GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

 Prevention, Support, and Justice

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most widespread and persistent human rights violations around the world. It transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic status—affecting women and girls disproportionately. From domestic violence and sexual assault to harmful cultural practices and psychological abuse, GBV undermines health, dignity, security, and freedom.

Addressing this global issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including prevention, legal protection, survivor support, and long-term systemic change.

Understanding Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender. It includes, but is not limited to:

• Domestic and intimate partner violence
• Sexual harassment and assault
• Human trafficking and exploitation
• Forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Emotional and psychological abuse
• Online harassment and cyberstalking

While GBV can affect anyone, women and girls are particularly vulnerable due to social, cultural, and legal inequalities that still persist in many parts of the world.

Prevention: Breaking the Cycle Before It Begins

Prevention is the first and most crucial step in ending GBV. It involves transforming the root causes—patriarchal norms, gender stereotypes, and unequal power dynamics.

Key prevention strategies include:

🔹 Education and Awareness

Teaching communities about consent, respect, and gender equality can change attitudes and behaviors. School curricula, community workshops, and media campaigns all play an essential role in creating informed societies.

🔹 Engaging Men and Boys

GBV prevention must involve men and boys as allies and advocates. When they speak out against violence, challenge harmful norms, and support survivors, the culture begins to shift.

🔹 Safe Spaces and Early Interventions

Providing safe environments—such as girls’ clubs, helplines, and community centers—allows individuals to access information, report early warning signs, and seek support before violence escalates.

Support: Caring for Survivors

Survivors of GBV often face long-term physical and emotional trauma. Holistic support services are essential for healing and recovery:

• Medical care for injuries and reproductive health
• Psychological counseling and trauma-informed therapy
• Shelters and safe housing for those fleeing abuse
• Legal aid and protection orders
• Vocational training to restore independence

Support systems must be survivor-centered, confidential, and accessible—especially for women in remote or underserved communities.

Justice: Holding Perpetrators Accountable

Access to justice remains a significant barrier for many GBV survivors. Challenges include fear of retaliation, lack of legal awareness, social stigma, and weak enforcement of laws.

To achieve justice, countries and communities must:

✅ Strengthen Legal Frameworks

Laws must clearly define and criminalize all forms of GBV, ensure protection for survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable without delay.

✅ Train Law Enforcement and Judiciary

Police officers, healthcare workers, and judicial authorities should be trained to handle GBV cases with sensitivity, urgency, and professionalism.

✅ Ensure Survivor-Centered Legal Processes

Survivors should be empowered through legal processes—not retraumatized. This includes respecting their privacy, providing legal counsel, and ensuring their voices are heard.

How The SOL Foundation Supports Survivors and Drives Change

At The SOL Foundation, we recognize that eradicating gender-based violence is essential to achieving true empowerment for women and girls. As part of our #SOLEmpowernment initiative, we are committed to:

💛 Creating Safe Spaces – Through our community programs and youth engagement efforts, we promote environments where women and girls can feel heard, respected, and safe.

💛 Awareness Campaigns – We use education and storytelling to challenge stigma and raise awareness about the realities of GBV.

💛 Supporting Partners on the Ground – We collaborate with organizations that provide shelter, mental health services, legal support, and skills training for survivors of violence.

💛 Advocating for Policy Change – We amplify voices calling for stronger legal protections and fairer justice systems to support survivors and deter abuse.

Our work is grounded in the belief that no woman should live in fear—and every survivor deserves justice, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild.

Together, We Can End Gender-Based Violence

Ending gender-based violence is not the work of a few—it’s a collective responsibility. Governments, communities, civil society, and individuals must all play a role in changing attitudes, challenging injustice, and supporting healing.

You can be part of the solution:

✔ Educate yourself and others

✔ Speak up when you witness abuse or discrimination

✔ Support organizations working with survivors

✔ Listen without judgment

✔ Advocate for stronger protections

Violence has no place in any society. Let’s continue to stand with survivors, break the silence, and build a world where all women can live free from fear.

......................................................................................................................................

Website: https://www.the-sol-foundation.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesol_foundation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesolfoundationorg/

X: https://x.com/the_solf_org

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesolfoundation

Blog: https://the-sol-foundation.blogspot.com/

Email: coordinator@the-sol-foundation.org

Let us take a look at some of the feedback received from our Instagram family talking about the impact of education in our lives:

@lavingdelegend 

" Violence committed against a person for their gender"

@theadventglobal 

"Wanting only boys at birth and eliminating girls"

@bollywood_translations 

"Not giving access to education, resources and funds to girls/women for better future, rather investing only in men." 

