Using Research and Data to Influence Policy and Practice in Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in the Horn of Africa

Introduction

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a pervasive issue affecting millions worldwide, and the Horn of Africa is no exception. Countries in the Horn of Africa; Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea, face complex challenges in its efforts to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG). Despite significant progress over the years, the region still struggles with deeply entrenched cultural practices, economic challenges, and gaps in enforcement of protective laws. Countries in this region grapple with high incidences of gender-based violence (GBV), including domestic violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), early and forced marriages, and sexual violence. These acts of violence have far-reaching consequences for individuals and communities, contributing to gender inequality, poor health outcomes, and economic marginalization (Garcia-Moreno et al., 2015). Ending VAWG requires not only a robust legal framework but also data-driven strategies that address the underlying sociocultural factors, monitor progress, and measure the effectiveness of interventions.

This article explores how research and data can drive evidence-based policy and influence practice to effectively address and reduce VAWG in the Horn of Africa. Additionally, it examines the importance of international frameworks and conventions that have contributed to significant milestones and highlights ongoing challenges that limit their effectiveness. This discussion will incorporate data from recent studies, documented success stories, and best practices to emphasize the role of research in developing and adapting policies and programs suited to the Horn of Africa’s unique context.

International Frameworks Supporting VAWG Reduction

Over the past few decades, international frameworks have provided essential guidance and support to efforts in the Horn of Africa. The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979, was one of the earliest comprehensive frameworks that pushed countries to implement laws prohibiting discrimination and violence against women. CEDAW’s guiding principles are integrated into the legal frameworks of Horn of Africa countries, even if enforcement remains inconsistent (Betron et al., 2018).

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) further strengthened commitments to gender equality, introducing specific goals and strategies for preventing VAWG. This international framework encouraged governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to work collaboratively in promoting women’s rights and ending harmful practices. This was further strengthened by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 5, “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls;” providing a recent foundation for advancing these efforts. SDG 5.2 specifically aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in both public and private spheres, recognizing the need for holistic, inter-sectoral approaches (UN, 2015).
These frameworks have been instrumental in fostering regional and national commitments in the Horn of Africa to address VAWG. At country level, Ethiopia, for example, has the 2005 Criminal Code and the Revised Family Code, that criminalize practices such as FGM, child marriage, and rape. Similarly, Djibouti has implemented legal measures that penalize FGM, albeit with significant enforcement challenges due to cultural resistance and limited resources (Boyden, Pankhurst, & Tafere, 2013). In Somalia, policy frameworks are in place to address VAWG and prioritize community education to change public perceptions, particularly toward FGM and forced marriage (Kikoler, 2017). However, more is required.

Data and Research in Shaping VAWG Interventions

Despite the progress in establishing legal frameworks, addressing VAWG in the Horn of Africa requires more than laws and policies. Evidence-based, data-driven interventions are crucial for understanding the prevalence, causes, and impacts of VAWG. Research is particularly valuable in regions with high levels of cultural diversity and socioeconomic challenges, as it helps to capture the local nuances that influence attitudes toward gender and violence. Data can provide insights into the effectiveness of existing interventions, informing adjustments to make them more relevant and impactful. For instance, longitudinal studies on FGM and early marriage in the Somali region of Ethiopia have provided valuable information on trends, community perceptions, and evolving practices, aiding in the development of culturally sensitive interventions (Boyden et al., 2013).

Additionally, research can contribute to breaking down barriers to VAWG prevention by identifying the economic, social, and health costs associated with violence. Studies reveal that violence against women not only leads to physical and psychological trauma but also limits economic participation, perpetuates poverty, and undermines community well-being (Devries et al., 2013). For instance, Devries and colleagues’ (2013) study on the health consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV) highlights the significant mental health impact on survivors, demonstrating the need for mental health interventions alongside preventive measures. This type of data-driven evidence can be powerful in advocating for funding and policy changes, encouraging stakeholders to prioritize resources for VAWG interventions.

