung wcmen and
men as important agents of change. In cooperation with the
Hinistry cf Educaticn, t|e campaign crganises regu|ar events
at schools, such as discussion sessions and performances.
Students and teac|ers refect cn t|e pcwer re|aticns cetween
girls and boys, women and men, teachers and students, and
|cw pcwer is |inked tc vic|ence.
|n additicn tc its wcrk wit| ycung pecp|e, t|e campaign
conducts research and advocacy that reminds the government
of its responsibility to protect womens rights, and proposes
concrete measures to prevent and address gender-based
violence.
wcrking wit| traditicna| |eaders: T|e Federaticn cf Hus|im
wcmens |sscciaticns cf Sierra Lecne trains |mams |Hus|im
preac|ersl tc infcrm Hus|im ccmmunities cf t|e prcc|ems cf
vic|ence against wcmen. Scut|ern |fricas Red Lig|t Campaign
against t|e traffcking cf wcmen suppcrts traditicna| and
religious leaders to record radio messages in local languages
cn t|e dangers cf |uman traffcking.
Pictures from workbooks of the We Can campaign patriarchal (left) vs. equal (right) scenes
WorKING WIth MEN AND BoyS
Hany men and ccys are perpetratcrs cf vic|ence against
women, but that does not mean that all men are violent.
Arguably, most men and boys would prefer to live without
violence, and can play an important role to change social
ncrms. T|ey are impcrtant a||ies fcr 0xfam. T|erefcre, 0xfam
and its partners encourage men and boys:
Tc deve|cp ncn-vic|ent ways tc ce rea| men and tc respect
wcmen as equa|s
Tc suppcrt wcmen survivcrs cf vic|ence against wcmen
|nvite men and ccys tc participate in t|e strugg|e tc end
vic|ence against wcmen, as equa|s and a||ies tc wcmens
organisations
0xfam and t|e Lecanese wcmens rig|ts crganizaticn |afa
deve|cped a training manua|, wcmen and Hen... hand in
hand against \ic|ence, t|rcug| ccnsu|taticns wit| cver
O crganizaticns in Egypt, |raq, Jcrdan, Lecancn, a|estine,
Syria and Yemen. |t exp|cres t|e ncrms t|at infuence vic|ent
attitudes, and undersccres t|e pcsitive rc|es t|at men can take
tc end vic|ence against wcmen and prcmcte greater equa|ity.
|n C|i|e, Red de Hascu|inidad |Hascu|inity |etwcrkl |as run
series cf wcrks|cps w|ere ccys and ycung men discussed
gender rc|es and |cw t|ey re|ated tc vic|ence. T|e wcrks|cps
were a safe space where young men could discuss their dreams
and worries, and learn violence-free ways of dealing with
ccnficts.
|n eru, t|e Centrc Hujer Teresa de Jesus wcrks wit| men w|c
are vic|ent tcwards t|eir intimate partners. |n grcup wcrk, t|e
men critically examine the construction of gender norms and
ana|yse pcwer imca|ances. T|ey |earn tcget|er tc adcpt and
prcmcte ncn-vic|ent, equitac|e re|aticns|ips.
0xfams wcrk tc end vic|ence is grcunded in c|ear ideas as tc
|cw c|ange |appens. T|e fc||cwing c|apter cffers guidance
and examp|es fcr cui|ding suc| t|ecries cf c|ange, and fcr
mcnitcring and eva|uating wcrk tc end vic|ence against wcmen.
we Can Scut| |frica
Nombuso Shabalala /Oxfam
thEorIES of ChANGE
Since violence against women is deeply rooted in our societies,
many different initiatives are needed tc eradicate it. Tc ensure
0xfam makes t|e cest pcssic|e use cf its rescurces, we must
ce c|ear as tc w|at we want tc c|ange and |cw - i.e. |ave
theories of change. We must verify whether our theories of
c|ange rea||y suppcrt wcmen and gir|s, keep |earning, and
document our experience and insights for others.
Advocates have developed theories for policy change;
psychologists have elaborated theories of behavior change,
and there are many other theories of change. We can build
on existing theories to develop theories of change for Oxfam
prcgrams, and deve|cp new mcde|s fcr specifc purpcses.
T|e Standing Tcget|er |gainst \ic|ence
|ST|\l prcgram in t|e Sc|cmcn |s|ands
builds its theory of change on the well-
established ecological model of partner
violence.
T|is mcde| revea|s |cw a wcmans
experience of partner violence is
embedded in her family situation, her
community and the wider social context.
(For more detail on the ecological model,
see t|e heise{0F|0 puc|icaticn |isted in
furt|er reading.l
T|e ST|\ diagram s|cws t|e cvera||
c|anges ST|\ aims tc cring accut at t|e
different levels.
T|e ST|\ strategy ccmcines t|is mcde|
cf c|ange wit| a prcject framewcrk
(see following page) that presents
t|e different ST|\ areas cf wcrk, t|e
expected results (outcomes), what
success means fcr ST|\ and |cw
successfu| wcrk wi|| ccntricute tc t|e
overall aim of reducing family violence.
ST|\ rcject Framewcrk frcm t|e
Sc|cmcn |s|ands, dated ?OO9 |0raftl
Tracking Change

Societal change:
leaderships & ownership of problem
supportive legislation & policies
responsive services
mass attitudinal change
Community change:
leaderships & ownership of problem
less acceptance
community based interventions
Family change:
respect
negotiation & conflict resolution skills
happier, healthier families
Individual change:
personal belief violence is not OK
community advocates & role

models active
FSC clients are empowered to

make decisions
ST|\ rcject Framewcrk frcm t|e Sc|cman |s|ands, ?OO9 |0raftl: Standing Tcget|er |gainst \ic|ence rcject
K
e
y

a
r
e
a
s

o
f

w
o
r
k
(
a
c
t
i
v
i
t
y

f
o
c
u
s
)
L
o
n
g

t
e
r
m
c
h
a
n
g
e

(
G
o
a
l
)
More families in Honiara and Western Province are enjoying lives free from violence
D
e
v
e
l
o
p
i
n
g

a
n
d

i
m
p
l
e
m
e
n
t
i
n
g
S
o
l
o
m
a
n

I
s
l
a
n
d
s

V
A
W
C
o
u
n
s
e
l
l
i
n
g

a
n
d

m
e
d
i
a
t
i
o
n
t
r
a
i
n
i
n
g

a
n
d

m
e
n
t
o
r
i
n
g

a
n
d
p
r
o
v
i
d
i
n
g

l
e
g
a
l

s
e
r
v
i
c
e
s
C
o
u
n
s
e
l
l
i
n
g

t
r
a
i
n
i
n
g

a
n
d

p
r
o
f
e
s
s
i
o
n
a
l

d
e
v
e
l
o
p
m
e
n
t

p
r
o
g
r
a
m

u
n
d
e
r
w
a
y
1
.

F
S
C

i
s

p
r
o
v
i
d
i
n
g

q
u
a
l
i
t
y

c
o
u
n
s
e
l
l
i
n
g
,

l
e
g
a
l

a
d
v
i
c
e

a
n
d

m
e
d
i
a
t
i
o
n

s
e
r
v
i
c
e
s

t
o

w
o
m
e
n

v
i
c
t
i
m
s
/
s
u
r
v
o
r
s

o
f

s
e
x
u
a
l

a
n
d

d
o
m
e
s
t
i
c

v
i
o
l
e
n
c
e
F
S
C

c
l
i
e
n
t
s

a
r
e

e
m
p
o
w
e
r
e
d

t
o

m
a
k
e

d
e
c
i
s
i
o
n
s

i
n

t
h
e
i
r

l
i
v
e
s

a
n
d

f
a
m
i
l
i
e
s

t
o

b
e

f
r
e
e

f
r
o
m

a
b
u
s
e
.

T
h
e
y

a
r
e

m
o
r
e

a
w
a
r
e

o
f

t
h
e

o
p
t
i
o
n
s

a
n
d

s
e
r
v
i
c
e
s

a
v
a
i
l
a
b
l
e

t
o

t
h
e
m

a
n
d

a
r
e

u
s
i
n
g

t
h
e
s
e

s
e
r
v
i
c
e
s
.
I
n
c
r
e
a
s
e
d

n
u
m
b
e
r
s

a
n
d

s
k
i
l
l
s

o
f

F
S
C

s
t
a
f
f

p
r
o
v
i
d
i
n
g

m
o
r
e

a
n
d

b
e
t
t
e
r

c
o
u
n
s
e
l
l
i
n
g
.
F
S
C

L
a
w
y
e
r

i
n

p
l
a
c
e

a
n
d

p
r
o
v
i
d
i
n
g

l
e
g
a
l

a
d
v
i
c
e
.
C
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y

A
d
v
o
c
a
t
e

p
r
o
g
r
a
m

(
f
i
r
s
t

s
t
a
g
e
)

d
e
v
e
l
o
p
e
d

a
n
d

p
i
l
o
t
e
d
.
2
.

