HFG Launches Speaker Series on Gender-Based Violence

October 30, 2023

This fall, the Foundation will host three Knowledge Against Violence conversations titled, “Global Perspectives on Gender-Based Violence.” 

Gender-based violence, defined by the United Nations as “harmful acts directed at people or groups based on their gender,” is a pervasive global problem. The UN estimates that 30% of women 15 years and older“have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life.” 

As data on the scope of gender-based violence, or GBV, continues to improve, especially in the global South, so too does research on how to reduce this kind of harm. 

HFG’s three-part virtual series aims to foster a multidisciplinary, cross-regional discussion of three important areas: 

• Understanding GBV as a weapon in conflict-affected areas (Nov. 8) 
• Reckoning with an increase in intimate-partner violence during the pandemic (Nov. 28) 
• Exploring how sex workers navigate insecurity and whether policy changes can mitigate the pervasive violence they face (Dec 14).

Conversations will feature practitioners and HFG grantees connecting the latest research to practices and policies aimed at understanding and addressing gender-based violence. 

Register and learn more about the panels below.

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NOVEMBER 8, 2023 | 1 PM ET

“Weapons of War: Examining Gender-Based Violence in Conflict Zones”

With examples from El Salvador and Ethiopia, this international panel will examine  how government and non-state actors can formulate humanitarian responses to conflict-related sexual violence. Speakers will also discuss new questions for research related to gender, international relations, and political science.

Speakers include:

• Abby Cordova, Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame
• Romina Istratii, School of History, Religions and Philosophies, SOAS

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NOVEMBER 28, 2023 | 1 PM EST

“Reckoning with Intimate-Partner Violence after the Pandemic”

Violence against women increased markedly during COVID-19, prompting the United Nations to call it a “shadow pandemic.” The phenomenon was seen world-wide.Years after state-mandated lockdowns, intimate partner violence levels remain elevated in many regions of the world. What accounts for this and what does the latest research tell us about effective responses from  health and other sectors? Join HFG grantees for a cross-regional examination of this stubborn violence problem.

Speakers include:

• Diana Peel, Makerere University
• Charlotte Ofori, Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana
• Lotte Houwink ten Cate, Department of History, Columbia University

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 | 1 pm ET

“Sex work: Does Legitimization Mitigate Violence?”

Whether to legitimize, or legalize, sex work is a hotly debated topic around the world. From issues of women’s agency to concerns over human trafficking and exposure to violence, this conversation will examine how sex workers navigate insecurity, especially in conflict-affected regions, and how greater legitimation or legalization might affect the violence they often face.

Speakers include:

• Modupe Animashaun, Institute of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, University of Ibadan
• Michele Decker, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
• Claudia Torres Patino, Harvard Law School, Harvard University