Poverty reduction, norms and vulnerability to gender-based violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is an enormous problem across the world, but poorer countries are more affected. Intimate partner violence (IPV), the most common form of GBV, affects 20 % of women in Western Europe but almost the double  (37 %) in Africa. Research estimating the global cost of IPV finds that it amounts to more than 5 % of World GDP. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the cost is 15 % of the regional GDP. Other types of GBV, such as female genital cutting (FGM), are also widespread: At least 200 million girls and women, mostly in low-income countries, have been subjected to FGM. Despite the severity of the problem, we know very little about causes of GBV and what can be done to eliminate it.

In this project we use natural and large-scale field experiments in Ethiopia to identify the effects of interventions and economic development on GBV and investigate the likely mechanisms behind the violence, especially the role of norms. This will generate useful knowledge for policymakers and practitioners that are struggling to identify what interventions should be used to eliminate GBV.

The project outlines an ambitious and bold research agenda, addressing theoretical and empirical challenges relevant for reducing GBV. We draw on, combine, and develop theories from different fields of the social sciences and epidemiology/public health.