SUSO - Stand Up, Speak Out: Breaking the silence around gender-based violence

Background

Gender-based violence (GBV) is widespread in Vietnam. While authorities and the public start to pay attention to this matter among the low-land, Kinh population, little has been done to deal with it among ethnic minority communities. Rates of GBV among ethnic minority women are likely to be significantly under-reported. Reasons for under-reporting include normalization and high acceptance of GBV; shame and fear; gender norms that women should be the family peacemakers; and a lack of awareness that GBV is illegal. Male-dominated household decision-making, high levels of male alcohol consumption, and women’s low status within the extended patriarchal family structure make ethnic minority women even more vulnerable to GBV. For ethnic minority women, access to services and justice is also challenged by remoteness, poor Vietnamese language skills, and limited mobility.

Objective of SUSO

Through SUSO, CARE works to break the silence around gender-based violence among ethnic minority communities in Northern Vietnam, thus contributing to increased gender equality.

Expected outcome:

Ethnic minority women, men, and local authorities understand and reject GBV.
Ethnic minority women and men’s experience of GBV is included in advocacy activities led by Vietnamese civil society networks.
Increased access of ethnic minority survivors of GBV to services prioritized in the government’s National Action Plan on GBV.

How does SUSO work?

REFLECTION:
Ethnic minority people and local authorities critically reflect on and understand the underlying causes of GBV related to gender inequality and power imbalances within households, between intimate partners, and within the community.

ENGAGING MEN:
Change Agents will be ethnic minority women and men who will be the focal points for delivering village-level activities. When understanding the negative impacts of gender norms, men will be motivated to change their behavior and support rejecting GBV.

STRENGTHENING LOCAL AUTHORITIES’ CAPACITY:
Service providers and relevant authorities at the local level will receive guidance and tools so they listen to and promote the safety of survivors using appropriate interventions.

ENHANCING CITIZENS’ VOICE IN POLICY MAKING:
Ethnic minority women and men will participate in provincial and national forums and policy dialogues on GBV to support the Government’s adoption of the tools, systems, and processes developed in the project, which will contribute to the implementation of the National Action Plan on GBV in the future.