I
n
d
i
v
i
d
u
a
l
s
,

f
a
m
i
l
i
e
s

a
n
d

c
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
i
e
s

t
a
k
e

o
w
n
e
r
s
h
i
p

o
f

t
h
e

p
r
o
b
l
e
m

o
f

v
i
o
l
e
n
c
e

a
g
a
i
n
s
t

w
o
m
e
n

a
n
d

i
m
p
l
e
m
e
n
t

t
h
e
i
r

o
w
n

s
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
e
s

t
o

r
e
d
u
c
e

v
i
l
e
n
c
e

a
n
d

p
r
o
t
e
c
t

w
o
m
e
n
.
T
h
e
r
e

i
s

m
o
r
e

r
e
s
p
e
c
t

b
e
t
w
e
e
n

w
o
m
e
n

&

w
o
m
e
n
,

w
o
m
e
n

&

m
e
n
,

a
n
d

c
h
i
l
d
r
e
n

&

t
h
e
i
r

p
a
r
e
n
t
s
.

T
h
e
y

a
l
l

h
a
v
e

b
e
t
t
e
r

c
o
m
m
u
n
i
c
a
t
i
o
n

&

u
n
d
e
r
s
t
a
n
d

t
h
e

i
s
s
u
e

o
f

v
i
o
l
e
n
c
e
:

H
a
p
p
y

f
a
m
i
l
y

s
t
r
o
n
g

s
e
n
s
e

o
f

b
e
l
o
n
g
i
n
g

i
n

t
h
e

f
a
m
i
l
y
n
o

f
e
a
r

i
n

p
a
r
t
n
e
r
s
h
i
p
.
O
u
r

h
u
s
b
a
n
d
s
,

b
o
y
f
r
i
e
n
d
s
,

b
o
r
t
h
e
r
s
,

u
n
c
l
e
s
,

f
a
t
h
e
r
s
,

a
n
d

s
o
n
s

a
r
e

p
r
o
t
e
c
t
i
n
g

w
o
m
e
n

f
r
o
m

v
i
o
l
e
n
c
e

a
n
d

a
r
e

i
n
f
l
u
e
n
c
i
n
g

o
t
h
e
r

m
e
n

n
o
t

t
o

b
e

v
i
o
l
e
n
t
.
T
h
e
r
e

i
s

i
n
c
r
e
a
s
e
d

f
r
e
e
d
o
m

o
f

m
o
v
e
m
e
n
t

p
a
r
t
i
c
u
l
a
r
l
y

f
o
r

y
o
u
n
g

w
o
m
e
n

a
n
d

g
i
r
l
s
.

(
w
e
)

f
e
e
l

s
a
f
e
r
.
C
a
m
p
a
i
g
n

s
t
r
a
t
e
g
y

a
n
d

k
e
y

m
e
s
s
a
g
e
s

d
e
v
e
l
o
p
e
d
.
D
e
v
e
l
o
p
i
n
g

a
n
d

i
m
p
l
e
m
e
n
t
i
n
g

a

c
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y

e
d
u
c
a
t
i
o
n

a
n
d

v
i
o
l
e
n
c
e

p
r
e
v
e
n
t
i
o
n

p
a
c
k
a
g
e

(
t
r
a
i
n
i
n
g

m
a
n
u
a
l

&

r
e
s
o
u
r
c
e
s
.
D
e
v
e
l
o
p
i
n
g

a
n
d

i
m
p
l
e
m
e
n
t
i
n
g

a

c
a
m
p
a
i
g
n

t
o

p
r
o
m
o
t
e

o
p
e
n
n
e
s
s

t
o
,

a
n
d

o
w
n
e
r
s
h
i
p

o
f

t
h
e

p
r
o
b
l
e
m

o
f

V
A
W
.
3
.

T
h
e
r
e

i
s

a
n

a
c
t
i
v
e

r
e
f
e
r
r
a
l

s
y
s
t
e
m

f
r
o
m

&

w
i
t
h
i
n

n
e
t
w
o
r
k
s

(
P
o
l
i
c
e
,

P
u
b
l
i
c

S
o
l
i
c
i
t
o
r
s
.

C
C
C
,

F
S
C
,

H
e
a
l
t
h
)
M
o
r
e

w
o
m
e
n

a
r
e

s
e
e
k
i
n
g

h
e
l
p

f
r
o
m

p
o
l
i
c
e
,

h
e
a
l
t
h

a
n
d

l
e
g
a
l

s
e
r
v
i
c
e
s

b
e
c
a
u
s
e

s
e
r
v
i
c
e

p
r
o
v
i
d
e
r
s

h
a
v
e

c
h
a
n
g
e
d

a
t
t
i
t
u
d
e

a
n
d

n
o

l
o
n
g
e
r

t
r
e
a
t

v
i
o
l
e
n
c
e

a
g
a
i
n
s
t

w
o
m
e
n

a
s

a

p
r
i
v
a
t
e

m
a
t
t
e
r
.
S
t
r
o
n
g
e
r

r
e
f
e
r
r
a
l

n
e
t
w
o
r
k

m
o
s
t
l
y

r
e
l
a
t
i
o
n
s
h
i
p
s
,

a
n
d

s
e
n
s
i
t
i
v
i
t
y

i
n

y
e
a
r
1
.

S
e
r
v
i
c
e

s
t
a
n
d
a
r
d
s

a
g
r
e
e
d

a
n
d

m
o
n
i
t
o
r
i
n
g

s
e
t

u
p
.
E
s
t
a
b
l
i
s
h
i
n
g

r
e
f
e
r
r
a
l

p
r
o
c
e
s
s
e
s

a
n
d

s
e
r
v
i
c
e

s
t
a
n
d
a
r
d
s

w
h
i
c
h

a
r
e

a
c
t
i
v
e
l
y

m
o
n
i
t
o
r
e
d

b
y

u
s
e
r
s

a
n
d

o
t
h
e
r

r
e
f
e
r
r
a
l

s
e
r
v
i
c
e

p
r
o
v
i
d
e
r
s
4
.

L
a
w

r
e
f
o
r
m

a
n
d

p
o
l
i
c
y

d
e
v
e
l
o
p
m
e
n
t

w
o
r
k

o
f

o
t
h
e
r
s

s
u
p
p
o
r
t
e
d

b
y

t
w
o

w
a
y

i
n
f
o
r
m
a
-
t
i
o
n

f
l
o
w

(
f
r
o
m
/
t
o

P
r
o
v
i
n
c
i
a
l

a
n
d

c
o
m
m
u
n
t
y

l
e
v
e
l
s
)
.
T
h
e
r
e

i
s

e
n
o
u
g
h

p
u
b
l
i
c

p
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

t
o

e
n
s
u
r
e

n
e
w

a
n
t
i
-
v
i
o
l
e
n
c
e

l
a
w
s

a
r
e

p
a
s
s
e
d
,

a
n
d

t
h
e
s
e

l
a
w
s

a
n
d

o
t
h
e
r

p
o
l
i
c
i
e
s

a
r
e

r
e
l
e
v
a
n
t

t
o

w
o
m
e
n
s

e
x
p
e
r
i
e
n
c
e
s

a
n
d

n
e
e
d
s
.
G
o
o
d

n
e
t
w
o
r
k
s

m
a
i
n
t
a
i
n
e
d

w
i
t
h

s
t
a
k
e
h
o
l
d
e
r
s
.

