Community mobilization involves introducing ideas, processes and concrete mechanisms within the community to raise awareness, inspire action and support positive change. In the context of gender-based violence, it is a long-term process aimed at creating social change within a community in order to change the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate GBV. While GBV prevention is the ultimate goal, community mobilisation involves addressing root issues such as women's low status, gender inequity and rights. This intense work within communities engages a cross section of individuals from women and men at the grassroots to leaders and local institutions (i.e., health, social welfare, police, local courts, etc.) that exist in the community. In this way, prevention of and response to GBV work in synergy. Community mobilization strategies take a holistic approach to GBV prevention.

On this page you will find some examples of Member Organization's Community Mobilization program approaches.

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Care International, Eritrea
Programme description of Care Eritrea's work on mobilizing communities, particularly focusing on interactive drama as a tool for raising awareness. Excerpt from Preventing GBV in the Horn, East and Southern Africa: A Regional Dialogue (2004).    [view]

Center for Domestic Violence Prevention, Uganda
Programme description of CEDOVIP's work to mobilize communities against domestic violence. Special emphasis on creating meaningful community participation. Excerpt from Preventing GBV in the Horn, East and Southern Africa: A Regional Dialogue (2004).    [view]

Education Center for Women in Democracy, Kenya
Programme description of ECWD's program in Kenya on human rights education and strengthening capacity of stakeholders. Excerpt from Preventing GBV in the Horn, East and Southern Africa: A Regional Dialogue (2004).    [view]

The Egyptian Center for Women's Rights
Campaign Against Sexual Harassment, Program Overview. [ view ]

Kivulini Women's Rights Organization, Tanzania
Programme description of Kivulini's work to mobilize communities against domestic violence. Specific focus on creating positive relationships with community leaders. Excerpt from Preventing GBV in the Horn, East and Southern Africa: A Regional Dialogue (2004).    [view]

Preventing Domestic Violence in Pallisa, Uganda: A Pilot of Gogonyo Sub-county, (2002)
ActionAid - Uganda. A report from a pilot program on changing attitudes toward women's rights in rural Uganda.    [view]

Raising Voices, Uganda
Overview of community mobilization approach developed by Raising Voices in Mobilizing Communities to Prevent Domestic Violence: A Resource Guide for Organizations in East and Southern Africa. Excerpt from Preventing GBV in the Horn, East and Southern Africa: A Regional Dialogue (2004).    [view]