Edith Chinonye on addressing gender-based violence against women health workers

9 December 2024

As part of Women in Global Health’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, #WomenUnderFire, we spotlight Edith Chinonye from Nigeria. Edith is a dedicated Nurse-Midwife with a background in International Public Health. Currently working in humanitarian leadership within an international organization, Edith combines her professional expertise and advocacy to fight for the rights of women health workers globally.

Witnessing GBV Against Women Health Workers

For Edith, GBV against women health workers is not just a professional issue—it’s a personal and systemic challenge that affects every aspect of health systems.

“Gender-based violence against women health workers is a silent endemic, stealing away the valuable contributions of women health workers in our society,” Edith explains. “It is a suffering inflicted on individuals who are meant to alleviate suffering. This violence robs the health system of well-being and undermines health delivery.”

Edith has witnessed GBV take many forms: from subtle undermining comments and dismissive looks to more overt forms of abuse. “It is a silent form of oppression, clothed in purple linings, easy to ignore and get away with,” she shares. “Women health workers in all roles—whether leadership, managerial, or supporting—have a story to tell. This violence is on every street, in workspaces, health centers, just everywhere.”

What makes this issue particularly insidious, Edith notes, is that GBV is often perpetrated by those expected to end it. This paradox reinforces its silent, pervasive presence in health environments.

What needs to change?

Edith is clear: combating GBV against women health workers requires an urgent and comprehensive approach that addresses the evolving nature of this violence. “GBV is becoming modernized,” she says. “It’s changing shape every day, making it seem harmless, but it’s anything but.”

Edith proposes the following strategies for systemic change:

• Active Safeguarding:
  Tackling GBV requires collective action and a willingness to make sacrifices. Safeguarding efforts must include everyone, leaving no one behind.
• Cultural Transformation:
  “We must enforce a culture of mutual respect in workplaces,” Edith emphasizes. Addressing power imbalances and undervaluing women health workers is critical. Policymakers, leaders, and change-makers must lead the charge to reshape societal norms.
• Active Advocacy and Male Partnerships:
  Edith highlights the importance of engaging men in the fight against GBV. “We need strong male alliances, community involvement, and continuous awareness campaigns to shift perceptions and attitudes,” she says.
• Empowering Women Health Workers:
  “We must refuse to get used to abuse,” Edith declares. Empowering women health workers to recognize and reject violence is a vital step toward creating safer environments.

A Call to Action

As a health professional and humanitarian leader, Edith is deeply committed to advocating for safe work environments, equitable treatment, and systemic change. “We need an active push to tackle GBV at all levels. No one can change something they are used to,” she insists.

Edith’s call to action is clear: “We must prioritize the safety and dignity of women health workers. It is not just their fight; it is a fight for the entire health system and the well-being of communities they serve.”

Join us in amplifying Edith Chinonye’s voice and advocating for the protection and empowerment of women health workers worldwide. Together, we can build a safer, more equitable future for health systems.