Professional Certificate in Gender-based Violence and Response

Programme Overview

This course provides participants with a clear understanding of the causes, forms, and impact of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). It equips learners with practical knowledge on prevention strategies, survivor-centered response, referral mechanisms, and the role of humanitarian and development actors in addressing SGBV. By the end of the training, participants will be able to apply international guidelines and best practices to support survivors and strengthen community protection systems.

Course Objectives

By the end of this professional certificate programme, participants will be able to:

1. Understand core concepts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
   • Define GBV, its forms (sexual violence, domestic abuse, early/forced marriage, trafficking, etc.), and its root causes in humanitarian and development contexts.
2. Examine the impact of GBV on individuals and communities
   • Analyse the physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences of GBV on survivors, families, and wider society.
3. Identify global and local frameworks guiding GBV response
   • Apply international standards such as the IASC Guidelines, Sphere Standards, and national protection laws relevant to GBV prevention and response.
4. Apply survivor-centred approaches
   • Demonstrate ethical principles of confidentiality, informed consent, safety, dignity, and respect when supporting survivors.
5. Strengthen referral pathways and case management
   • Design and use effective mechanisms for survivor assistance, including medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, and safe spaces.
6. Integrate GBV prevention into humanitarian programming
   • Mainstream GBV risk reduction into health, WASH, shelter, livelihoods, and education interventions.
7. Develop community-based GBV prevention strategies
   • Engage men, boys, women, and community leaders in promoting gender equality and preventing violence.
8. Enhance monitoring, reporting, and advocacy
   • Build skills for documenting GBV incidents ethically, supporting data-driven advocacy, and influencing policy reforms.

Duration

• 3 weeks

Who Should Participate

This programme is designed for professionals, volunteers, and students engaged in humanitarian, development, and social service sectors who are committed to addressing and preventing GBV. It is particularly relevant for:

• Humanitarian and Development Workers – delivering aid in emergency or protracted crisis settings.
• Child Protection and Safeguarding Officers – working to protect children and adolescents from violence and exploitation.
• Social Workers and Counselors – providing psychosocial support to survivors.
• Health and Medical Practitioners – offering clinical management of GBV survivors.
• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officers – tracking GBV interventions and outcomes.
• Legal and Human Rights Advocates – supporting justice and survivor rights.
• Community Leaders and NGO Staff – implementing grassroots GBV prevention and response initiatives.
• Students and Early-career Professionals – aspiring to build careers in protection, gender, and humanitarian fields.