S
o
m
e

e
x
a
m
p
l
e
s

o
f

i
n
p
u
t

f
r
o
m

c
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y

i
n
t
o

n
a
t
i
o
n
a
l

p
r
o
c
e
s
s
e
s
.
N
e
t
w
o
r
k
i
n
g
,

c
o
o
r
d
i
n
a
t
i
o
n
,

c
o
a
l
i
t
i
o
n

b
u
i
l
d
i
n
g
,

a
n
d

d
e
v
e
l
o
p
i
n
g

p
o
l
i
c
y

p
o
s
i
t
i
o
n
s

b
a
s
e
d

o
n

m
o
n
i
t
o
r
i
n
g
,

e
v
a
l
u
a
t
i
o
n

a
n
d

l
e
a
r
n
i
n
g

f
i
n
d
i
n
g
s
O
u
t
c
o
m
e
s

(
s
u
c
c
e
s
s
)
a
f
t
e
r

o
n
e

y
e
a
r
O
b
j
e
c
t
i
v
e
s
W
h
a
t

s
u
c
c
e
s
s

m
e
a
n
s
(
l
o
n
g

t
e
r
m

o
b
j
e
c
t
i
v
e
)
T|e we Can End ||| \ic|ence against
wcmen Campaign uses t|e Stages cf
C|ange t|ecry w|ic| is grcunded in
social and clinical psychology.
Tc prcvcke a transfcrmaticn in gender
norms, it is necessary for people to
recognise existing norms as social
constructs, i.e. as man-made things
t|at can ce c|anged. T|en, t|ey can
ccme tcget|er tc take acticn, tc create
and suppcrt new, mcre equitac|e
attitudes and behaviour so that social
ncrms c|ange fcr t|e cetter - and
dcnt return tc inequitac|e |acits. |s
such change must happen in many
aspects of peoples lives, the theory is
expressed in a spira| - nct as a straig|t
line.
T|e Standing Tcget|er tc End \ic|ence against wcmen strategy inc|udes t|is specifc t|ecry cf c|ange t|at s|cws |cw fami|y
suppcrt centres empcwer wcmen tc make new c|cices
Legal
Service
Counselling
Service
Family
Support
Centre
Feel
better
FSC mediates
or intervenes
with perpetrator
Referral
Know rights
and opinions
Feel
emowered
Better able
to negotaite
Health Care
Can make a
decision for
self and family
Possible outcomes:
Protection order
Restraining order
Police intervention
Legal proceeding
Woman leaves
Nothing
Police/Public
Solicitors
Refuge/emergency
shelter
Material support (if
property destroyed)
Information
thEorIES of INDIVIDUAl ChANGE
Consolidating Efforts
Maintenance
Integrating
Action
Raising
Awareness
Community
Assessment
Building
Networks
A
c
t
i
o
n
P
r
e
-
c
o
n
te
mpla
tio
n
C
o
n
t
e
m
p
l
a
t
i
o
n
Pre
p
a
r
a
t
i
o
n

f
o
r

A
c
t
i
o
n
hoW to BUIlD A thEory of ChANGE
Easica||y, a t|ecry cf c|ange exp|ains |cw c|ange - in cur
case, an end to violence against women - will happen. One can
cui|d t|e t|ecry arcund a few questicns:
I. w|at is t|e specifc c|ange t|at we want tc see, i.e. t|e
result we want to obtain?
?. w|at is kncwn accut t|e ways in w|ic| t|is kind cf c|ange
|appens? Experience frcm ct|er prcjects and existing
researc| can |e|p answer t|is questicn.
. w|c can make t|e c|ange |appen, and |cw? Fcr examp|e,
judges can apply anti-VAW laws more systematically so that
survivcrs cctain justice. Cir|s can stcp sexua| acuse and
harassment at schools by building their self-esteem and
learning to denounce offending teachers.
. w|at needs tc |appen sc t|at t|e agents cf c|ange dc
what is needed? In our example with the school children, the
c|i|dren need tc kncw t|at sexua| acuse is nct acceptac|e,
and t|at it is fne tc dencunce teac|ers. Sc|cc| principa|s
also need to be prepared to receive and deal with students
complaints so as to end violence.

