Gender-Based Violence & Social Norm Change

Gender Based Violence (GBV), deeply rooted in cultural belief, harmful norms, and patriarchal gender roles, has become a pervasive issue in the Maldives. Despite legal frameworks promoting gender equality, a disturbing prevalence of violence against women persists. Our mission is to combat GBV, drive social norm change, and create a safe, equitable society for all.

Tragically, 1 in 3 women in the Maldives report experiencing violence in their lifetime, with 1 in 4 women subjected to intimate partner violence. Additionally, 26% of women (aged 15-49) believe that certain circumstances can justify a partner’s violent actions.

Our strategy to tackle GBV encompasses:

• Integrating Support Services: We aim to embed services for GBV survivors within health services, providing the essential medical, psychosocial, and legal support. With this survivor-centered approach we can help ensure comprehensive assistance is offered in times of need.
• Preventing Violence: We aim to tackle GBV at its roots, by challenging harmful social norms and promoting positive masculinity, actively involving men and boys in the process to prevent violence.
• Harmonizing Laws and Policies: Our goal is to align national laws within international best practices, removing discriminatory provisions, and advocating for survivors’ rights. We aim to seek an approach that offers a more effective, empathetic legal support system.

Under the umbrella of the United Nations Sustainable Development Corporation Framework, UNFPA’s 7th country program prioritizes:

• Referral Coordination: We aim to strengthen the national referral coordination system for a survivor-centered response.
• Gender and Social Norm Transformation: Transforming the harmful norms and stereotypes to prevent GBV. 
• Legal Alignment: Working towards harmonizing national laws and policies with international human rights standards.

Change begins with a commitment to societal transformation. Join us today in our endeavor to create a future where everyone lives free from the chains of GBV.