More work needs to be done to raise awareness on the effects of harmful cultural practices and drafting and implementing legislation that protect women and girls from sexual violence and respond to the needs of survivors. SWSC recognizes that gender based violence is a violation of human rights and a threat to peace and sustainable development. In preventing and responding GBV against women and girls, SWSC undertakes the following:

1. Building protection networks

We have established and trained GBV working group, Community Champions, Community Structures, and religious leaders as community networks that stand up for women and girls’ rights and advocating the total abandonment of harmful cultural practices in Somalia.

The networks comprise of a rich portfolio of men and women from different age groups and professions including GBV activists, religious leaders, journalists / local media, health professionals, university graduates, youth and women’s organizations. Members of the networks were selected by their respective communities through a consultative process with local authorities and community elders. The members engage in GBV awareness raising and referrals in their respective communities.