Summarise your theory of change in a few sentences, and draw
a map showing the relationships between the aspects and
agents cf c|ange. |f ycu fnd it tcc ccmp|icated tc dc t|at cn t|e
computer, just draw the map on a piece of paper and scan it!
| t|ecry |e|ps tc exp|ain ccmp|ex prccesses - cut it is cn|y a
t|ecry, and nct rea| |ife. T|e t|ecry cf c|ange depicted ce|cw
was created for a gender based violence program proposal in
Indonesia.
T|e t|ecry cf c|ange enccmpasses t|e strategies t|at we
are adcpting in cur wcrk, and t|cse strategies may cr may
ce effective. T|at is w|y it is impcrtant tc watc|, t|rcug|cut
the duration of our different efforts, whether the strategies
are effective and |e|p us tc get tc t|e c|ange we want -
cr w|et|er scme questicns need tc ce asked again, and
answered in the light of new facts.
Overall goal
(long term impact):
Reduced occurrence of
Individual level
Engage men to become
gender justice and
anti-violence advocates
Strategy (1): Changing womens and mens consciousness
Strategy (3): Challenging norms and exclusionary practices
Strategy (4): Influencing formal
institutions, laws and policies
Strategy (2): Increasing
womens access to resources
Support national and local
advocacy encouraging
increased GOI resources
for GBV services
Support for legal services,
monitoring service
provision, and developing
service agreements
Support mapping of
available services to
inform advocacy
and planning
Support awareness raising
about services and options
available to survivors
of violence
Support to national
local advocacy for
gender sensitive
policy development
and implementation
Support to coalition
building amongst
relevant parties
Provide training for
those charged with
defending rights
(Judiciary, police etc)
Support to formulating
LOCAL area regulations
protect womens rights And also that:
There is improved
understanding
ofeffective or
promising interventions
Mapping and
ongoing
research and
evolution
So that: There is better information
available on the nature and scale
of gender-based violence and
available services
Leading to: Advocacy initiatives are
better targeted, more coordinated, and
are supported by appropriate evidence
So that: More and
better quality services
are available
So that:
People know
about services
and their rights
Support Individual Change
Makers through We Can
Build the capactity and
understanding of the
womens movement to
advocate for
womens rights
So that: A growing popular
movement is reinforcing
positive attitudes and beliefs
Outcome: There is reduced
individual acceptance of GBV
Outcome: More survivors of GBV are accessing
the services they need
Outcome: CSO are effectively influencing
the state to uphold legislation and to provide
accountable services to survivors of GBV
Outcome: There is reduced
family, community, and social
acceptance of GBV
Influence traditional
and religious leaders
Build the capacity and
understanding of the womens
movement to advocate for
womens rights
Support to the We Can
National Movement
Build a national movement
of male gender justice advocates
So that: Community groups
and informal, religious leaders
are actively working to stop GBV
Systemic level
F
o
r
m
a
l
I
n
f
o
r
m
a
l
Pk00kAK ThE0kY: Oxfams proposal to reduce gender-
based violence in Indonesia (2012-2014) uses a program
theory i.e. a model that combines the theory of change with
a visualisation of the planned activities inspired by a model
for gender mainstreaming by Aruna Rao and David Kelleher.
MoNItorING, EVAlUAtIoN AND
lEArNING (MEl):
Oxfam is committed to learning and to sharing insights and
|esscns frcm its wcrk. we wi|| use and deve|cp mcnitcring and
evaluation to:
0etermine t|e degree tc w|ic| 0xfam prcgrams are ac|ieving
their objectives over time;
|na|yze t|e reascns ce|ind t|e ac|ievement |cr nctl cf
objectives (eg if a program is not achieving objectives,
whether the problem rests in the theory of change or with
diffcu|ties in imp|ementaticn, and w|et|er t|ese are |eading
tc unintended ccnsequencesl,
Cauge w|et|er cr nct t|e ccjectives are u|timate|y
ccntricuting tc t|e rea|izaticn cf 0xfams missicn,
|dentify 0xfams ccntricuticn and va|ue-added, and,
0etermine w|et|er t|e prcgram |as cffered va|ue fcr mcney.
T|e c|anges 0xfam suppcrts tc transfcrm unequa| pcwer
re|aticns take time. |s vic|ence against wcmen |as many fcrms
and causes, many c|anges are needed tc end it. T|ere may ce
reversals; for example, rising religious fundamentalism might
prevent wcmen frcm c|aiming t|eir fu|| |uman rig|ts. Eut t|ere
may also be unexpected opportunities. An effective monitoring,
eva|uaticn and |earning |HELl system needs tc take intc
acccunt time, and unintended ccnsequences t|at may cccur.
0xfam ackncw|edges t|at t|e wcmen and men, gir|s and ccys
who participate in Oxfam programs and campaigns should be in
charge of their own situations. We use participatory methods in
mcnitcring, eva|uaticn and |earning t|at enac|e t|em tc refect
cn t|e effects cf 0xfams wcrk and |e|p us understand |cw we
contribute to change.
At all stages of its interventions to end violence against
wcmen, 0xfam seeks t|e advice and |eaders|ip cf t|cse w|c
wcrk tc end CE\, as we|| as feed-cack frcm wcmen and gir|s
w|c |ave survived vic|ence against wcmen. T|is is nct cn|y
a good way to verify whether the Oxfam intervention meets
pecp|es needs - it a|sc ensures prcper acccuntaci|ity.
w|ere it is diffcu|t tc ccunt |quantifyl impcrtant infcrmaticn,
ca|ance wit| assessing t|e qua|ity cf 0xfams and its partners
wcrk, and cf t|e c|ange participants experience.
Ak EFFE0TIVE K0kIT0kIk0 Ak0 EVAL0ATI0k
8Y8TEK:
|s defned tcget|er wit| partners and t|e pecp|e w|c are
participating.
Cc||ects infcrmaticn t|at is usefu| fcr p|anning, decisicn
making, assessing prcgress, s|aring wit| ct|ers,
ensuring and demcnstrating acccuntaci|ity, and |inking
tc pc|icy agendas. |ny HEL prccess s|cu|d make sure
to protect the privacy and physical safety of the women
involved.
|ses tcc|s and fcrmats t|at can ce adapted tc cr used
throughout the program, including in contexts with low
literacy.
|s integrated fcr t|e mcst part intc day tc day wcrk |wit|
the possible exception of major evaluations).
Erings pecp|e - frcm partners, stake|c|ders, and
communities - together to build relationships, allows
space fcr discussicn and sense making, and cui|ds
understanding of the needs and interests at different
levels.
Can ccmmunicate t|e |esscns |earned tc ct|er
|C0s, wcmens crganizaticns, mixed crganizaticns,
governmental authorities and others.
|dapted frcm t|e 0xfam ST|\ prcpcsa|, Sc|cmcn |s|ands
ExAMplES froM oxfAM proGrAMS
An analytical tool to assess quality in work with survivors of violence against women:
Researc| wit| 0xfam partners in Hczamcique, Cuatema|a and |icaragua |as revea|ed ccmmcn dimensicns and ccmpcnents cf
qua|ity in wcrk wit| \|w survivcrs. T|e ana|ytica| framewcrk deve|cped cy H.Raac and J.Rcc|a can serve as a casis fcr qua|ity
monitoring, evaluation and advocacy:
A MEl system for a program to end violence against women
T|e 0xfam ST|\ rcgram in t|e Sc|cmcn |s|ands |as visua|ised its HEL system |draftl:
Quality
in services
for VAW
survivors
Human
Resources
Attitude
Competencies
Psychological Skills
Understanding of VAW Causes
Legal Knowledge
Supervision
Effective Referral
Integrated Attention
Common Standards
Availability
Proximity
Visibility
Procedure
Personal Interaction
Ethical Conduct
Follow-up
Womens Health and Survival
Empowerment
Satisfactory Legal Process
Social Norms Change
Work with Others Affected by VAW
Knowledge Management
Service
Process
Co-operation
and
Co-ordination
Access
Desired
Results
Major
review
and
evaluation
(After years
2 & 4)
Annual
Refections
Partner Meetings
(every 4 months incl.
Annual Refection)
Partner monitoring of
progress, Inputs and
outcomes (ongoing)
Focus on Goal and objectives and learning about the model and what is & isnt
working
Team to include representatives of each partner + external consultant
Will be participatory assessment with stakeholders, including men and women
in pilot communities and FSC clients
Based on experiences, case studies, stories, audio-visual information
Will involve external stakeholders and benefciaries
Linked to SNPA annual refection (will happen before)
dentifes adjustments need to approach
Feedback through WPCW Ward Reps to communities & other
Focus on outcomes and issues, potentially using formalised
action learning cycle
Monitoring the partnership, management arrangements,
and capacity building progress
Agrees adjustments needed to approach, plans, and
budgets
ncludes 2-way client and benefciary feedback
systems
Monitoring external operating environment (e.g.
progress of new legislation)
Monitoring levels of violence and attitudes in
communities, and referral services
Also includes fnancial and activity monitoring
& staff performance management
oxfAM proGrAMS
0xfams gender mainstreaming pc|icies prcmcte equa|ity
cetween men and wcmen - a key part cf any wcrk tc end
violence against women. Furthermore, Oxfam mainstreams
\|w preventicn intc |umanitarian wcrk. T|is wcrk must ce
deepened to ensure women and girls gain control over their
|ives, in emergencies and in deve|cpment wcrk.
ExAMplES:
0uring t|e I999 eart|quake in Turkey, t|e |C0 wcmens
Sc|idarity Crcup set up wcmens tents fcr wcmen tc get
together safely, share their experience and problems, and
devise solutions.
Female volunteer doctors, psychologists and lawyers provided
support. In recent years, womens organisations in Afghanistan
and akistan |ave trained wcmen as rescue wcrkers. T|is is cf
life-saving importance in regions where traditions forbid men
to touch or even see women who are not part of their close
family.
What Can I Do
To End Violence
against Women?
water tanks prcvided cy 0xfam as part cf
t|e |sian Tsunami respcnse in Sri Lanka
|?OOSl were deccrated cy |cca| artists
to raise awareness for the destructive
effects of violence against women.
T|e capticns cn t|is examp|e say: Hy
father is always shouting at my mother.
w|y? |nd: \ic|ence destrcys t|e w|c|e
fami|y.
Development programs can also have implications for violence
against wcmen. Fcr examp|e, researc| in Eang|ades| |as
s|cwn t|at micrc-fnance prcjects dc nct autcmatica||y
strengt|en wcmen. Hicrc-fnance initiatives fcr wcmen can
actually increase violence against women, if such projects
ignore the power imbalances between women and men.
Likewise, getting a gir| tc attend sc|cc| can devastate |er |ife
if there are no safeguards against sexual abuse by teachers
and school boys.
0xfam uses pcwer and intersecticna| ana|ysis tc ensure
its programs are safe for women and girls, and contribute
tc greater gender equa|ity. we reccgnise wcmen and gir|s
as t|e experts fcr t|eir cwn situaticns, and make sure t|ey
play leading roles in planning, implementing and monitoring
projects.
INSIDE oxfAM
Violence against women exists everywhere. Oxfam is committed
