FAMILY VIOLENCE AGAINST GIRLS AND BOYS IN BURKINA FASO: differences across normative contexts

Alis BAMBARA, IDESO-University of Geneva

In different contexts, social norms can expose or prevent children from family violence. Sub-Saharan Africa boasts diverse and multicultural settings, yet there's a dearth of studies comparing how variations in social norms influence the practices of violence against girls and boys in these societies. This research uses an intersectional approach, with Burkina Faso as a case study, to examine how specific normative contexts contribute more significantly to girls’ and boys’ protection from various forms of family violence. Multilevel analyses were conducted using data from children under 12 years old in Burkina Faso in 2018. The findings reveal disparities in the practice of family violence against children across municipalities. These variations are not related to social norms. Interestingly, communities with strong support for violent discipline can also be protective of children. However, further detailed studies on how social norms are interpreted, integrated, and reproduced across societies would clarify these findings.