Study on Causes of Gender Based Violence Against Female Health Extension Workers: The Case of Pawe Woreda, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State

Abstract

Gender based violence are visible in all kind of formal professions where women are involved. Likewise, women involved in health profession are victim of gender based violence. Like other female health professions, female health extension work is the one where gender based violence is practiced. This study is trying to explore the causes of gender based violence against health extension workers at Pawe woreda. To achieve the proposed objective, qualitative research approach with case study design was employed. In the study, eleven semi structured interviewees, nine focus group discussants and nine key informants were participated. The interviewees and the focus group discussants were selected by using purposive sampling technique whereas the key informants were selected by using availability sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed by applying thematic data analysis technique.  The study found out that causes for the practice of gender based violence against health extension workers includes lack of awareness, patriarchal thinking, the shun of gotts, lack of penalty, lack of security, jealousy, alcoholism, absence of transfer and problems emanated from their personal behavior. Therefore, Local and international organizations should intervene to challenge the gender based violence practiced against health extension workers.

Key words: Health extension worker; Women; GBV; Cause; Pawe woreda, Ethiopia