to changing its own organisational culture, for example through
interna| c|ampicns and ccdes cf ccnduct. T|ese wcmen and
men will run discussions, training and other activities to ensure
0xfam dces nct reprcduce gender inequa|ity and vic|ence. |f
ycu fee| ycu experience vic|ence against wcmen at wcrk, dc
nct |esitate tc seek suppcrt frcm ycur |ine managers cr |uman
resources staff. It is also in the interest of the organisation as
a w|c|e fcr 0xfam tc ce a safe wcrk envircnment fcr everycne.
exercise: This exercise is particularly interesting for
those who have not yet carried out any awareness-raising
on violence against women, or counselling with survivors.
Find someone a friend, a relative, an acquaintance
who has no experience in work to end violence against
women. Talk to him/ her about the subject what is
violence against women, what damage it does, what needs
to be done about it, and what one can do at work and in
ones daily life to end it. how does it feel to discuss the
subject? how does the person react?
It is enlightening to repeat the exercise with a group of
people, informally or in a more formal setting. Brace your-
self for unfriendly reactions, and bear in mind: disparaging
or aggressive comments have nothing to do with you
personally! Violence against women is so deeply rooted
in societies that many people are afraid of speaking or
even hearing - abcul il. Pehecl cn any hcslile reaclicns:
what do they reveal about the persons attitudes, beliefs
and maybe fears? And what could be done to change
them?
oxfam wants to contribute to deep and lasting
change that will end violence against women.
this transformative approach:
Starts with the understanding that every
human being has rights, and can claim these
rights
Resects that every erson exeriences
her situation in a unique way, and that
every person must be in charge of her own
development
Ains to fundanentally change the balance of
power between women and men for greater
equality.
oxfam invests in research, monitoring and
evaluation so as to make sure our work is
relevant and effective. Useful experience and
lessons learnt are documented and shared
within oxfam and beyond, so as to contribute
to the growing knowledge base on what works
in ending violence against women.
Summary: Our
Transformative
Approach
Fcr mcre and mcre detai|ed defniticns,
p|ease refer tc t|e 0| Cender Justice
C|cssary |June ?OO8l, w|ic| is t|e casis
cf mcst defniticns ce|cw.
DEVAW
|| 0ec|araticn tc End \ic|ence against
wcmen |I99l
Domestic violence
Violence that happens in households
and intimate re|aticns|ips. T|is inc|udes
harm to children from witnessing
dcmestic vic|ence. Scme defniticns
a|sc enccmpass any kind cf vic|ence
that happens within the family, e.g.
|ars| punis|ment cf c|i|dren and
abuse of older family members.
Empowerment
T|e prccess cf gaining ccntrc| cf t|e
self, over ideology and the resources
which determine power.
female genital cutting
fGM/C
All procedures that involve partial or
total removal of the external female
genitalia, or other deliberate injury
to the female genital organs for
ncn-medica| reascns, a|sc kncwn as
female genital mutilation or female
circumcisicn. Hany FCH{C survivcrs
ccnsider t|e term cutting mcre
respectful to their dignity.
femicide
T|e act cf ki||ing a wcman, cr, t|e
deliberate, wanton violation and
massacre of women and girls, as in a
particular ethnic group by an invading
army
.
fistula
An abnormal hole between organs that
are not supposed to be connected.
Ccmp|icaticns in c|i|d cirt| |exacercated
cy FCH{Cl and rape can cause suc|
openings between the vagina, the
urinary tract and the rectum. Women
wit| fstu|a are unac|e tc wit||c|d urine
or excrement (incontinence).
Gender
T|e c|aracteristics and rc|es t|at
societies attribute to women and men
respective|y. Cender is nct natura| - it
is constructed by societies.
Gender equality
T|e situaticn in w|ic| wcmen and
men enjoy the same status; have
equa| ccnditicns, respcnsici|ities and
opportunities for realising their full
human rights and potential; and can
ceneft equa||y frcm t|e resu|ts.
Gender equity
Fairness of treatment for women and
men according to their respective needs
Gender-based violence GBV
T|e use cf pcwer tc enfcrce gender
norms.
Gender discrimination
Discrimination based on gender
differences. Examp|es: wcmen tend tc
get paid less than men; some armies
exclude homosexual men from service.
Gender justice
Fu|| equa|ity and equity cetween wcmen
and men in all spheres of life.
Gender mainstreaming
A strategy which aims to bring about
gender equa|ity in prcgrams and
organisations whose main purpose is
not necessarily gender justice.
Gender norms
What societies expect from women and
men based on their respective gendered
identities.
Gender relations
Ways in which a culture or society
prescribes rights, roles, responsibilities
and identities of women in men in
relation to one another.
Gender roles
T|e rc|es a scciety expects frcm
wcmen and men respective|y. T|ese
roles vary depending on many factors
|intersecticna|ityl, even wit|in a
society.
harmful traditional practice
ractice t|at is rccted in a way cf
t|inking cr acting t|at is in|erited frcm
t|e past, and t|at is |ike|y tc damage
the health and well-being of persons.
Fcr examp|e, FCH{C and fcrced marriage
of teenage girls are harmful traditions.
Glossary of
Key Terms and
Acronyms
Intersectionality
A methodology of studying the
relationships among multiple
dimensions of social relationships and
peoples identity. Intersectionality holds
t|at different types cf cppressicn -
such as racism, sexism and homophobia
- dc nct act independent|y cf cne
another, but interrelate, to create the
intersecticn cf mu|tip|e fcrms cf
discrimination.
MEl
Hcnitcring, eva|uaticn and |earning
partner violence
Violence perpetrated by an intimate
partner. World-wide, most partner
violence is perpetrated by men against
their wives or female partners.
patriarchy
Societal structures and practices that
institutionalise male power over women
and children.
power
T|e aci|ity cr capacity tc perfcrm an act
effective|y, a specifc capacity |as in
|er pcwers cf persuasicnl, strengt|,
authority; might; forcefulness.
power analysis
|n advccacy, pcwer ana|ysis examines
the different types and levels of power
that play a role in a situation. (Also used
as a technical term in statistics, with a
different meaning.)
rights based approach
| way cf wcrking t|at |Il is cased cn t|e
idea t|at a|| |uman ceings are cf equa|
value and have rights that must be
upheld at all times, and that (2) aims to
ensure people can claim their rights with
t|e duty-cearers - i.e. t|cse w|c are
responsible for protecting their rights
(for example, governments).
Safe programming
rcgramming t|at identifes key risks,
and t|at avcids increasing t|ese risks
and other negative effects for the
women and girls, men and boys involved.
Sex
T|e cic|cgica| differences cetween
men, women and intersex persons, i.e.
the biological, physical and genetic
composition with which we are born.
Sexual orientation
Someones viable attraction to (a)
specifc gender|sl. Fcr examp|e,
someone who is attracted to members
of the opposite gender is heterosexual.
Women who are attracted to women
are lesbians; bisexual persons can
be attracted to someone of the same
gender or someone of a different
gender; asexual persons are not sexually
attracted to other people at all.
Sexual abuse
|ny kind cf ncn-ccnsensua| sexua|
ccntact, suc| as rape. Refusa| tc use
contraception, deliberately causing
unwanted pain during sex, and
deliberately passing on sexual diseases
are also forms of sexual abuse.
Any sexual act, including touching and
insinuations, that involves children is
sexual abuse.
Stereotype
rejudice - widespread, simp|ifed
conceptions of people. Ideas such as
a|| |cmcsexua|s are feminine cr a||
men are vic|ent are sterectypes.
Support services
Organised assistance. Support services
to VAW survivors include, among others,
health care, legal aid, shelter and
psycho-social counselling.
Survivor
A person who has experienced
vic|ence. T|is term emp|asises t|e
persons capacity to overcome a violent
experience. Since it is respectful and
empowering it should be preferred over
t|e term victim.
transformation
Fundamental, lasting change.
Transfcrmaticn in 0xfams gender justice
wcrk refers tc fundamenta| c|ange in
the structures and cultures of societies.
VAW - Violence against women
Cender-cased vic|ence t|at targets
women.
Victim
A person who has experienced violence.
|n Eng|is|, t|e term survivcr is mcre
respectfu| cf t|e perscns dignity. T|e
term victim s|cu|d ce used cn|y wit|
persons who have died from a violent
attack, cr in |ega| prcceedings.
Violence
T|e intenticna| use cf fcrce cr pcwer,
threatened or actual, against oneself,
another person, or against a group
or community, that either results in
cr |as a |ig| |ike|i|ccd cf resu|ting
in injury, death, psychological harm,
maldevelopment or deprivation.
QUEStIoNS AND INDICAtorS
T|e purpcse cf t|e 0xfam guide is tc ccntricute tc c|ear and ccnsistent messaging cn vic|ence against wcmen |\|wl and gender-
cased vic|ence |CE\l, acrcss t|e ccnfederaticn as we|| as in ccmmunicaticn wit| partners. Hcst users cf t|e guide are |ike|y tc ce
0xfam staff. hence, t|e fccus cf t|e key questicns and indicatcrs ce|cw is cn 0xfam. T|is |ist is nct ex|austive - questicns can ce
added and remcved tc ft specifc ccntexts.
Suggestions for
Monitoring
Implementation of the oxfam Guide on Ending Violence Against Women
Questions
Does oxfam develop more effective programs to end violence
against women?
0hE0kLI8T lIk0I0AT0k8J
|s it easy fcr prcgram and campaigns staff tc deve|cp
programs to end violence against women?
w|at makes it diffcu|t wit|in cur cffce tc prcmcte wcrk tc
end \|w? hcw dc we cverccme suc| diffcu|ties?
w|at ct|er diffcu|ties dc we face w|en prcmcting wcrk
tc end \|w? w|at effcrts dc we make tc cverccme t|ese
diffcu|ties?
0c we systematica||y ccnsu|t wcmen and gir|s cf different
cackgrcunds, inc|uding survivcrs cf vic|ence, w|en
designing wcrk cn vic|ence against wcmen?
0c we wcrk wit| men and wcmen, ccys and gir|s in cur
initiatives to end violence against women?
0c we use gender ana|ysis and an exp|icit t|ecry cf c|ange
when designing interventions to end violence against
women?
Is there broad support among female and male oxfam staff of
diverse backgrounds for oxfams commitment to ending VAW?
0ces cur 0xfam cffce crganise interna| and externa| events
to discuss and address violence against women?
0c mcst cf cur ma|e and fema|e staff memcers cf varicus
cackgrcunds participate in t|ese events? |f nct - w|at can
we do to raise more interest?
|s |preventicn cfl vic|ence against wcmen raised as an issue
when developing and monitoring programs and campaigns?
Questions
Do oxfam staff members have a basic understanding of
oxfams transformative approach?