@flaviu.soul 

"Discrimination based on gender" 

@_real_rizwana 

"Not investing in girls' education" 

@nashina.noorani

"Confirming to gender stereotypes" 

HOW YOU CAN VOLUNTEER

In our last chapter we had an in-depth discussion about what volunteering is. In this chapter let us look at the ways in which you can volunteer. 

There are several ways to volunteer to protect our environment including volunteering your time, your finances and simply creating awareness through education. 

There are tons of ways that you can add to this growing movement of environmental action which includes volunteering your time to causes that help the planet. Here are some: 

1. Plant trees.

2. Protect national parks and reserves and keep them clean. 

3. Host a cleanup whether its for a park, beach or the neighborhood!

4. Volunteer to help out wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programs doing animal care or administrative work.

5. Volunteer at animal shelters. 

6. Join a movement or volunteer of legitimate environmental organizations like the The SOL Foundation!

7. Become a food waste warrior by volunteering your time at the food bank or with organizations that center around the same theme. 

8. Pitch in at a community garden. Community gardens are shared plots of land used to grow fruit, vegetables and other plants for personal use, or in some cases for food charities, while building a strong sense of community and lifelong learning. You can also donate to The SOL Foundation school garden program : https://www.the-sol-foundation.org/school-garden-project.html

9. Volunteer your time with organizations that help that save water and in keeping water clean. 

Let us take a look at what some of the feedback from our Instagram family: 

@aisha_bagha

"Reuse, reduce, recycle." 

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy 

"Donate time, money or resources."

Chapter 3 : IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING ENDANGERED SPECIES

 Biodiversity is the variety of life (its ecosystems, populations, species and genes).  Saving endangered species (plants and animals) from becoming extinct and protecting their wild places is crucial for our health and the future of our children. As species are lost so too are our options for future discovery and advancement. The impacts of biodiversity loss include clearly into fewer new medicines, greater vulnerability to natural disasters and greater effects from global warming.

Plants and animals maintain the health of an ecosystem. When a species becomes endangered, it’s a sign that an ecosystem is out of balance. And the consequences can be critical. The balance within an ecosystem isn’t always easy to maintain; the loss of one species often triggers the loss of others. 

The conservation of endangered species, and restoring balance to the world’s ecosystems, is vital for humans, too.

Let us take a look at some of the reasons why it is important to protect endangered species:

1. Ecological Importance 

Healthy ecosystems depend on plant and animal species as their foundations. When a species becomes endangered, it is a sign that the ecosystem is slowly falling apart. Each species that is lost triggers the loss of other species within its ecosystem. Humans depend on healthy ecosystems to purify our environment. Without healthy forests, grasslands, rivers, oceans and other ecosystems, we will not have clean air, water, or land. If we allow our environment to become contaminated, we risk our own health.

2. Medical

Of the medicines currently available, about 50% are derived from natural products. At least 120 chemical compounds, derived from 90 plant species, are important drugs currently in use in many countries around the world. By loosing biodiversity, we are losing the chance to discover new medicines that could end the suffering of millions of people and save national economies billions of dollars each year.

3. Aesthetics

The natural world is beautiful and valued for its aesthetic appeal. Loss of biodiversity impoverishes our world of natural beauty and wonder, both for ourselves and for the future generations.

4. Recreational 

National parks and game reserves uplifting the socio-economic environment of their respective countries. They are bring people together, and further education and environmental conservation. 

5. Agriculture

Many of the benefits of biodiversity accrue to agriculture itself. For example, the marine environment is a source for insecticides. Others benefits include crop pollination, soil fertility services provided by microorganisms, and pest control services provided by insects and wildlife. Biodiversity loss has important implications for agriculture.

6. Poverty Alleviation 

Biological diversity provides the world's population, particularly the poor, with food, medicines, building materials, bioenergy and protection against natural disasters.

7. Pollination of Crops and Natural Vegetation

Many flowering plants rely on animals to help them mate by ensuring fertilization. Bees, butterflies, beetles, hummingbirds, bats, and other animals transport pollen, the male reproductive structures, from one plant to another, with enormous benefits to humanity. 

