4 Ways You Can Help Stop Gender-Based Violence
4 Ways You Can Help Stop Gender-Based Violence
The following content references violence women suffer around the world on a daily basis. We understand this content could trigger readers who have their own stories of harm and invite these readers to navigate away from this page at this time. If you would like to give to World Renew to help end gender-based violence without reading further, you may do so here.
Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to a harmful act directed toward someone based on gender. Often rooted in power imbalances and harmful cultural practices, this violence can take many forms—physical harm, exploitation, and the silencing of voices. While GBV can and does impact men and boys, women and girls disproportionately face violence every day around the world. But it doesn’t have to stay this way.
At World Renew, we believe God calls us to a world where all people can flourish, where every woman and girl is valued, and where entire communities work together to end gender‑based violence (GBV).
Making a difference
There are many ways to help victims of GBV, some of whom likely can be found in your own community. Listening with compassion and talking to victims of GBV is a small act of hope that makes a meaningful difference. Having a safe place to share their trauma can help victims begin to heal from emotional distress.
Below are four more ways you can take a stand against GBV—along with some real examples of how your involvement helps create safer, more just communities.
1. Spread awareness of gender-based violence
Ending GBV begins with awareness—understanding that violence against women is not only physical, but also emotional, economic, and systemic. By learning and sharing what GBV looks like in different contexts, you can help break the silence that allows these patterns and behaviors to continue.
You can spread awareness by initiating conversations with others, hosting awareness events at your church, or sharing resources online (like this blog post).
HAPPY’S STORY
Happy lives in a community in Bangladesh where low literacy rates, child marriage, and abuse against women are common. With the help of one of World Renew’s local partners, she learned about the negative effects of child marriage, the value of education and leadership, and the importance of advocating against gender-based violence. Happy became the chairperson of her teen group and now helps empower other girls.
2. Engage and educate men to become agents of change
Men and boys play a crucial role in ending gender‑based violence. When men are educated about GBV, this helps ensure they will be less likely to perpetuate it and will become advocates of change within their culture or society. In their local communities, these men will be able to stop instances of GBV quickly and effectively.
While this is a long-term goal that requires dedication and investment, you can help speed up this process by donating to World Renew’s peace and justice initiatives and supporting groups that educate young men on alternatives to drugs and violence, the importance of finishing their education, and what it looks like to honor women.
FRANCISCO’S TRANSFORMATION
Francisco used to beat his wife and didn’t give her a say in their finances or any decisions. Through World Renew and its local partner in Zambia, Francisco became involved in a gender justice project in his village. He realized he needed to change and started working on being a better husband. Angela, Francisco’s wife, confirmed his transformation with a smile. “We no longer have problems in our marriage because we do everything together,” she shared. Francisco also has become a role model in his community and is committed to championing gender rights.
3. Advocate against domestic violence
Domestic violence is a prevalent type of GBV. According to a report from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in the last five years, at least 1.1 million people have experienced domestic violence in the U.S. alone. Nearly 75 percent of those victims are women.
Whether you speak up in your church, your city council, or your broader community, you can help create environments where domestic violence is not tolerated and survivors are supported.
4. Join World Renew’s Free A Family® program
One of the most powerful ways to help end GBV is to support families as they work to break cycles of poverty. Poverty and GBV are deeply interconnected—when families lack resources and opportunities, women and girls tend to be more vulnerable to exploitation, early marriage, and abuse.
Through World Renew’s Free A Family program, your ongoing monthly support helps families access the training, income opportunities, and community support they need to build safe, stable lives.
Help us stop gender-based violence
Every action matters when it comes to ending gender‑based violence around the world. World Renew is committed to walking alongside communities as they work toward healing, justice, and transformation. Our efforts are both preventative and responsive, and we invite you to join us in this life‑giving mission.
By raising awareness, engaging young men, advocating boldly, and supporting families, you can contribute to a brighter future where everyone can live free from fear.
The following content references violence women suffer around the world on a daily basis. We understand this content could trigger readers who have their own stories of harm and invite these readers to navigate away from this page at this time. If you would like to give to World Renew to help end gender-based violence without reading further, you may do so here.
Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to a harmful act directed toward someone based on gender. Often rooted in power imbalances and harmful cultural practices, this violence can take many forms—physical harm, exploitation, and the silencing of voices. While GBV can and does impact men and boys, women and girls disproportionately face violence every day around the world. But it doesn’t have to stay this way.
At World Renew, we believe God calls us to a world where all people can flourish, where every woman and girl is valued, and where entire communities work together to end gender‑based violence (GBV).
Making a difference
There are many ways to help victims of GBV, some of whom likely can be found in your own community. Listening with compassion and talking to victims of GBV is a small act of hope that makes a meaningful difference. Having a safe place to share their trauma can help victims begin to heal from emotional distress.
Below are four more ways you can take a stand against GBV—along with some real examples of how your involvement helps create safer, more just communities.
1. Spread awareness of gender-based violence
Ending GBV begins with awareness—understanding that violence against women is not only physical, but also emotional, economic, and systemic. By learning and sharing what GBV looks like in different contexts, you can help break the silence that allows these patterns and behaviors to continue.
You can spread awareness by initiating conversations with others, hosting awareness events at your church, or sharing resources online (like this blog post).
HAPPY’S STORY
Happy lives in a community in Bangladesh where low literacy rates, child marriage, and abuse against women are common. With the help of one of World Renew’s local partners, she learned about the negative effects of child marriage, the value of education and leadership, and the importance of advocating against gender-based violence. Happy became the chairperson of her teen group and now helps empower other girls.
2. Engage and educate men to become agents of change
Men and boys play a crucial role in ending gender‑based violence. When men are educated about GBV, this helps ensure they will be less likely to perpetuate it and will become advocates of change within their culture or society. In their local communities, these men will be able to stop instances of GBV quickly and effectively.
While this is a long-term goal that requires dedication and investment, you can help speed up this process by donating to World Renew’s peace and justice initiatives and supporting groups that educate young men on alternatives to drugs and violence, the importance of finishing their education, and what it looks like to honor women.
FRANCISCO’S TRANSFORMATION
Francisco used to beat his wife and didn’t give her a say in their finances or any decisions. Through World Renew and its local partner in Zambia, Francisco became involved in a gender justice project in his village. He realized he needed to change and started working on being a better husband. Angela, Francisco’s wife, confirmed his transformation with a smile. “We no longer have problems in our marriage because we do everything together,” she shared. Francisco also has become a role model in his community and is committed to championing gender rights.
3. Advocate against domestic violence
Domestic violence is a prevalent type of GBV. According to a report from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in the last five years, at least 1.1 million people have experienced domestic violence in the U.S. alone. Nearly 75 percent of those victims are women.
Whether you speak up in your church, your city council, or your broader community, you can help create environments where domestic violence is not tolerated and survivors are supported.
4. Join World Renew’s Free A Family® program
One of the most powerful ways to help end GBV is to support families as they work to break cycles of poverty. Poverty and GBV are deeply interconnected—when families lack resources and opportunities, women and girls tend to be more vulnerable to exploitation, early marriage, and abuse.
Through World Renew’s Free A Family program, your ongoing monthly support helps families access the training, income opportunities, and community support they need to build safe, stable lives.
Help us stop gender-based violence
Every action matters when it comes to ending gender‑based violence around the world. World Renew is committed to walking alongside communities as they work toward healing, justice, and transformation. Our efforts are both preventative and responsive, and we invite you to join us in this life‑giving mission.
By raising awareness, engaging young men, advocating boldly, and supporting families, you can contribute to a brighter future where everyone can live free from fear.
