Sub-Saharan Africa University Gender-Based Violence Research and Prevention Network: Assessment and Interventions for University-based Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) represents a global public health crisis with severe physical, psychological, emotional, and reproductive consequences, particularly affecting women and girls. Despite the pervasive nature of GBV on university campuses, research and collaboration remain limited in low- and middle-income countries, including sub-Saharan Africa. Current data on GBV in universities across this region are inadequate, underscoring the need for systematic and comparable data collection. This project aims to address this gap by developing and deploying a GBV Campus Climate Survey at eight universities in sub-Saharan Africa to assess student knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to GBV. This initiative aims to: 1) identify baseline levels of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors perpetuating gender inequality and GBV, 2) contribute to research collaborations for developing best practices to address GBV, and 3) build on pre-existing relationships to develop a GBV prevention intervention, Relationship Tidbits. The survey, tailored to the unique cultural contexts of each university, will provide a foundation for assessing and developing culturally appropriate prevention and response measures, fostering a comprehensive understanding of GBV and enhancing women's empowerment through higher education.