Social Constructions of Gender-Based Violence in African Countries

Based on rich, contextual analysis from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Ethiopia, Social Constructions of Gender-Based Violence in African Countries offers an exploration of gender-based violence that moves beyond definition to examine the profound psychological social and economic impacts of GBV, framing it as a critical barrier to human rights and prosperous societies. The analysis is set against the backdrop of international frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Africa Agenda 2063, while critically assessing national policies and legislative milestones within the four focus countries.

A central theme is the critique of governmental failures and the essential role of non-state actors. The book highlights how civil society organisations, aid institutions and research bodies fill critical gaps in service delivery, particularly for the most vulnerable, and provide novel  assessments and interventions. It gives specific attention to the exacerbated challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed severe deficiencies in protection systems and pushed women into greater danger during lockdowns.

Ultimately, Social Constructions of Gender-Based Violence in African Countries is a call for proactive, transformative action. It argues for improved gender justice through increased female representation in leadership, financial empowerment for women and robust, evidence-based policies. It is an indispensable resource for policymakers, human service professionals and scholars across Africa and beyond, providing the insights needed to re-evaluate existing strategies and formulate effective, empowering responses to end gender-based violence.