The Role of SBCC in Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention (Including Reducing Violence Against Women): Reviewing Evidence and Practice to Strengthen the Approach

Abstract for Preformed Panel Presentation from the 2022 International SBCC Summit in Morocco:

"In recognition of the success of SBCC in other disciplines there has been an increasing focus on how media and communication can be used to tackle social and behaviour change in relation to peacebuilding and conflict prevention (e.g. by influencing norms around dissent, dispute resolution and the use of violence, including gender-based violence). There is emerging (but limited) evidence of the success of SBCC approaches in this field. However, some media interventions have had unintended (negative) consequences and it calls for more research on the mechanisms underpinning impact of media interventions. Recent assessments and research examining Equal Access International (EAI)'s SBCC in countering violent extremism (CVE) work in Nigeria and Burkina Faso have assessed what media programming interventions are most effective at sustaining interest and creating new beliefs and behaviors to transform violent extremism. Equal Access will present learning about what we know what works in positively affecting attitudes, behaviors and social norms in VE-affected environments, supporting practitioners, policymakers, donors, governments and other decision makers to consider how to use SBCC to accelerate transformational change and build resilience to the potential upheaval of violence, support gender-inclusive peacebuilding and reduce violence against women."