8. Preservation of Soil Fertility

Soils, with their active microbial and animal populations, have the capacity to supply adequate nutrients to plants in suitable proportions. Natural forest soil had a higher content of total nutrients and biomass.

REFERENCES :  www.endangeredspeciesinternational.org

Let us take a look at what our social media family has to say:

Facebook: 

Stefan Sommer -

" Because they are our life support system. Without them we are nothing." 

Tasha Tarasco -

" Variety of Wildlife is beautiful why not protect it "

Instagram:

@Souqbazaars -

" How can we expect the best for our children, when we cannot even care for our Earth "

@_real_rizwana -

" It's each of our duty to protect the environment and co-habitat on Earth peacefully " 

@rkonlineconsulting -

" It is our duty to make sure all species are protected for the future " 

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy - 

" If animals/trees die, then it'll be end of human life. We need them, they don't need us " 

@its_winnie_cheche -

" Because extinction means losing them forever "

@aisha_bagha -

" To protect the fragile ecosystem " 

Chapter 2 : REASONS FOR ENDANGERMENT

 Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation. 

Let us take a look at them.

1. Loss of Habitat 

Loss of habitat can happen both naturally and influenced by human activities. 

Development for housing, industry, and agriculture reduces the habitat of native organisms. This can happen in a number of different ways.

Development can eliminate habitat and native species directly. In the Amazon rain forest of South America, developers have cleared hundreds of thousands of acres. To “clear” a piece of land is to remove all trees and vegetation from it. The Amazon rain forest is cleared for cattle ranches, logging, and urban use.

Development can also endanger species indirectly. Some species, such as fig trees of the rain forest, may provide habitat for other species. As trees are destroyed, species that depend on that tree habitat may also become endangered. Tree crowns provide habitat in the canopy, or top layer, of a rainforest. Plants such as vines, fungi such as mushrooms, and insects such as butterflies live in the rain forest canopy. So do hundreds of species of tropical birds and mammals such as monkeys. As trees are cut down, this habitat is lost. Species have less room to live and reproduce.

Loss of habitat may happen as development takes place in a species range. Many animals have a range of hundreds of square kilometers. 

Loss of habitat can also lead to increased encounters between wild species and people. As development brings people deeper into a species range, they may have more exposure to wild species. Poisonous plants and fungi may grow closer to homes and schools. Wild animals are also spotted more frequently. These animals are simply patrolling their range, but interaction with people can be deadly. Polar bears, mountain lions, and alligators are all predators brought into close contact with people as they lose their habitat to homes, farms, and businesses. As people kill these wild animals, through pesticides, accidents such as collisions with cars, or hunting, native species may become endangered.

Environmental factors can also contribute to habitat destruction more indirectly. Geological processes, climate change, introduction of invasive species, ecosystem nutrient depletion, water and noise pollution are some examples. 

2. Loss of Genetic Variation

Genetic variation is the diversity found within a species. Genetic variation allows species to adapt to changes in the environment. Usually, the greater the population of a species, the greater its genetic variation.

Inbreeding is reproduction with close family members. Groups of species that have a tendency to inbreed usually have little genetic variation, because no new genetic information is introduced to the group. Disease is much more common, and much more deadly, among inbred groups. Inbred species do not have the genetic variation to develop resistance to the disease. For this reason, fewer offspring of inbred groups survive to maturity.

Loss of genetic variation can occur naturally. For example Cheetahs cannot adapt to changes in the environment as quickly as other animals, and fewer cheetahs survive to maturity. Cheetahs are also much more difficult to breed in captivity than other big cats, such as lions.

Human activity can also lead to a loss of genetic variation. Overhunting and overfishing have reduced the populations of many animals. Reduced population means there are fewer breeding pairs. A breeding pair is made up of two mature members of the species that are not closely related and can produce healthy offspring. With fewer breeding pairs, genetic variation shrinks.

Monoculture, the agricultural method of growing a single crop, can also reduce genetic variation. Modern agribusiness relies on monocultures. 

Let us take a look at the reasons for endangerment shared by our Instagram family:

@aisha_bagha - 

"Invasion of their natural habitat by humans" 

@_nussy.nus_ -

"Degradation & loss of habitat mainly caused by deforestation, natural disasters due to climate change, human over-exploitation of species e.g. hunting & overfishing, pollution and spread of diseases."

