In Humanitarian Settings, Addressing Gender-Based Violence is Paramount

Feb 3, 2021 | Sara Matthews
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“One hundred thirty-seven women are killed by a family member every day,” said Beth Schlachter, Executive Director of Family Planning 2020. “That’s a staggering statistic.” She spoke at a recent Wilson Center event about gender-based violence (GBV) in conflict and humanitarian settings in partnership with CARE, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Save the Children, and the Women’s Refugee Commission. The event was a part of a Wilson Center series recognizing the United Nation’s “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” and commemorated our friend and colleague, Jennifer Schlecht. The rights of women and girls are “fundamentally undermined” when they are subjected to gender-based violence, said Schlachter. Unfortunately, GBV is not uncommon. Thirty-five percent of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence. Individuals living in conflict and humanitarian settings are particularly vulnerable, as violence against women increases in times of crisis, she said. This phenomenon makes addressing GBV in these settings especially urgent.