“by seeing with our own eyes, it can remain in our mind.”: Evidence of participatory video's ability to reduce gender-based violence in conflict-affected settings

Background: Although gender-based violence (GBV) exists worldwide, it is especially pervasive and challenging in conflict-affected settings. The breakdown of the family unit, high population density, and lack of community safeguards pose obstacles to implementation of GBV prevention programs. Unfortunately, little evidence exists regarding effective GBV prevention interventions in these settings. Through Our Eyes (TOE), a multi-year participatory video project, addressed GBV by stimulating community dialogue and action in humanitarian settings in South Sudan, Uganda, Thailand, Liberia and Rwanda. The current qualitative analysis of TOE evaluation data fills the gap in evidence-based research. Methods: Data encompassed transcripts from focus group discussions with 125 individuals and key informant interviews with 76 individuals. Study participants ranged from individuals who created the videos to those who attended video screenings. Data was coded using ATLAS.ti 6 software and analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach. Results: Study findings revealed that TOE contributed to a growing awareness of women's rights and gender equity. Furthermore, both men and women reported attitudinal and behavioral changes related to topics such as intimate partner violence. The fostered community dialogue helped de-stigmatize GBV and encourage survivors to access services. Conclusions: Participatory video has the ability to tailor messages to specific community needs, engage men as key players, foster community dialogue, and initiate social change related to GBV in a variety of conflict-affected settings. As a result, public health professionals should employ participatory video as an innovative technique to address GBV and promote positive gender norms within conflict-affected and other humanitarian settings.