Introduction to Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Contexts
A 10-Week Distance Learning Certificate
Practical knowledge: Real humanitarian challenges: Learning from practitioners, for practitioners, based on international standards.
Gender-based violence is a major protection concern in every humanitarian crisis. Conflict, displacement and disasters can increase existing risks, create new threats and limit access to safety and essential services.
This certificate provides a practical introduction to gender-based violence in humanitarian settings. It will strengthen your ability to recognise risks, act responsibly within your role and contribute to safer, more dignified and accountable humanitarian action.
Who is it for?
The certificate is designed for:
- Humanitarian and development practitioners.
- Staff of local and international NGOs.
- Government personnel involved in emergency response.
- Civil society and community-based organisations.
- Staff working in protection, health, education, WASH, shelter, food security and camp management.
- Programme managers, field officers, social workers and community outreach workers.
- Graduates and professionals seeking to enter the humanitarian sector.
No previous specialist knowledge of GBV is required.
Why is this training useful for you?
GBV is not only the responsibility of specialists. Every humanitarian actor has a role in reducing risks, avoiding harm and ensuring that assistance is safe, accessible and dignified.
Through this certificate, you will learn how to:
- Understand the main forms, causes and consequences of GBV.
- Recognise how humanitarian crises and responses can increase GBV risks.
- Identify practical GBV risk-mitigation measures within your sector.
- Apply survivor-centred principles, including safety, dignity, confidentiality and informed consent.
- Respond safely and appropriately when a survivor discloses violence.
- Understand referral pathways and the limits of your professional role.
- Engage communities in ways that promote participation, agency and accountability.
- Apply your learning through a practical action plan.
- Ethiopia, Horn of Africa and Africa and international participants are welcome.
MAIN LEARNING AREAS
- Introduction to gender-based violence: concepts and definitions.
- The impact of GBV in humanitarian contexts.
- Survivor-centred response and an introduction to case management.
- GBV policy, humanitarian response and programme design.
- Community engagement and GBV prevention in humanitarian settings.
A PRACTICAL, HANDS-ON APPROACH
This is not a course based only on lectures and theory. You will work with realistic humanitarian scenarios, case studies and practical exercises inspired by field experience.
Learning activities include:
- Short recorded presentations and practical readings.
- Humanitarian case studies and scenarios.
- Discussion forums and reflection exercises.
- Quizzes and applied assignments.
- Live online sessions for questions, discussion and exchange.
- A final practical exercise or action plan.
Flexible distance learning
Duration: 10 weeks
Workload: Approximately 6 hours per week
Total learning time: Approximately 60 hours
Most activities can be completed at your own pace within the weekly schedule.
The certificate combines:
- Asynchronous learning: recorded materials, readings, exercises, forums and assignments.
- Synchronous learning: live online sessions with trainers for questions, clarification and exchange of experience.
The course will be delivered through the Online Campus of the Center of Humanitarian Studies, with low-bandwidth requirements and access from computers, tablets and smartphones.
Learn from experienced professionals
The certificate is facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of humanitarian practitioners, GBV and protection specialists, university lecturers and online-learning professionals:
Tzegazeab Kahsu: Course Coordinator, CHS-E, Mekelle University.
Samrawit Woreta: GBV Expert.
Weyni Gidey: GBV Expert.
Dr. Enrique Eguren: Humanitarian Expert, University of Deusto, Spain.
Angela Díaz: Moodle Administrator.
The training combines practical field experience, academic knowledge and internationally recognised humanitarian standards.
Entry requirements
Participants should have:
- An interest in humanitarian action, protection, gender or community-based work.
- Approximately six hours per week available for course activities.
- Reliable internet access and a computer, tablet or smartphone.
- Sufficient English to participate in online learning activities.
- A commitment to respectful discussion and confidentiality.
Assessment and certification
Assessment is continuous and practical, based on participation, short quizzes, case-study exercises, applied assignments and a final practical task
Participants who sucParticipants who successfully complete the required activities will receive a Certificate in Introduction to Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Contexts.
REGISTRATION PERIOD
August 4, 2026 – August 21, 2026
TRAINING PERIOD
August 24, 2026 – November 1, 2026
Training Fee
National: ETB 12,560
International: EURO 69
Payments can be done through bank transfer, Wise or Western Union to the following bank account:
Account Holder: Mekelle University, Center for Humanitarian Studies-Ethiopia
Bank: Bank of Abyssinia
Account Number: 23985569
Branch: Atsey Yowhanse Branch , Mekelle
SWIFT/BIC: ABYSETAA
Bank address: Mekelle, Kedemay weyane sub city -Tigray -Ethiopia
Refund Policy: Payments effected by the participant shall only be refunded upon his/her request two days before the training begins.
Applications will be reviewed and accepted in the order in which they are received.
Accepted students will receive their acceptance notification on a rolling basis, maximum by 18/08/2026, together with the payment instructions. Payments must be completed as soon as possible after the notification of acceptance (and in any case by 19/08/2026).
REGISTER HERE:
Course Registration and Participation Terms