The Power of Unity: Merging Grassroots Gender-Based Violence Activists and Organisations

Written by Akosua Dardaine

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue across the globe, affecting individuals regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status. The SVRI Forum 2024 presented   an opportunity   for    coming together to share, connect and learn in the beautiful city of Cape Town South Africa. With over 1500 participants, the SVRI Forum brought together a diverse group of people to share and learn from each other. The Forum featured a showcasing of the latest evidence in the field and provided an opportunity to include and collaborate with  grassroots activists and organisations.

The need for collaboration

Tarana Burke, grassroots activist and founder of the # Me Too Movement said it best at the opening plenary of the SVRI 2024 Forum – she talked about how important research is, how she gets excited about research papers and “geeks out” on it. Having someone like Ms Burke, who has boots on the ground, advocate for the importance of research lends credibility to grassroots movements. On the flip side, we can say that having grassroots organisations like the Nina Foundation, which I represent, at the SVRI Forum, says to us that the SVRI has an open mind about creating an inclusive space  for including both researchers and practice-based knowledge practitioners at the SVRI Forum.

Grassroots activists often possess intimate knowledge of the communities they serve. Their experiences and insights can drive more effective interventions. By becoming part of or collaborating with established organisations, they amplify community voices, ensuring that their perspectives shape policy and practice. Collaboration fosters a more comprehensive understanding of GBV, allowing for tailored solutions that reflect the unique challenges faced by different communities.

Resource sharing and centering collective care

Many grassroots organisations operate on limited budgets, relying heavily on volunteer efforts. When these groups collaborate, they can pool resources—both financial and human—allowing them to undertake larger projects and reach more individuals. This shared strength can lead to innovative solutions and expanded outreach, enhancing the overall impact of their work.

Often, grassroots organisations do not have resources for collective care. One highlight of the SVRI Forum was the inclusion of the brave room and the provision of counselling sessions. Collective care for activists has long been ignored. Having this included in the Forum goes a long way in making collective care and counselling a part of conference offerings. The resources of grassroots organisations are usually intentionally allocated to supporting survivors, with the care of practitioners in the field being an unbudgeted Luxury. The d decision to allocate resources to collective care at the SVRI Forum, reflects a centering of the importance of the health and well-being of those involved in doing this work. This ultimately contributes to more impactful decisions, interventions and advocacy

The role of research in prevention and community-led interventions

Research shows that community-led initiatives are among the most effective in preventing GBV. Programmes that engage local leaders, influencers, and survivors foster trust and encourage community buy-in. Collaborative efforts can leverage research findings to design interventions that resonate with community values and norms. Presentations, posters and workshops at the SVRI 2024 Forum laid testimony to this – giving practitioners hope for a continued and greater platform at upcoming events.

The SVRI Forum underscored the value of collaborative initiatives between grassroots practitioners and researchers. Recent studies have shed light on effective prevention strategies that can be implemented at the community level, particularly when researchers and practitioners work together to use evidence to inform prevention programming.

The SVRI Forum also illustrated how partnerships between grassroots organisations and larger entities create opportunities for evaluating programme effectiveness. Research can provide insights into which strategies are working, enabling organisations to adapt and refine their approaches. This continual feedback loop is essential for sustaining impactful initiatives and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently.

One of the most significant challenges in working effectively to end gender-based violence is the fragmentation of efforts. When organisations work in silos, opportunities for collaboration are lost. The SVRI Forum is a powerful opportunity to explore the building of partnerships and collaborations. Collaborative work is instrumental to inspiring future generations of activists. When young people see collaboration and solidarity amongst different organisations, they are more likely to engage in the movement themselves. Fostering a sense of community and shared purpose can ignite passion and commitment, driving the fight against GBV forward. Inclusion is vital for creating sustainable solutions to GBV. By integrating diverse voices, especially those of marginalised communities, the movement to end GBV can become more equitable and representative This not only strengthens advocacy, but also ensures that interventions are culturally sensitive and effective.

Data-driven approaches

Accurate data collection is vital in understanding the scope and nature of GBV. Collaborative networks can facilitate more extensive data gathering and analysis, leading to informed decision-making. Research highlighting patterns of violence can help activists and organisations focus their efforts where they are most needed, tailoring their initiatives based on empirical evidence. The networking events at the SVRI Forum 2024 supported sharing and highlighted programmes which are using data-driven approaches to support their work.

Conclusion

Collaborations between grassroots gender-based violence activists and organisations are not just a strategy – it is a necessity in the fight against GBV. By fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and engaging in research-driven practices, we can create a more robust and effective movement. Together, we can develop comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of gender-based violence and ultimately pave the way for a safer, more equitable world. The time for unity is now, and the potential for change is immense.

The SVRI Forum centred inclusivity – grassroots organisations were not only invited –  but wallowed to share, network, learn   and  be  a  part of a  memorable and ground-breaking  week.

Akosua is the founder of the NiNa Young Women’s Leadership Programme(NiNa) in Trinidad and Tobago. The NiNa Young Women’s Leadership Programme (Nina) provides support and tools to build self-value in young women who are transitioning out of the state care system and into the world. NiNa is also in secondary schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago using entrepreneurial tools as an empowerment vehicle for young women transitioning into University and Entrepreneurship.