Gender Violence, Family, and Conflict: A Cross-Comparative Study of the Contexts and Challenges in Africa and India

Research studies indicate that there is usually a rise in gender-based violence (GBV) in structurally unequal countries of the Global South, and further intensified during a conflict or a disaster. Over the last few decades, South Asia and regions across Africa have witnessed a high prevalence of GBV characterized by endogenous and extrinsic factors. Although the legal scope and definition of GBV have expanded in recent years with protection laws, gaps exist across policy implementations, as much as in changing perceptions of violence. Drawing from a range of past and current studies on gender violence, this chapter examines the interlinkages between GBV and the underlying socioeconomic factors as a cross-comparative study between India and countries in Africa, and assesses the extent to which structural inequalities are inherent and shape women’s experience of violence in different contexts. From the current source of studies, the chapter concludes that despite considerable progress in education and health for women and girls through policy responses, safety nets and social protection programs have thus far been deficient in addressing GBV. There are presently insufficient mechanisms to respond to gender violence and to address SDG 5, among others.