The complexity of sexual and gender-based violence: Insights from Mogadishu and south central Somalia

This report presents the findings of research on the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence in Mogadishu and south central Somalia.

The research is part of a programme which aims to improve the response to and prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) in three districts of Mogadishu and two urban centres in south central Somalia. It takes a multi-faceted approach which includes capacity-building, support to service provision, awareness activities, research and advocacy.

The research was carried out in order to deepen and expand on some of the main issues and concerns regarding sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and the links between SGBV and conflict in Somalia. It aimed to understand why, in the current period of relative peace, Somalia, and particularly south central Somalia, is still witnessing extraordinarily high levels of SGBV.

With inter-clan and militia fighting having sharply declined, and statebuilding underway, this presents a conundrum that needs to be urgently addressed to ensure that peace and security take hold. The research also seeks to inform the adoption of relevant policies and interventions at the local, national and international level. and to improve partners’ understanding of SGBV in order to inform their activities.

The programme was jointly implemented by CISP (Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli) and International Alert.