Training Course on Gender Based Violence

Course Overview

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations, affecting individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds across the world. This training course provides participants with a deep understanding of GBV, its root causes, consequences, and effective prevention and response strategies.

Participants will examine the various forms of GBV, explore its social and cultural determinants, and gain practical skills for supporting survivors and implementing preventive actions. The course also emphasizes survivor-centered approaches and the importance of coordination among stakeholders to strengthen GBV response systems.

By the end of the training, participants will have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to contribute to the global efforts aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based violence — creating safer, more equitable, and inclusive communities.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of gender-based violence and its various forms.
• Examine the root causes and social determinants of GBV.
• Assess the impact of GBV on individuals, families, and communities.
• Gain knowledge of international frameworks, policies, and legal instruments related to GBV.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in GBV prevention and response.
• Learn strategies for prevention, early intervention, and survivor-centered response.
• Strengthen skills in providing psychosocial and survivor support.
• Promote gender equality and challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence.
• Build collaboration and coordination mechanisms among GBV actors.
• Develop actionable plans for implementing effective GBV prevention and response initiatives.

Course Duration: 5 days

Who Can Attend the Course?

This course is ideal for:

• Program and project managers
• Gender and protection officers
• Social workers and community development practitioners
• Health and legal service providers
• Humanitarian and development workers
• Government and civil society actors engaged in GBV programming

Organizational Impact

By sending participants to this training course, the organization will gain the following benefits:

• Strengthened institutional capacity to design and implement survivor-centered GBV prevention and response programs.
• Improved compliance with global protection and gender equality standards.
• Enhanced ability to coordinate GBV interventions across sectors and stakeholders.
• Increased staff competence in identifying, reporting, and responding to GBV cases ethically and effectively.
• A safer and more inclusive organizational culture that prioritizes dignity, equality, and protection from abuse.

Personal Impact

By attending this course, participants will acquire the following benefits, skills, and competencies:

• Deeper understanding of GBV dynamics and the root causes of violence.
• Practical skills for identifying, preventing, and responding to GBV cases.
• Increased confidence in applying survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
• Enhanced ability to advocate for gender equality and human rights.
• Strengthened leadership in implementing GBV initiatives within their organizations and communities.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Gender-Based Violence

• Sex vs. Gender: What is the Difference?
• Defining Gender-Based Violence its Forms and Consequences
• Causes and Contributing Factors of GBV
• Types of GBV
• Human Rights

Module 2: Preventing Gender Based Violence

• Introduction to GBV prevention
• Reducing risks and vulnerabilities
• Prevention measures in GBV key prevention areas
• Engaging men and boys in GBV prevention
• Identifying prevention activities
• Challenges in GBV prevention

Module 3: Responding to Gender-Based Violence

• Survivor-centred Response
• Survivor-centred Health Care
• Psychosocial and Mental Health
• The referral pathway

Module 4: The Core Principles for a Code of Conduct

• Understanding core values
• Commitment to the code of conduct
• Core principles
• Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation
• Developing code of conduct for staff and non-staff

Module 5: GBV and Law

• Sexual Offences Act (Country specific)
• Domestic Violence Act (Country specific)
• Child Rights Act (Country Specific)
• The pathway to formal justice

Module 6: Action Against Gender-Based Violence

• Multi-sectoral Action
• Interagency, Multisectoral Coordination
• Existing national and institutional action to combat gender-based violence
• Gender-based Violence Assistance organisations

Module 7: Developing a Programmatic Response for GBV

• Guiding principles for GBV coordination and programming
• Programming approaches in GBV response
• Inclusive GBV programming
• Understanding different models for GBV programming
• Design and development of GBV response programs

Module 8: GBV Reporting Mechanisms

• Levels of reporting
• Barriers to reporting GBV
• Ethical standards in GBV reporting
• Developing GBV reporting approaches

Note: This course outline provides a general structure for the GBV course. The specific content, activities, and duration of each session may be adjusted based on the target audience, learning objectives, and available time.