0hE0kLI8T lIk0I0AT0k8J
|re 0xfam staff memcers ac|e tc exp|ain 0xfams
transformative approach to end violence against women
without using jargon?
0ces prcgram and campaign dccumentaticn present wcmen
as change agents, rather than passive recipients of aid?
0ces cur dccumentaticn cn \|w take intc acccunt pecp|es
complex identities and the multiple dimensions of social
relationships?
Do oxfam staff members grasp basic concepts of gender and
violence against women?

|re ccncepts suc| as empcwerment, fema|e genita|
cutting{ muti|aticn, gender, gender-cased vic|ence, |armfu|
traditional practice and violence against women used
ccrrect|y in speaking and writing?
|re 0xfam staff memcers ac|e tc exp|ain t|ese ccncepts in a
simple manner, without using jargon?
proCESSES for MoNItorING AND
ExpErIENCE-ShArING
Hcnitcring is cn|y usefu| if everycne w|c matters in an
intervention can contribute to it and the information reaches
everyone who needs it. Ideally, participants and partners in
0xfams wcrk tc end vic|ence against wcmen s|cu|d ccntricute
to monitoring and experience-sharing.
Rcutines: T|e c|eck|ist s|cwn in t|e questicns and
indicatcrs accve can ce cui|t intc rcutine prccesses, suc|
as staff meetings, staff assessments, monitoring visits and
evaluations.
Extra prccesses: Tc ensure vic|ence against wcmen receives
all the attention it needs, it may be a good idea to organise
regu|ar mcments fcr refecticn. T|is ccu|d ce simp|y a series cf
informal discussions over lunch, where colleagues and visitors
share their experience. A more formalised option would be
an annua| |earning day, w|ere key experience and |esscns
learned could be shared in a more structured manner.
Survivors of violence against women
...all can participate
in monitoring
Oxfam partner organisations
Women and girls, men and boys
we work with or try to influence
Oxfam staff
rESoUrCES
Key oxfam Internal documents
Available to Oxfam Staff on SUMUS
0xfam Statement cn Suppcrt tc a
Transfcrmative |pprcac| tc Ending
CE\ and \|w |June ?OIIl
0| h||0E00|: Cender Equa|ity and
wcmens Rig|ts in Emergencies |?OI?l
0xfam Cender in Emergencies
Hinimum Standards |?OI?l
Cender Justice c|icy Ccmpendium: |
collection of OIs policy positions on
gender equa|ity and wcmens rig|ts
(2011)
0xfam 0uick Cuide tc cwer |na|ysis
in advccacy: |ttp:{{www.pcwercuce.
net{wp-ccntent{up|cads{?OO9{II{
quickguidetcpcwerana|ysis
externa|fna|.pdf
Haking Cender Eased \ic|ence
rcgramming Exp|icit: |n 0xfam
Review Ey ||exandra ittman |Hay
2011)
Cender Justice C|ange Cca| CE\
rescurce page cn Sumus cffers |inks
to internal reports and resources:
|ttps:{{sumus.cxfam.crg{gender-
justice-program-development-
suppcrt-grcup-gj-pds{wiki{
resources-gender-based-violence
other key resources
|| w0HE| \irtua| |ncw|edge Centre
tc End \ic|ence against wcmen
www.endvawnow.org: a rich,
growing collection of step-by-step
instructions, references and tools for
prcgrams and campaigns. Current|y
available learning modules (April
?OI?l: Campaigns, hea|t|, Justice,
Legis|aticn, Hen S Ecys, Safe Cities,
Security
||SC ||nter-|gency Standing
Ccmmitteel Cuide|ines fcr Cender-
based Violence Interventions in
humanitarian Settings |?OOSl,
avai|ac|e cn |ttp:{{www.un|cr.
crg{S9??9.|tm| and www.
|umanitarianinfc.crg{iasc{. T|e |atter
site includes resources on protection
from sexual abuse and exploitation in
several languages
|| w0HE| |as a wec-page wit| news
and |inks tc a|| majcr || rescurces
cn vic|ence against wcmen, in S
|anguages: |ttp:{{www.un.crg{
wcmenwatc|{daw{vaw{ |n additicn,
there is a special page for the
Specia| Rappcrteur cn \|w: |ttp:{{
www.c|c|r.crg{E|{|ssues{wcmen{
SRwcmen{ages{SRwcmen|ndex.
aspx
Lcri heise{ 0F|0. w|at wcrks tc
revent artner \ic|ence - |n
Evidence 0verview |?OIIl. T|e |ig|
qua|ity repcrt inc|udes an updated
versicn cf t|e Ccnceptua| Framewcrk
fcr artner \ic|ence used cy t|e || -
a mandatory reference for anyone who
wcrks cn vic|ence against wcmen.
|ttp:{{www.dfd.gcv.uk{R0{0F{
0utputs{Cender{GO88-reventing
partnervic|enceJan?OI?.pdf
T|e \ic|ence reventicn |||iance, |ed
by the World Health Organisation,
offers rich information, including
on the public health and ecological
apprcac|es tc end vic|ence |ttp:{{
www.w|c.int{vic|encepreventicn{en{
|w|0 rimer |ntersecticna|ity: | Tcc|
fcr Cender and Eccncmic Justice - an
exp|anaticn cf |ntersecticna|ity and
|cw it can ce used in gender equa|ity
advccacy, avai|ac|e cn |ttp:{{
www.awid.crg{eng{ccntent{view{
fu||{I8S{7?8|anguage7?9{eng-CE
|w|0 |as a|sc deve|cped usefu|
principles for monitoring and
evaluation, for womens organisations
||ttp:{{www.awid.crg{Licrary{
Strengt|ening-Hcnitcring-and-
Eva|uaticn-fcr-wcmen-s-Rig|ts-
T|irteen-|nsig|ts-fcr-wcmen-
s-0rganizaticnsland fcr dcncrs
respective|y ||ttp:{{www.awid.crg{
Licrary{Strengt|ening-Hcnitcring-
and-Eva|uaticn-fcr-wcmen-s-Rig|ts-
Twe|ve-|nsig|ts-fcr-0cncrsl,
T|e ER|0CE is a prcgram cf t|e
Institute for Development studies
with a searchable web-based library
cn gender issues, inc|uding cver SOO
repcrts cn CE\{\|w. |ttp:{{www.
cridge.ids.ac.uk{
Annexes
thE oxfAM INtErNAtIoNAl
StAtEMENt oN GBV/VAW
8TATEKEkT 0k 80PP0kT T0 A
transformative Approach
T0 Ek0Ik0 08V Ak0 VAw
our understanding of the problem
Oxfam envisions a safe and just world,
where women and girls gain power over
every aspect of their lives and live free
frcm vic|ence. Cender cased vic|ence
|CE\l, and specifca||y vic|ence against
women (VAW), is a violation of womens
rights, a barrier to womens active
citizens|ip, and |ence, a fundamenta|
constraint to poverty alleviation. It
limits womens choices and ability to
access education, earn a living and
participate in political and public life.
T|e e|iminaticn cf CE\, and \|w in
particu|ar, are essentia| fcr rea|izing
gender justice.
Oxfam understands that VAW is a global
pandemic t|at kncws nc ccundaries.
|ts e|iminaticn requires deep structura|
changes and powerful global, regional
and local womens movements,
netwcrks and crganizaticns tc cui|d cn
the gains that have been made towards
ending VAW. New alliances and support
fcr t|is wcrk cy wider sccia| mcvements
are also needed to support this agenda.
0ehning VAw and 68V
Oxfam is concerned with the root causes
of poverty and suffering. We understand
CE\ tc ce a structura| fcrm cf vic|ence
perpetuated on the basis of gendered
identities and unequa| gendered pcwer
re|aticns. CE\ is an expressicn cf
t|ese unequa| re|aticns. |t is rccted
in patriarc|y and instituticna|ized
gender inequa|ities and is a primary
mechanism to control womens bodies,
sexuality, and autonomy.
T|e mcst ccmmcn and pervasive fcrm
cf CE\ is \|w
. How it is experienced
depends on how gender intersects
with other identities (i.e. race, colour,
caste, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
