Examining the effectiveness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) preventive mechanisms used in refugee settlements: a case of Bidibidi Refugee Settlement Yumbe District

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of GBV preventive mechanisms used in refugee settlements, a case study of Bidibidi refugee Settlement in Yumbe district. The study objectives were: to identify the prevalence of gender based violence in Bidibidi refugee settlement, to assess the factors contributing to persistence of GBV at Bidibidi Refugee settlement, to analyse the effective mechanisms of fighting GBV at Bidibidi Refugee settlement. The study employed a cross sectional research design with a combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection. Accordingly, the data collection methods were questionnaires, face- to-face interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), observation, documentary review, and 166 respondents participated in the study. The study findings revealed that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that, gender-based violence existed in the refugee settlement in Bidibidi and neighborhoods. This implies that there are cases of gender based violence among refugees especially those living in Bidibidi. Insecurity, restricted livelihood opportunities, poverty, sex related offences, cultural practices, religious practices, volubility of refugees, poor police crime monitoring systems, self-perception and the general perception of being a foreigner were discovered to be key drivers of GBV affecting refugees in Bidibidi refugee settlement camp. The study concludes that gender based violence is high among refugees and host communities and has major consequences in them. The study findings revealed that a holistic approach of continuous sensitization of the communities, local authorities, and all governing stake holders on GBV and its effects on the lives of all was key as an effective method of fighting GBV, empowering the refugees and host communities economically would reduce poverty levels, such as skilling programmes as welding for men and boys, weaving and knitting, baking, farming like poultry projects among others were being emphasized as some of the empowerment programmes to the refugee communities, Men involvement in GBV programmes were being encouraged as a means of mindset change especially on cultural and religious beliefs among others were found to be adoptive in the fight against GBV in Bidibidi settlement. To effectively address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a dual approach is required: governments and stakeholders must tackle external, systemic factors, while refugee and host communities work to address internal drivers, such as harmful cultural and religious norms. The government, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, must proactively lobby for dedicated funding to support Gender-Based Violence prevention initiatives in refugee settlements.