@zainab_akadir -

"Degradation of natural habitat like deforestation. Hunting too" 

@_real_rizwana -

"People and their greed"

@souqbazaars -

"Lack of knowledge"

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

"Ignorance"

@leafypaths_freya -

"Human corruption"

REFERENCES:

www.natioanalgeoghraphic.org

Chapter 1 : ENDANGERED SPECIES

Endangered species is a term used for species considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. 

Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation. We'll take a look at these reason further in our next article. For now take a look at this list of endangered species as at 2022. Does your favorite animal fall into it? 

According to Earth.Org here are the 10 most endangered species by end 2022: 

1. Amur Leopard 

Between 2014 and 2015, there were only around 92 individuals left in their natural range. This number is now estimated to be around 84. They are extremely vulnerable to poachers, who kill them for their coats and bones, the latter of which is sold for use in traditional Asian medicine. They are at risk of habitat loss due to natural and man-made fires. Climate change is also leading to a decrease in prey availability. 

2. Rhino

Rhinos are one of the most poached animals on the planet. Their horns are used in traditional Chinese medicine and displayed as a symbol and demonstration of wealth. Because of poaching, three of the five species of rhinos are among the most endangered animals in 2022: the black rhino, the Javan rhino and the Sumatran rhino. The Javan rhino is the closest to extinction with only around 60 individuals left, all of which are in Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia, while black rhino population is estimated to be around 5,500 individuals. 

3. Orangutan

The two kinds of orangutan – the Bornean and the Sumatran Orangutan – have both experienced sharp declines in populations. A century ago there were probably more than 230,000 orangutans in total, but the Bornean orangutan is now estimated at about 104,700 based on updated geographic range and the Sumatran about 13,846. They are primarily threatened by habitat loss from human-caused deforestation for palm oil. 

4. Gorilla

There are two species of gorillas, the Eastern gorilla and the Western gorilla, which both have two subspecies. Three out of four are Critically Endangered. The only one that isn’t is the Mountain Gorilla, a subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla, which is considered Endangered. Like many endangered animals, their decline is mostly due to poaching, habitat loss, disease and human conflict. 

5. Saola

Often called the Asian unicorn, the saola is one of the rarest mammals on the planet and for this reason, it makes the list of the world’s most endangered animals in 2022.

6. Vaquita 

Both the smallest and most endangered marine mammal in the world. Their biggest threat is from the illegal fishing of totoaba, a large fish in demand because of its swim bladder. Vaquitas accidentally end up entangled in the gillnets set for totoaba and drown because they can no longer swim to the surface to breathe. 

7. Sunda Tiger

Of all the big cats, tigers are the closest to extinction. with fewer than 3,900 tigers remaining in the wild, they exist in only 4% of their historic range. Sunda tigers in particular are especially vulnerable. Despite increased efforts in tiger conservation – including strengthening law enforcement and anti poaching capacity – a substantial market remains in Sumatra and other parts of Asia for tiger parts and products. 

8. Yangtze Finless Porpoise 

Finless porpoises live in the Yangtze River in China. Unfortunately, they are vulnerable to fishing; even though they are not directly targeted by fishermen, large numbers of the species die when they become accidentally entangled in fishing gear. The waters they live in are also constantly busy with fishermen and people using the waterways to move around, so they get injured and killed by boats and ships. Additionally, their waters are also affected by high levels of toxic pollutants.

9 Turtle

Hunting is one of the biggest threats to sea turtles, with poachers targeting their eggs, shells, meat and skin. They are also at risk from habitat loss, bycatch and pollution as well as climate change. Sand temperature determines the sex of hatchlings with eggs developing as females in warmer temperatures. That means even small temperature changes could skew the sex ratio of populations. 

10. Elephant 

Last on the list of the world’s most endangered animals in 2022 are elephants. While some populations of African elephants are increasing, primarily in southern Africa, numbers are continuing to fall in other areas, particularly in central Africa and parts of East Africa. With an estimated 415,000 elephants left on the continent, the species is regarded as vulnerable, although certain populations are being poached towards extinction. 

Thank you to our Instagram Family for sharing a list of animals according to them are facing endangerment. Let us try our best to raise awareness, share information and help save the animals. 

Rhino (zainab_akadir) (@dafina_bread)

Mountain Gorillas & Thompsons Gazelle in Kenya (aisha_bagha)

Giant Panda (hopeful.living.ngo)

Horses & Lions (_real_rizwana)

White Tigers (@leafypaths_freya)

REFERENCES

www.earth.org