religion, socio-economic class,
ability, etc) to create multiple forms
of discrimination and denial of rights.
0xfam uses t|e defniticn cf \|w in
the United Nations Declaration on
t|e E|iminaticn cf \ic|ence against
Women: Violence against women means
any act of gender- based violence
t|at resu|ts in, cr is |ike|y tc resu|t in,
physical, sexual or psychological harm
or suffering to women, including threats
of such acts, coercion or arbitrary
deprivation of liberty, whether occurring
in public or in private life
.
w|i|e t|is defniticn guides 0xfams
wcrk, we ackncw|edge t|at partners
wi|| use t|eir cwn |ccntextl specifc
defniticns cf CE\ and \|w
S
.
Understanding context is also important
for understanding opportunities for
change. For instance, while culture is
often used to justify harmful practices,
it can also become a powerful force for
pcsitive c|ange. |nd in ccnfict and
|umanitarian situaticns, t|e creakdcwn
in social norms and increased impunity
can intensify CE\, cut can a|sc create
greater awareness cf t|e prcc|em cf CE\
and opportunities to reduce its social
acceptance and incidence.
oxfams transformative approach to
ending GBV and VAW
|n a|| cf cur wcrk tcwards Cender Justice,
we promote a transformative approach
tc c|ange. T|e ccre ccmpcnents cf t|is
approach are that it is:
is rig|ts cased,
aims tc transfcrm gender pcwer
relations
G
and norms based on a
gendered power analysis
;
inccrpcrates an understanding cf
how multiple identities intersect to
create and sustain discrimination and
violence;
faci|itates and suppcrts individua| and
collective capacity for sustainable
change;
suppcrts wcmens articu|aticn cf t|eir
own political voice and agendas
as we|| as partners identifcaticn cf
needs and implementation of their
own agendas.
|pp|ied tc cur wcrk cn CE\ and \|w,
t|is requires a mu|ti-faceted strategic
approach, that catalyses and fosters
change at individual and collective
levels, in informal and informal
domains; shifts womens and mens
attitudes and beliefs; and increases
womens abilities to access resources,
cultural norms and formal institutions,
laws and policies.
we reccgnize t|e critica| impcrtance
of individual power as a means to
fostering collective action and
longer-term community and
societal transformation. Yet we
pricritize cc||ective pcwer and
womens movement building, with
our primary constituents being
wcmens mcvements, netwcrks and
crganizaticns. we reccgnize t|at t|e
respcnsici|ities fcr and cenefts cf
prcmcting gender equa|ity and an end cf
CE\ and \|w rests wit| a|| memcers cf
scciety. Tc t|is end, we wcrk wit| wider
social movements, and non-traditional
allies, such as men and boys, and
religious leaders to magnify, support
and sustain the efforts so often
driven cy wcmens rig|ts crganizaticns.
T|is transfcrmative apprcac| s|cu|d
become mainstreamed, as a non-
negotiable, good practice throughout
Oxfam.
T|rcug| cur CE\{\|w prcgrams we seek
the following outcomes:
wcmens CE0s, crganizaticns and
netwcrks wcrking cn CE\ and \|w are
reccgnized as |egitimate actcrs in
society and by the institutions that
t|ey want tc infuence, inc|uding
Oxfam;
uc|ic services and instituticns are
transformed to empower women
experiencing VAW and provide support
to them to become active agents of
change;
Legis|aticn cn CE\ and \|w exists,
is applied and is used by people to
defend their rights;
Strengt|ened wcmens crganisaticns,
in particular new, emerging groups of
young womens organisations, who are
able to hold duty bearers to account;
|ncreased suppcrt frcm ct|er sccia|
movements and non-traditional actors
- such as men and boys, religious
leaders - for womens efforts to hold
duty bearers to account; and
S|ifts in attitudes, ideas and ce|iefs
about gender relations among men and
women
humanitarian systems and respcnse
incorporate the values and practice of
a transformative approach to ending
CE\ and \|w.
We support the following strategies for
change:
I. Strengt|ening crganizaticns: Suppcrt
tc existing wcmens crganizaticns,
netwcrks and mcvements - as we||
as an emphasis on new, emerging
and ycung wcmens crganizaticns
- t|at strengt|ens t|eir capacity,
leadership, and movement for
change, by providing core and
institutional support and multi-
year programs that increase their
sustainability.
2. Developing strategic alliances
with womens rights movements,
crganizaticns and netwcrks tc |ead
in advccacy wit| key internaticna|
institutions.
. Training and awareness raising:
Tc prcmcte c|anges in attitudes
and beliefs in women and men that
perpetuate the social acceptance of
CE\, and tc strengt|en a netwcrk cf
activists engaging in strategies to
transform power and the root causes
cf CE\ and \|w, frcm grassrccts tc
global levels.
. Suppcrting advccacy fcr |aw refcrm
and imp|ementaticn tc end CE\,
through efforts to challenge impunity
and hold governments and other
duty bearers to account for providing
adequate services and respcnse fcr
wcrk experiencing \|w.
S. Suppcrting inncvative service
infrastructures and delivery that are
driven by and respond to the needs
and interest of women experiencing
VAW.
G. Engaging wit| men and ccys tc
promote changes in gender-based
power relations and to build a broader
constituency against VAW.
. Suppcrting acticn researc| and
learning to strengthen the global
evidence base of good practice,
particu|ar|y in t|e ccntext cf ccnfict
and humanitarian response.
8. Eui|ding a g|cca| netwcrk cf
crganizaticns tc advccate fcr
humanitarian response to address
t|e rcct causes cf CE\.
9. 0eve|cping s|ared tracking systems
to guide innovative funding
strategies fcr wcrk cn CE\ ceginning
with a comprehensive review of
rescurces 0xfam dedicates tc wcrk in
this area.
IO. Cata|yzing c|ange wit|in 0xfam
by identifying and nurturing
internal champions, and building
staff awareness, capacity and
commitment at all levels, to ensure
that Oxfam does not reproduce
gender and other forms of
discrimination and violence, and
becomes a more effective and
effcient agent cf c|ange.
Monitoring, Evaluation and learning
(MEl)
we are deve|cping HEL systems t|at
make exp|icit cur ccntricuticn tc
how transformative change happens
in re|aticn tc CE\ and \|w. 0ur HEL
apprcac| needs tc refect t|e fact t|at
t|e kinds cf c|anges we are seeking
tc suppcrt wi|| take time and inc|udes
cack|as| and reversa|s. |s suc| we
pricritize inncvative |earning eva|uaticns
and assessments to capture the complex
c|anges t|at we are seeking, |cwever
incremental, and we support our
partners to do the same, through
participatcry apprcac|es tc tracking
changes in peoples lives.
thE oxfAM polICy
CoMpENDIUM oN GBV/VAW
2. oxfams thematic policy
positions on gender equality
and womens rights
2.1 Violence Against Women and Girls
8

