The Role of the Health Sector in Addressing Gender-Based Violence

It is increasingly recognized that health clinics and personnel can play an important role in addressing gender-based violence, including in areas where violence against women have become a pervasive element of war. They can be a source not just of medical care, but safety, support and education (including education of men) and a liaison to the justice system. The integration of the health sector into strategies to prevent and respond to gender-based violence is often lacking. This meeting addressed the obstacles to integrating the health sector into preventing and responding to gender-based violence in conflict, and how they can be overcome.

Speakers

• Heidi Lehmann
  Head, Gender-Based Violence Technical Unit, International Rescue Committee
• Nancy E. Glass, Ph.D., MPH, RN, FAAN
  Associate Professor, Department of Community Public Health
  Associate Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health
• Kathleen Kuehnast, Ph.D., Respondent
  Gender Adviser, Gender and Peacebuilding Initiative, Centers of Innovation, U.S. Institute of Peace
• Leonard S. Rubenstein, J.D., Moderator
  Coordinator, Health and Peacebuilding Working Group, U.S. Institute of Peace