An Inclusive Vision for Ending Gender-Based Violence
What is gender-based violence? Who experiences it? What and who gets left out of mainstream definitions? The groups Mama Cash funds are not only committed to ending violence, but are also redefining and challenging the very definition of what violence is, including who experiences it. To capture the lessons from this ground-breaking work, Mama Cash has developed a report that documents the work of 27 groups around the world.
Who Counts? An Inclusive Vision for Ending Gender-Based Violence highlights the successful strategies activists are using to address instances of gender-based violence, which takes many different forms. Three examples of these strategies are:
- Arts and direct action: The use of creative, visual approaches to activism in public – such as art, street theatre and flash mobs – can be both memorable and reach beyond the usual audiences. In addition, it sends a powerful message that people who are often invisible have a right to public space.
- Changing the language: How we use language is not only a reflection of society’s ideas and beliefs, but can also help shape them. Many of our grantees challenge prejudicial and stigmatising language, and promote using words and meanings that are important to them, and that reflect the realities of their lives and identities.
- Broadening the leadership base: A common challenge in many organisations is that the leadership is often concentrated in the hands of just one or two people. Shared leadership, particularly with younger members and constituencies, can be an effective way of embracing diversity and ensure the sustainability of the work.
MamaCash hopes that Who Counts? will provide greater insight into the incredible work that is being done by women, girls, and trans groups around the world, to end gender-based violence. By documenting these amazing examples of activism they hope to inspire further action and contribute to the ongoing learning of the social justice philanthropy sector, and of women’s rights and feminist movements around the world.