Research can influence policy and practice is by documenting and disseminating success stories. Success stories provide real-world evidence that change is possible, showcasing communities that have successfully addressed VAWG through locally adapted solutions. For example, in Somaliland, the Edna Adan Hospital Foundation has led initiatives to end FGM by training midwives and health workers to speak out against the practice. The foundation’s longitudinal research on the effects of FGM has been instrumental in influencing local leaders and policymakers to reconsider and gradually shift attitudes towards this harmful practice (Adan, 2019). Longitudinal studies also provide insights into the long-term effectiveness of interventions. A study conducted over several years in Ethiopia’s Afar region documented the impact of education campaigns on reducing early marriages. The findings showed that girls who attended schools with anti-GBV programs were significantly less likely to experience early marriage or FGM compared to girls in communities without such interventions (Pankhurst, 2014). These studies underscore the importance of consistent, long-term research to understand how attitudes and behaviors evolve and ensure that policies remain relevant.

Research can also support the identification of successful models that can be scaled or adapted to other contexts. A study conducted by the African Development Bank (2019) emphasized that data collection through mixed methods—quantitative surveys combined with qualitative interviews and focus groups—provides a comprehensive view of the factors contributing to VAWG, from household dynamics to regional differences in law enforcement practices. This approach has been applied in the Horn of Africa, where, for example, participatory methods that involve women, youth, and religious leaders have contributed to improved community acceptance of anti-VAWG measures, particularly in regions resistant to external influences (Betron et al., 2018).

Even with this knowledge, there are a myriad of challenges associated with data collection on VAWG in the region. The deep-rooted cultural practices that normalize and perpetuate violence against women and girls, adds to this challenge. FGM, early and forced marriages, and other forms of GBV are embedded within certain ethnic groups as symbols of cultural identity and social cohesion. For example, in Somali communities, FGM is often seen as a rite of passage, marking a girl’s transition to womanhood and preparing her for marriage (UNICEF, 2016). Intern data collection in such communities may be viewed from the point of right of passage and not with the lens of VAWG. The outcome then becomes a challenge in collecting accurate and reliable data on VAWG. Stigma, lack of reporting mechanisms, and limited capacity among national statistical offices, contribute to under-reporting and adds to these data gaps. Additionally, violence against women is often viewed as a private matter, further complicating data collection efforts. As evident in rural parts of Eritrea, incidents of domestic violence are seldom reported, resulting in an incomplete understanding of the issue’s true prevalence (UNFPA, 2019).

To improve data quality, efforts must be made to strengthen institutional capacities for data collection and analysis. Providing training to law enforcement officials, healthcare workers, and community leaders on data gathering techniques can enhance data reliability. Additionally, initiatives such as the Violence Against Children (VAC) surveys, conducted by UNICEF in collaboration with national governments, provide a model for comprehensive data collection on VAWG by integrating questions on various forms of violence across life stages. Findings from these surveys can influence policies by highlighting priority areas for intervention, such as the need for safe shelters, legal support, and healthcare services. However, these initiatives and interventions should consider the cultural issues, local led approaches to avoid backlash and invest in community/participatory research.

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) has shown promise as a tool for fostering locally driven solutions. CBPR involves community members in each phase of the research process, from data collection to intervention design, fostering a sense of ownership that is crucial for the sustainability of anti-VAWG programs. The use of CBPR in Ethiopia’s Afar region, where researchers partnered with local leaders and women’s advocacy groups, led to the development of interventions that framed the harms of early marriage and FGM within a health and human rights context, resulting in increased community buy-in and reduced practice rates (Boyden et al., 2013). Furthermore, community-engaged research in Somalia has documented success in challenging social norms around FGM by shifting community narratives. Projects that encourage young people, religious leaders, and healthcare workers to advocate against FGM have shown to be effective, as they root interventions within culturally relevant frameworks and avoid alienating traditional leaders (Kikoler, 2017). This type of locally adapted research not only fosters long-term change but also serves as a model for other communities facing similar challenges across the Horn of Africa.

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) and ethnographic studies are therefore effective tools in understanding these norms and developing contextually appropriate interventions. By involving local leaders, health workers, and survivors of VAWG in the research process, CBPR helps create solutions that resonate with community values, increasing acceptance and sustainability. An example of success using this approach is found in parts of Ethiopia, where local women’s groups, supported by government and NGO partners, have successfully advocated against FGM by framing the practice as both a health issue and a rights issue. Research documenting these local success stories provides valuable lessons for neighboring regions with similar cultural practices (Boyden, Pankhurst, & Tafere, 2013).

