Gender-based violence (GBV) is a crisis in itself, one that becomes even more acute in times of instability, and continues to affect survivors long after conflicts have ended. Despite the scale of this challenge, women’s organisations play a critical role in providing life-saving support and driving the systemic change necessary for long-term solutions.
From 2022 to 2024, WAVE and the OSCE Gender Issues Programme/WIN Project partnered with women’s NGOs in Armenia, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ukraine to develop sustainable solutions aimed at preventing and responding to GBV. These organisations involved, Sexual Assault Crisis Center (Yerevan, Armenia), Women Fund Sukhumi (Kutaisi, Georgia), Foundation United Women Banja Luka (Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina), and Centre “Women’s Perspectives” (Lviv, Ukraine), have been working on the ground, navigating complex realities to protect and empower survivors.
In an episode of the WAVE podcast No More Violence Against Women, Inessa Adilkhanyan, Gorica Ivić and Ekaterine Gamakharia, experts from these organisations, share their firsthand experiences and offer insight into the intersecting challenges faced by women in conflict and post-conflict settings. They also discuss the structural barriers that hinder access to support and the importance of tailoring responses to the specific needs of survivors.
A recurring theme in the discussion is how instability amplifies gender inequalities, often leading to a surge in domestic violence, forced marriages, exploitation, and other forms of violence. Inessa Adilkhanyan points out, “If we want to reduce gender-based violence during wartime, it is best to start addressing it during peacetime, when we have the opportunity. The more we work to reduce gender-based violence and discrimination in times of peace, the more likely we are to prevent it from being exacerbated during crisis situations.”
These heightened challenges make the work of women’s organisations even more essential, but their role extends far beyond responding to crises. Operating in challenging and sometimes dangerous environments, these organisations have been providing essential services—from emergency support and safe accommodation to legal aid and psychological assistance. The discussion delves into how women’s organisations have adapted their work in response to evolving crises and the crucial role that grassroots activism plays in advocating for policy change. As Ekaterine Gamakharia says, “We are gap-fillers, and this is the role women’s organisations have taken on. This is something that should be done by the government. It is a good reminder for governments, policymakers, and officials, that this is their responsibility. It clearly shows that our efforts need to be multiplied and replicated.”
In terms of the prevention and response to gender-based violence in conflict and post-conflict situations being a collective responsibility, Gorica Ivić highlights, “We need to ensure that women and girls are not exposed to gender-based violence [..] not just women’s NGOs but society as a whole. Political leaders must prioritise gender-based violence, especially in conflict zones, placing it at the top of the political agenda. It should not only be a concern for women’s NGOs and civil society organisations, as the consequences of gender-based violence are severe and long-lasting.”
At the same time, the experts also put an emphasis on the significance of collaboration and strategic action in the fight against GBV, highlighting the resources developed within the WAVE-OSCE project, including a comprehensive Toolkit and Training Manual that equip organisations and other stakeholders with practical tools to prevent and respond to GBV in conflict settings.
All resources are available in English, Bosnian, Georgian, Armenian and Ukrainian
This podcast episode is a powerful reminder that addressing GBV in crisis situations requires collective and coordinated efforts. By amplifying the voices of frontline experts and highlighting effective strategies, the discussion serves to reinforce the urgent need for action at every level. As the experts emphasise, addressing GBV in times of crisis is not a matter of simply reacting to immediate needs – it requires long-term strategies, survivor-centred approaches, and dedicated political commitment.
This episode is not just a conversation – it is a call to action.
