An Analysis of the Effectiveness of United Nations Population Fund Strategies in Response to Gender-Based Violence in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

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Date

2021-10

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Daystar University, School of Arts and Humanities

Abstract

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a widespread global problem affecting all gender and in particular women from all sectors and backgrounds. Various approaches in response to GBV, have been employed; however, the problem persists. Without evaluation of these approaches, the problem is bound to continue. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of the strategies used by the United Nations Population Funds in response to gender-based violence in Goma. The study was based on three objectives, namely, to determine the nature of GBV experienced and reported by women and girls in Goma, assessing the strategies used by the United Nations population funds (UNFPA), raising awareness of GBV and analyze the effectiveness of the strategies employed by UNFPA in dealing with GBV in Goma, DRC. It employed a combination of descriptive and explanatory study designs, employing qualitative methods. The study sampled 48 respondents, the data was analyzed qualitatively guided by the research objectives and presented in narrative form. The findings show that many of the women experienced all sorts of violence such as physical violence and psychological abuse. The findings strategies used by UNFPA to raise awareness were psychological and therapy healing, women empowerment, socio-economic autonomy, and reinforcement of laws and media campaigns. The study also found that although strategies used by UNFPA were successful to some extent, they failed to address traumas for all, health issues, unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, rejection and divorce, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and death. This study recommends that war survivors should be counselled before being assimilated within the community. Future study should be done on effects of sexual violence on men and boys in the DRC.

Description

MASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development, and International Security

Keywords

United Nations Population Fund Strategies, Gender-Based Violence, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

Citation

Muhoza, R. S. (2021, thesis). An Analysis of the Effectiveness of United Nations Population Fund Strategies in Response to Gender-Based Violence in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Daystar University, School of Arts and Humanities, Nairobi