Gender-based violence has negative impacts on country and an individual's economic growth
Opinion
By
Dina Lilly Kondoa
| Feb 12, 2024
Gender-based violence (GBV) has significant economic implications on survivors.
GBV includes various forms of physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse or violence primarily directed at women and girls, although it can affect anyone regardless of gender.
The economic costs of GBV on survivors include absenteeism from work, reduced work performance/productivity, and job loss due to physical injuries, emotional distress, or ongoing court and legal proceedings.
In the long term, it may hinder career advancement because of missed opportunities. GBV survivors often require medical attention and mental health services due to physical injuries and psychological trauma sustained during the abuse.
It is costly for GBV survivors to seek legal protection or pursue other legal channels against perpetrators. Organizations that provide support to gender-based violence survivors often require the allocation of public funds since the survivors require services like shelter, food, clothing, crisis hotlines, counselling services, legal aid programmes and advocacy organisations.
READ MORE
Ongoing labour unrests are early signs of an economy that's about to collapse
Trailers and weighbridges: The untold story
KTDA moves to restore order in tea bonus declarations
Madagascar tycoon to buy Zuku parent firm Wananchi Group
How container cash deposits are creating a problem for Kenyan traders
Gold rush: How illegal gallbladder trade threatens Lake Victoria fishers
Real estate posts high productivity as challenges hit wholesale, retail sectors
Agencies in fresh plan to market Kenyan coffee
AI-driven smart borders transform travel security
Fresh test for Ruto as IMF urges new tax policies to unlock loans
The most common effect of GBV is that it contributes to physical and mental health problems, which, in turn, increase public health expenditures. Treating the health consequences of gender-based violence places an additional burden on healthcare systems.
For example, sexual violence can result in sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and gynaecological problems. Access to healthcare services for sexual and reproductive health is essential for survivors, adding to healthcare expenditures.
GBV can also discourage women and marginalised groups from participating in the workforce, which can lead to a reduction in the available labour force.
In some cases, GBV might force highly skilled and educated individuals to leave their home countries or regions in search of safety and economic opportunities. This can result in a "brain drain" where countries lose valuable human capital. This can hinder economic growth and development. GBV can exacerbate existing gender inequalities at the workplace.
Addressing GBV is essential for promoting gender equality and women's economic empowerment. When women are free from violence and discrimination, they are more likely to participate fully in economic activities, which can boost economic growth.
Raising awareness about gender-based violence and promoting gender equality can help prevent violence and reduce its economic impact on individuals and society as a whole.
-Dina Lilly Kondoa, Communications specialist
- LSK vows to explore legal options if Masengeli defies court's jail order
- Condomless sex causing infertility and STIs in young adults
- How to prevent and treat cold sores
- Initiative to boost pastoralists with funding