Taking a Stand Against Gender-Based Violence
At the Phawulethu Foundation, we are dedicated to creating a world where individuals of every gender identity can live their lives without the looming threat of violence, discrimination, or coercion. We believe in safeguarding their right to complete control over their bodies and reproductive choices.
In the course of their lives, one out of every three women will endure physical or sexual abuse, while many others will suffer psychological torment. Shockingly, despite this alarming reality, less than one percent of global humanitarian funds are allocated to preventing and addressing sexual and gender-based violence. At Pathfinder, we are committed to reshaping this world, ensuring that people of all genders can lead lives free from violence, discrimination, and oppression while asserting their autonomy over their bodies and reproductive decisions.
Gender inequality and gender-based violence (GBV) have dire consequences, limiting women’s and girls’ mobility, access to resources, and decision-making power. These factors significantly impact their ability to exercise their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence, not only poses a grave public health concern but also violates women’s fundamental human rights. Shockingly, statistics show that globally, approximately one in three women (30%) have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from either an intimate partner or a non-partner in their lifetime.
Our Initiatives
We adopt a “gender-transformative” approach, one that aims to challenge harmful gender norms, minimize the impact of GBV on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and dismantle the policies, structures, and systems that hinder individuals of all genders from thriving.
To achieve our goals, we focus on strengthening the capacity of health systems to provide comprehensive GBV services at primary health service points, ensuring survivor-centered care every step of the way.
We recognize the importance of engaging boys and men in sexual and reproductive health and rights programs. By promoting positive norms of masculinity, encouraging the adoption of equitable gender norms, and fostering healthy outcomes for themselves, their partners, and their children, we work towards transforming the societal landscape.
Our commitment to person-centered care means that our health workers prioritize and respect the preferences and priorities of each client, providing services that meet their unique needs.
To ensure survivor-centered care is upheld across sexual and reproductive health and rights services, we offer coaching, mentorship, and job aids to health workers at all levels of the health system.
At the Phawulethu Foundation, we are driven by the unwavering belief that no person should suffer from gender-based violence. Through our comprehensive initiatives, we strive to create a world where everyone can enjoy lives devoid of violence, discrimination, and oppression, empowering individuals of all genders to exercise their right to bodily autonomy and reproductive agency.