Social Protection Mechanisms to Address Gender Based Violence (GBV) in South Asia: A systematized literature review

Abstract

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a global public health problem, with 1 in 3 women having been subjected to it in their lifetimes. Despite growing evidence of the potential of Social Protection (SP) mechanisms to address GBV, efforts to understand the relationship remain insufficient, especially in low-income settings. A Systematized literature review was conducted to explore the benefits and challenges of using SP mechanisms to address GBV in South Asia, with the aim of reflecting on key takeaways for Sri Lanka. Four electronic databases were searched for literature investigating SP programmes aimed at addressing GBV in South Asia. Of the initial 4825 records identified, a total of eleven were selected as they met the inclusion criteria. Data was extracted and analysed using thematic narrative review, drawing on intersectionality theory. Three types of SP programmes were identified; (1) Microfinance, (2) Cash Transfers and (3) Employment Guarantee Schemes. Benefits mainly included a potential reduction in GBV, dowry related violence and household economic stress; and an increase in women’s agency, mobility, financial inclusion, empowerment, decision making, and bargaining power. Potential challenges comprised of increased violence risk due to male roles being threatened in the household, unchanged women’s status at home and in society, added stress of loan repayment, harassment by loan collectors, and increased workplace and street harassment. Women from lower castes, rural locations, low education background and with less media exposure were found be at more risk. Overall, findings indicate that assumptions that SP programmes aimed at increasing economic empowerment of women will reduce GBV must be approached with greater nuance.