Gurman T.A., Trappler R.M., Acosta A., McCray P.A., Cooper C.M., Goodsmith L.
Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20052, United States; American Refugee Committee, 1320 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; American Refugee Committee, International Uganda Program, P.O Box 7868, Kampala, Uganda; Communication for Change, 423 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
Gurman, T.A., Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20052, United States; Trappler, R.M., Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20052, United States; Acosta, A., American Refugee Committee, 1320 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; McCray, P.A., American Refugee Committee, International Uganda Program, P.O Box 7868, Kampala, Uganda; Cooper, C.M., American Refugee Committee, 1320 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; Goodsmith, L., Communication for Change, 423 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
Gender-based violence is pervasive and poses unique challenges in conflict-affected settings, with women and girls particularly vulnerable to its sequelae. Furthermore, widespread stigmatization of gender-based violence promotes silence among survivors and families, inhibiting access to services. Little evidence exists regarding effective gender-based violence prevention interventions in these settings. Through Our Eyes, a multi-year participatory video project, addressed gender-based violence by stimulating community dialogue and action in post-conflict settings in South Sudan, Uganda, Thailand, Liberia and Rwanda. The present qualitative analysis of project evaluation data included transcripts from 18 focus group discussions (n = 125) and key informant interviews (n = 76). Study participants included project team members, representatives from partner agencies, service providers and community members who either participated in video production or attended video screenings. Study findings revealed that the video project contributed to a growing awareness of women's rights and gender equality. The community dialogue helped to begin dismantling the culture of silence gender-based violence, encouraging survivors to access health and law enforcement services. Furthermore, both men and women reported attitude and behavioral changes related to topics such as wife beating, gender-based violence reporting and girls' education. Health education professionals should employ participatory video to address gender-based violence within conflict-affected settings. © 2014 The Author.