Community Mobilization Activities for VAW Prevention During COVID-19

"Emphasizing a problem rarely inspires change, it often just reinforces what community members already know. On the other hand, focusing on alternatives and role modeling the positive can spark transformation."

As activist organisations around the world adapt to the new realities of preventing violence against women (VAW) during COVID-19, the Kampala, Uganda-based nonprofit organisation Raising Voices developed a series of practical resources to support these organisations in conducting safe, relevant community engagement to prevent VAW. The activities described within the suite of resources are designed to: provoke discussion and positive actions that mitigate the risk of VAW; role-model and encourage public health safety measures for COVID-19 during VAW prevention; and promote social norms that strengthen solidarity, connection, and compassion.

The materials include:

• 6 community conversations, which are simple, black-and-white, easily photocopied A4 images that are meant to provoke reflection and discussion. Two of them address intimate relationships, 2 address outreach from neighbours, and 2 address community dynamics. These materials can be used in single- or mixed-sex groups of 2-20 community members in sessions that typically last from 15-30 minutes.
• 2 infosheets, which are A4 images that can be printed, preferably in colour. They are designed to stimulate personal reflection and simple, practical actions. One infosheet addresses what men can do to reduce stress and maintain positive relationships; the other addresses what women can do to find support and increase their safety during this time. Infosheets can be used in groups of 2-20 community members in sessions that usually last 30 minutes; single-sex groups are encouraged to promote deeper, safe discussion.
• 3 posters, which are A3 colour images that ideally are professionally printed. They are designed to role-model positive behaviour in relationships, in families, and in communities. They can be used in groups of 2-40 community members, in either single- or mixed-sex groups; sessions typically require 45 minutes. After the discussions, the posters can be hung in the community.

Because graphic images of violence can be traumatic for women experiencing violence, reinforce the harmful idea that using violence is the "norm", and cause shame and stigma (which may drive the issue further underground), the images in the materials intend to convey a recognition that VAW is a problem in subtle ways - with the emphasis on helping community members imagine and nurture relationships free of violence and based on respect, caring for, and valuing each other.

In alignment with principles of gender-equitable programming, each material includes suggested discussion questions on the back, with sample responses for the facilitator and a take-home idea. (Tips for effective facilitation are provided within the overview document [PDF].) Sample facilitator responses were included with the understanding that staff, community activists, and leaders using the materials may not have as much access to mentoring and support because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Any organisation can use, translate, adapt, and integrate these materials into their ongoing VAW prevention programming, provided they acknowledge Raising Voices. However, to avoid unintended harm, Raising Voices recommends that the materials be used by organisations with prior experience addressing violence, with a team of skilled staff and community activists who are aware of the available referral points for women experiencing violence.

Ideally, all materials will be given out to community members who participate in the discussions so they can share them with their family, friends, and neighbours to amplify reach and impact.