This chapter examines the effect of violent conflict in Africa on gender-based violence (GBV). Violent conflict has had profound impacts on various aspects of society, including sexual and reproductive health. The breakdown of societal structures during such conflicts exacerbates the risks of sexual violence and other forms of GBV, as protective mechanisms diminish and law enforcement weakens. While there is recognition of the heightened risk of GBV during conflicts, there is limited research exploring the diverse forms, causes, and consequences of GBV across different conflict settings and among various affected populations. Using a purposive sampling approach, one conflict-affected state was selected from each region: Mozambique (Southern Africa), Nigeria (Western Africa), Libya (Northern Africa), Sudan (Eastern Africa), and the Central African Republic (Central Africa). In these regions, conflict arises from factors like political instability, ethnic divisions, and competition for resources. Such conflicts lead to widespread instability and heighten the risks of GBV, particularly against women and girls. Adopting a qualitative method of data gathering and analysis, it was revealed that the prevalence of GBV in this region is a testament to the breakdown of human rights protection, the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators, and the challenges faced by survivors in accessing support services. Despite international efforts to address GBV, these case studies show that the protection of women and girls from GBV in the face of ongoing violence and deeply rooted societal norms remains elusive. The chapter reveals that absence of criminal justice system, cultural complexities, poverty, and unequal power relations continue to hinder their effectiveness, necessitating a multifaceted approach that addresses immediate vulnerabilities and long-term societal norms.

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Dynamics of Violent Conflict and Gender-Based Violence in Africa

  • Omosefe Oyekanmi

摘要

This chapter examines the effect of violent conflict in Africa on gender-based violence (GBV). Violent conflict has had profound impacts on various aspects of society, including sexual and reproductive health. The breakdown of societal structures during such conflicts exacerbates the risks of sexual violence and other forms of GBV, as protective mechanisms diminish and law enforcement weakens. While there is recognition of the heightened risk of GBV during conflicts, there is limited research exploring the diverse forms, causes, and consequences of GBV across different conflict settings and among various affected populations. Using a purposive sampling approach, one conflict-affected state was selected from each region: Mozambique (Southern Africa), Nigeria (Western Africa), Libya (Northern Africa), Sudan (Eastern Africa), and the Central African Republic (Central Africa). In these regions, conflict arises from factors like political instability, ethnic divisions, and competition for resources. Such conflicts lead to widespread instability and heighten the risks of GBV, particularly against women and girls. Adopting a qualitative method of data gathering and analysis, it was revealed that the prevalence of GBV in this region is a testament to the breakdown of human rights protection, the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators, and the challenges faced by survivors in accessing support services. Despite international efforts to address GBV, these case studies show that the protection of women and girls from GBV in the face of ongoing violence and deeply rooted societal norms remains elusive. The chapter reveals that absence of criminal justice system, cultural complexities, poverty, and unequal power relations continue to hinder their effectiveness, necessitating a multifaceted approach that addresses immediate vulnerabilities and long-term societal norms.