Recommendations

To create a policy environment that effectively addresses VAWG, research must not only identify problems but also actively shape solutions. Below are key recommendations for using research to influence policy and practice:

1. Invest in Local Research Capacity: Strengthening local research institutions enhances data quality and ensures that findings are contextually relevant. Partnerships with universities and research organizations can support the continuous collection and analysis of VAWG data, enabling policymakers to track progress over time.
2. Promote Community-Engaged Research: Engaging community members in the research process helps ensure that interventions are culturally sensitive and acceptable. This approach can mitigate resistance and foster community ownership of solutions, which is essential for sustainability.
3. Prioritize Multi-Sectoral Data Collection: Collecting data from multiple sectors, including health, education, law enforcement, and social services, provides a comprehensive understanding of VAWG and its impacts. Multi-sectoral data enables policymakers to design integrated interventions that address the issue holistically.
4. Translate Data into Actionable Policy: Research findings should be translated into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers. Policy briefs, presentations, and targeted workshops are effective ways to communicate research findings to stakeholders and advocate for policy change.
5. Highlight Success Stories and Lessons Learned: Documenting and sharing success stories from the region can inspire policymakers and practitioners by demonstrating that ending VAWG is achievable. These stories provide practical insights into what works and offer scalable models for other communities.

Conclusion

Research and data are indispensable tools in the fight against violence toward women and girls in the Horn of Africa. By providing evidence on the prevalence and consequences of VAWG, data can shape policy, inform practice, and drive targeted interventions that address the unique needs of communities. While challenges such as cultural norms, resource constraints, and data collection barriers remain, documenting success stories and promoting community-engaged research offer pathways for effective change. Ultimately, through sustained research and a commitment to evidence-based policymaking, the Horn of Africa can make significant strides toward ending violence against women and girls, thereby promoting gender equality and empowering communities across the region.

References

• Adan, E. (2019). Ending Female Genital Mutilation: The Edna Adan Hospital Foundation’s Approach. Journal of Gender and Health Studies, 12(3), 45-58.
• Afri-Dev.Info. (2018). Promoting Gender Equality in Africa: Insights from Data and Research. Afri-Dev.Info.
• African Development Bank. (2019). Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Africa: Investing in Sustainable Solutions. African Development Bank Group.
• Betron, M., Nathan, C., & Igras, S. (2018). Gender-based violence and reproductive health in the Horn of Africa: A review of programmatic evidence and recommendations. Global Health Action, 11(1), 1440746. https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2018.1440746
• Boyden, J., Pankhurst, A., & Tafere, Y. (2013). Harmful Traditional Practices and Child Protection: Contested Understandings and Practices of Female Early Marriage and Female Genital Cutting in Ethiopia. Development in Practice, 23(4), 509-522.
• Devries, K. M., Mak, J. Y., Garcia-Moreno, C., Petzold, M., Child, J. C., Falder, G., … & Watts, C. H. (2013). The global prevalence of intimate partner violence against women. Science, 340(6140), 1527-1528. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1240937
• Garcia-Moreno, C., Zimmerman, C., Morris-Gehring, A., Heise, L., Amin, A., Abrahams, N., … & Watts, C. (2015). Addressing violence against women: A call to action. The Lancet, 385(9978), 1685-1695. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61830-4
• Kikoler, N. (2017). Exploring community-led FGM abandonment initiatives in Somalia: Success stories and challenges. African Studies Review, 60(3), 55-78. https://doi.org/10.1017/asr.2017.53
• Pankhurst, A. (2014). Education and Social Change in Ethiopia: The Role of Schools in Combating Early Marriages and FGM. Educational Policy and Social Justice, 11(2), 115-131.
• UNFPA. (2019). Violence Against Women and Girls in Eritrea: Situational Analysis and Policy Recommendations. United Nations Population Fund.
• UNICEF. (2016). Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Global Concern. United Nations Children’s Fund.
• United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations. Retrieved from https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/transformingourworld