GIS for Monitoring Gender-Based Violence Hotspots and Safe Spaces Planning Course

Course Introduction

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a global challenge affecting communities, cities, and institutions, requiring evidence-based approaches for prevention and response. Traditional methods of GBV monitoring often lack spatial perspectives, leaving gaps in understanding risk dynamics.

GIS provides powerful tools for identifying GBV hotspots, analyzing patterns of vulnerability, and planning safe spaces for women, children, and marginalized groups. By integrating spatial data with social indicators, practitioners can design more effective strategies to combat GBV.

This course equips participants with skills to apply GIS in GBV monitoring, mapping risk zones, and designing interventions that promote inclusivity, equity, and safety. Learners will explore spatial analysis techniques tailored to social protection and gender-responsive planning.

Through case studies, participants will examine successful applications of GIS in monitoring GBV in urban and rural settings, enabling them to replicate context-specific interventions. The course integrates social science frameworks with advanced geospatial tools.

Special focus is given to participatory mapping and community engagement approaches, ensuring that local voices inform decision-making. Learners will gain insights into ethical considerations, data sensitivity, and privacy in handling GBV-related spatial data.

By completion, participants will be able to design, implement, and evaluate GIS-based projects that contribute to safer communities, stronger policies, and inclusive planning for vulnerable populations.

Who Should Attend

• Gender and social inclusion specialists
• Human rights and GBV program officers
• GIS and geospatial data professionals
• NGOs working in gender equality and protection
• Urban and community planners
• Public health and safety officers
• Researchers and academics in gender studies and geography
• International development practitioners
• Humanitarian relief workers

Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

• Develop participant capacity to apply GIS in mapping GBV hotspots and analyzing spatial risk patterns across communities.
• Train learners to integrate demographic, social, and spatial datasets for understanding vulnerability and safe space planning.
• Build practical skills in using geospatial tools to support GBV prevention, intervention, and evidence-based policy advocacy.
• Strengthen ability to conduct participatory GIS mapping with communities, ensuring inclusivity and equity in spatial planning.
• Provide expertise in data collection, analysis, and visualization while maintaining ethical standards and data confidentiality.
• Enable participants to design GIS workflows for GBV hotspot monitoring and safe space identification in diverse contexts.
• Enhance skills in creating interactive dashboards, maps, and spatial decision-support systems for gender-responsive planning.
• Explore integration of GIS in humanitarian response programs addressing GBV in conflict, displacement, and crisis settings.
• Equip learners with methodologies for monitoring progress on SDG targets related to gender equality, protection, and safe cities.
• Prepare participants to independently design and lead GIS-based GBV monitoring and safe spaces planning initiatives.

Comprehensive Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to GBV and Spatial Dimensions

• Understanding gender-based violence and its drivers
• The role of space and place in GBV risks
• Importance of GIS in social protection planning
• Overview of global GBV trends and data gaps

Module 2: GIS Data for GBV Monitoring

• Sources of GBV-related spatial and demographic data
• Ethical collection of sensitive GBV information
• Integrating survey and spatial datasets
• Challenges in GBV data availability and privacy

Module 3: Hotspot Mapping and Spatial Analysis

• Kernel density and hotspot analysis for GBV cases
• Identifying unsafe zones in urban and rural areas
• Using spatial statistics to track risk factors
• Case studies of GBV hotspot mapping initiatives

Module 4: Safe Spaces and Protection Planning

• GIS for locating shelters and safe houses
• Accessibility analysis of protection services
• Optimizing location of safe spaces with spatial tools
• Planning interventions with equity in focus

Module 5: Participatory GIS and Community Engagement

• Engaging survivors and communities in mapping
• Gender-sensitive participatory GIS approaches
• Addressing ethical and confidentiality challenges
• Building trust in community-driven mapping projects

Module 6: GIS in Humanitarian and Crisis Contexts

• Mapping GBV risks in conflict and displacement settings
• GIS for humanitarian protection programming
• Crisis-responsive safe spaces planning
• Integration with humanitarian coordination platforms

Module 7: Tools and Platforms for GBV Monitoring

• Open-source GIS platforms for social mapping
• Mobile data collection for GBV surveys
• Interactive dashboards for monitoring GBV indicators
• Cloud-based GIS solutions for real-time analysis

Module 8: Policy and Advocacy Applications

• Using spatial evidence to inform GBV policies
• GIS for advocacy on safe cities and gender equality
• Monitoring SDG 5 and related development indicators
• Integrating spatial data into policy briefs

Module 9: Emerging Topics and Innovations

• AI and machine learning for social vulnerability mapping
• Integrating geospatial data with big data analytics
• Predictive modeling for GBV hotspot risks
• Cross-sectoral applications of GIS in gender studies

Module 10: Simulation Project

• Designing a GBV hotspot monitoring project
• Developing a safe spaces planning model
• Creating interactive GIS dashboards for advocacy
• Presenting project findings for peer review

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better