Oxfam envisions a safe and just world,
where women and girls gain power over
every aspect of their lives and live free
frcm vic|ence. T|is is a fundamenta|
prerequisite tc t|e autcncmy and
empowerment of women and girls.
Violence against women (VAW), is a
violation of womens rights, a barrier to
wcmens active citizens|ip, and |ence,
a fundamental constraint to poverty
alleviation. It limits womens choices and
ability to access education, earn a living
and participate in political and public life.
T|e e|iminaticn cf \|w is essentia| fcr
rea|izing gender justice. T|e |arge sca|e
acceptance of violence against women
and impunity worldwide shows the global
community is failing women and girls on
this issue.
rationale:
Violence against women is one of the
most pervasive violations of human rights
wcr|dwide. Hen and ccys tcc experience
violence and sexual abuse, especially in
ccnfict. |n a|| ccuntries, vic|ence against
women has devastating long-term
effects, not only on women but on their
fami|ies and scciety. T|e |cme is cften
the most dangerous place for women
and many live in daily fear of violence.
One in three women will experience
physical or sexual violence from men,
usua||y scmecne kncwn tc t|em, in t|eir
lifetime
9
. Every year, GO mi||icn gir|s are
sexually assaulted either at or going to
and from school
10
. Domestic violence
is ncw cut|awed in I?S ccuntries cut,
g|cca||y, GO mi||icn wcmen |ive in
countries where domestic violence is
not considered a crime
11
. T|e systematic
use cf sexua| vic|ence is ncw a defning
and deliberate tactic of war. Women who
have experienced violence are up to
t|ree times mcre |ike|y tc ce |iving wit|
HIV
12
. |t is estimated t|at mcre t|an IO
million girls and women alive today have
undergcne Fema|e Cenita| Huti|aticn
|FCHl, wit| twc mi||icn gir|s a year at
risk cf muti|aticn
I
. Women and girls are
subject to forced marriages and sexual
harassment by relatives. Violence against
women robs women of control over their
own bodies, sexuality and lives. It is not
only a major cause of death, ill-health
and disability, violence against women
acts as a creak cn prcgress tcwards t|e
H0Cs and wider deve|cpment ccjectives
by limiting womens choices and ability
to access education, earn money or
participate in political and public life.
Important progress has been made
internationally as a result of years of
|cccying cy wcmens crganizaticns
and womens movements in promoting
international standards and norms
that clarify obligations of states to
prevent, eradicate and punish all forms
of violence against women and girls in
the private and public sphere, by state
and ncn-state actcrs, inc|uding CE0|w,
T|e 0ec|araticn cn t|e E|iminaticn
of Violence against Women, Security
Ccunci| Resc|uticns cn wcmen, eace
and Security |especia||y I?S and I8?Ol,
and t|e Eeijing |atfcrm fcr |cticn.
Oxfam supports transformative
approaches to ending VAW in order to
address its rcct causes. T|is apprcac|
is based on an understanding that
violence against women is structural in
nature and is perpetuated on the basis of
gender rc|es and identities and unequa|
pcwer re|aticns. Effecting |asting c|ange
in t|is ccntext requires acticn cn a
massive sca|e. |t requires a mu|ti-faceted
strategic approach that catalyses
and fosters change at individual and
collective levels, in informal and informal
domains; shifts womens and mens
attitudes and beliefs; leverages wider
sccia| mcvements tc wcrk tcwards an
end of VAW; and increases womens
ability to access resources, cultural
norms and formal institutions, laws and
policies.
However, many initiatives to address
t|e prcc|em |ack cc|erence, funding,
and concrete actions, structures,
systems to implement and monitor
their implementation at all political
levels, especially the national level.
T|e |arge sca|e persistence cf a|| fcrms
of violence against women and the
continuing impunity of its perpetrators
demonstrates an urgent need to
develop comprehensive and coordinated
strategies to address this problem.
Signed off policy:
End a|| \ic|ence against wcmen.
| fundamenta| prerequisite tc t|e
empowerment of women and the
rea|izaticn cf t|eir fu|| pctentia| wcmen
is to be free from all forms as well as
t|e t|reat cf vic|ence. T|e |arge sca|e
acceptance of violence against women
and impunity worldwide shows the global
community is failing women and girls on
this issue. We call for a comprehensive
international action plan to address
this issue politically, again with time-
bound targets and explicit accountability
mechanisms.
Scurce: 0| c|icy csiticn, St| Sessicn
cf t|e Ccmmissicn cn t|e Status cf
wcmen |CSwl, ISt| |nniversary cf t|e
Eeijing |atfcrm fcr |cticn cn wcmen,
0eve|cpment and eace, |ew Ycrk, I- I?
Harc| ?OIO.
Oxfam joins other development actors,
governments and the UN urging that:
\|w is reccgnized as a g|cca|
human rights issue as well as a core
development issue, and as such must
be addressed through both domestic
policy and foreign or international
development policy interventions.
We urge governments and the
international community to agree to a
comprehensive international action plan
to address Violence Against Women,
which would:
|nc|ude time-ccund targets, g|cca|
mcnitcring framewcrks and exp|icit
accountability mechanisms;
rcmcte t|e deve|cpment cf tcc|s
t|at defne t|e prcc|em apprcpriate|y,
standardize mcnitcring indicatcrs
and intensify rescurce mcci|izaticn
for improved national and global data
collection, disaggregated by age
and other factors, on its prevalence
worldwide;
|dentify strategies tc address t|e ways
in which violence affects groups of
women in different ways because of
their race, ethnicity, disability, sexual
orientation, age, belief or religion;
Stipu|ate t|at preventicn and respcnse
to violence against women and girls
are inccrpcrated intc key naticna|
deve|cpment and funding framewcrks,
inc|uding cverty Reducticn Strategies,
|aticna| 0eve|cpment |ans, H0C-
related plans and Sector Wide
Approaches (Swaps).
Reccgnize and strengt|en wcmens
crganizaticns and netwcrks, inc|uding
ccmmunity cased crganizaticns and
new or emerging young womens
grcups wcrking cn CE\ and \|w sc
they are able to hold duty bearers
tc acccunt. Reccgnize t|ese
crganizaticns and grcups as |egitimate
actors in society, create space for
their participation in policy forums, and
ensure t|at t|ey are ackncw|edged cy
t|e instituticns t|ey want tc infuence,
rcmcte we||-funded puc|ic services
and institutions which can provide
integrated and comprehensive
assistance that is designed and
delivered in a way that meets the
needs of women experiencing VAW
and empowers them to become active
agents of change;
Ensure t|at CE0|w |egis|aticn cn
VAW exists, is adopted, enforced and
implemented at all levels such so that
women can defend their rights;
|ncrease suppcrt frcm ct|er sccia|
movements and non-traditional actors
- such as men and boys, religious
|eaders - fcr wcmens effcrts tc |c|d
duty bearers to account;
wcrk tc s|ift attitudes, ideas, and
beliefs about gender relations on men
and women;
rcmcte |umanitarian systems and
response that incorporate the values
and practice of a transformative
apprcac| tc ending CE\ and \|w.
NOTES
1 |ttp:{{www.un.crg{en{wcmen{endvic|ence{pdf{\|w.pdf
2 |martya Sen, Hissing wcmen. EHJ. \c|ume O. Harc| I99?.
T|e terms gender-cased vic|ence and vic|ence against wcmen are nct interc|angeac|e cut t|ere may ce a preference fcr cne term cver t|e ct|er depending
on context and strategy.
we a|sc reference || Security Resc|uticns I?S, I888, and I889 w|ic| re|ate tc vic|ence against wcmen in ccnfict situaticns.
S CE\ takes many different fcrms inc|uding dcmestic vic|ence, sexua| vic|ence, state vic|ence and mi|itarism, sex se|ecticn, fcrced marriages, |armfu|
traditicna| practices, vic|ence cased cn sexua| crientaticn cr ct|er identities, suc| as et|nicity cr re|igicn, traffcking, fcrced prcstituticn, sexua|
|arassment.CE\ cccurs in different spaces, inc|uding t|e |cme, ccmmunity, crganizaticns, and state instituticns, t|e manifestaticns cf w|ic| are cu|tura||y
specifc.
G T|e ccncepts pcwer tc, pcwer wit|, and pcwer wit|in are a|sc used tc express pcwer in ways t|at creates t|e pcssici|ity cf fcrming mcre equitac|e
re|aticns|ips and capture t|e impcrtance tc sccia| c|ange cf individua| agency and cc||ective acticn, frcm | |ew weave cf cwer, ecp|e and c|itics, Lisa
\ene||asen wit| \a|erie Hi||er, Just |sscciates, ?OO.
One component of the gendered power analysis includes intersectional analysis and the way in which multiple identities interact with oppressions,
contributing to systemic discriminations.
8 See 0xfam Statement cn Suppcrt tc Transfcrmative |pprcac| tc Ending CE\ and \|w fcr crief cverview cf t|e princip|es, cutccmes and strategies cf t|is wcrk.
||ttps:{{sumus.cxfam.crg{wcrks|cp-tcwards-mcre-unifed-ci-apprcac|-ending-gender-cased-vic|ence-mcntrea|-june-G--and-8-?O-?l.
9 |||TE tc end \ic|ence |gainst wcmen, Fact S|eet, |ttp:{{www.un.crg{en{wcmen{endvic|ence{pdf{\|w.pdf.
10 |cticn|id, 0estined tc Fai|? hcw vic|ence against wcmen is undcing deve|cpment, Harc| ?OIO.
11 || wcmen, rcgress cf t|e wcr|ds wcmen, Justice, June ?OII.
12 |tp:{{www.unifem.crg{genderissues{vic|enceagainstwcmen{factsfguresnctes.|tm|=I
Ending Violence Against Women | OXFAM iii
iv OXFAM | Ending Violence Against Women
Oxfam International November 2012.
First printed 2012.
CoVEr photo
Sri Lankan womens rights activist Ganawathi takes part in
a performance depicting women breaking the silence and
speaking out against violence against women
Annie Bungeroth/Oxfam
www.oxfam.org

Ending Violence Against Women: An Oxfam Guide

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ending Violence Against Women: An Oxfam Guide

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ending Violence Against Women | OXFAM i

Ending violence against women is everyones responsibility.

-UNITED NATIONS SECRETARy-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON IN AN INTERVIEW ON hIS

You might also like