Gender-based violence (GBV) is a is a power, health, rights, and protection issue that is deeply rooted in gender inequality and structural norms that disempower and discriminate. The risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse is heightened during emergencies. Crises weaken national systems, such as health and legal systems, and community and social support networks. This breakdown of systems can reduce access to health services, including sexual and reproductive health services, and legal services, leading to an environment of impunity in which perpetrators are not held to account.
Forced displacement by conflict, natural disasters, climate change, or other crises may further compound the risks. GBV has significant and long-lasting impacts on the health and psychosocial and economic well-being of women and girls, and their families and communities. While women and girls are disproportionately affected by GBV, the risks of sexual violence against men and boys can also rise in crises.
Sexual violence is often used as a method of warfare. Conflict-related sexual violence is prohibited under international humanitarian law. Depending on the circumstances, sexual violence may be considered both as individual war crimes as well as crimes against humanity, and in certain situations it may also be considered a constituent act in the crime of genocide.
Call to Action initiative
The Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (CtA) is a global initiative of governments and donors, international organisations (IOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The initiative was launched in 2013 to drive change and foster accountability so that every humanitarian effort, from the earliest stage of a crisis, includes the policies, systems and mechanisms to mitigate gender-based violence risks, especially violence against women and girls, and to provide safe and comprehensive services to those affected by GBV.
The CtA structure aims to leverage the multi-stakeholder membership, promote coordinated action, and foster mutual respect and collaboration among partners. As members of the CtA, partners affirm the goal, objectives, and core principles of the initiative.
Goal
The goal of the CtA is to drive change and foster accountability within the humanitarian sphere so that every humanitarian effort, from the start, includes the policies, systems, and mechanisms necessary to provide safe and comprehensive services to those affected by GBV, to prevent GBV, and mitigate GBV risks, especially violence against women and girls.
Please submit your proposal by 21 August 2025 to norcap.bids@nrc.no
Read the full terms of reference here:
