Breaking the Silence: Centering African Voices in Ending Gender-Based Violence

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Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains one of Africa’s most persistent yet under-addressed crises. Rooted in systemic inequality and cultural silence, its impact is both devastating and far-reaching. GIT and Imara Leadership Initiative convened a bold pan-African dialogue.The message was clear: it is time to center African voices and fund African-led solutions.

From Silence to Solutions: Elevating African Leadership in the Fight Against GBV

By our reporter 

On June 3, 2025, Global Impact Transformation (GIT), in strategic partnership with the Imara Leadership Initiative, hosted a powerful virtual convening under the theme: "Breaking the Silence – Centering African Voices in Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV)". The dialogue brought together  participants from across Africa, including youth leaders, civil society actors, front line GBV practitioners, and development partners.

The session served as a platform to elevate African-led responses to GBV, foster regional solidarity, and spotlight grassroots innovations that are often overlooked in global spaces. The event underscored that while GBV continues to affect millions across the continent, African communities are not passive victims, they are creators of bold, community-rooted solutions.

Diverse Voices, Shared Purpose

Speakers from Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Burundi, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania provided powerful insights into the realities of GBV in their countries, each shaped by cultural, social, political, and humanitarian contexts. Despite the diversity of challenges, common themes emerged, reinforcing the need for African-led and survivor-centered approaches.

Among the key issues raised were:

  • The invisibility of African GBV innovations in international policy and funding frameworks
  • Stigma and silence that prevent survivors from speaking out or seeking help
  • Insufficient access to justice and Psychosocial support, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas
  • Economic vulnerability as both a driver and consequence of GBV
  • Limited engagement of men and boys in prevention and behavior change efforts

Despite resource constraints, African practitioners are advancing transformative solutions grounded in cultural relevance, local leadership, and sustainability. The webinar highlighted several proven strategies:

Economic empowerment as a tool for prevention, with grassroots programs equipping women and girls with skills in areas like alternative charcoal production and soap making to build financial independence and reduce reliance on harmful relationships.

School-based GBV clubs, providing youth with safe spaces to learn about their rights, report abuse, and lead peer education.

Creative activism, such as poetry, fashion, and storytelling, used as healing tools and platforms for advocacy.

Community dialogues and Intergenerational learning, fostering cross-gender and cross-age understanding to challenge harmful social norms.

Faith and traditional leaders being mobilized as allies in shifting mindsets and creating protective environments.

“We must fund African solutions, not just study African problems,” emphasized Khadro Bille, Chair, African Womwn Leaders Network (AWLN) Speaker from Sudan,  a sentiment that resonated deeply throughout the session.


Call to Action: What Needs to Happen Next


The dialogue concluded with a united appeal for sustained action and investment. Participants issued several key calls:

  • Elevate African leadership and expertise in GBV policy making, programming, and research, ensuring local voices shape the agenda.
  • Invest in long-term, survivor-centered programs that prioritize mental health, legal support, economic empowerment, and community resilience.
  • Engage men and boys not as bystanders, but as active participants in changing norms and preventing violence.
  • Build stronger cross-sectional collaborations, especially between civil society, governments, and donors to ensure scalable and replicables impact.
  • Leverage technology and media to challenge stigma and create safe, accessible channels for education, reporting, and support.

The “Breaking the Silence” webinar reaffirmed a powerful truth: the solutions to Africa’s GBV crisis already exist, they live in the stories, strategies, and strength of local actors.

As GIT and Imara Leadership Initiative continue to build platforms for visibility, learning, and collaboration, we call on all partners  from grassroots leaders to global institutions to join in advancing a future where no survivor is silenced, and every community is equipped to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

To collaborate with GIT or support this work, contact us at:

info@globalimpacttransformation.org