Gender-Based Violence Among Urban Internally Displaced People in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Despite widespread concern regarding GBV against women in Abidjan, Côte  d’Ivoire as a threat to post-conflict stability and development, systematic   data on GBV and humanitarian programmatic efforts to protect and empower  women in conflict-affected urban settings are lacking. Through analysis of survey  data (n=80) and qualitative research (10 focus groups), the investigative team sought  to advance current understanding of GBV experiences and assess the feasibility and acceptability  of socio-economic programs aimed to prevent GBV and improve economic wellbeing among urban Ivorian  women. This work aimed to guide empirically informed programs to address GBV in urban settings. Study findings highlight the importance of recognizing the  interplay  between different  forms of violence within  intimate partner relationships.  Additionally, programs focused on  economic empowerment for women were shown to have the potential to increase violence against women, including economic violence, and thus need to build in elements to mitigate this risk.