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.
The Airbel Impact Lab at IRC is a team of researchers, strategists and innovators committed to the accelerated design, rigorous evaluation and cost-effective scaling of the most impactful solutions supporting people affected by crisis.