Action Document for Addressing gender-based violence in Colombia Gender-based violence against women, girls and LGBTIQ+ persons is a widespread reality in Colombia and has affected disproportionally ethnic minorities and women human rights defenders, not least in conflict-affected areas of the country, with sexual violence as a war strategy. It is a consequence of existing inequalities between women and men, and it actually contributes to perpetuate them. Colombia¿s legal framework is up to international standards but implementation is a huge challenge. Gender-based violence has been further exacerbated in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic, with increases in the rates of homicide, sexual violence and suicide among women and LGBTIQ+ persons. Furthermore, the justice system does not act to tackle gender-based violence. Stereotypes and prejudices permeate even the institutional field, incurring in re-victimising behaviours.This Action focuses on strengthening institutional and community capacities to reduce gender gaps, specifically in the enjoyment of a life free of gender-based violence for women, girls and LGBTIQ+ persons, by promoting measures to protect them from all forms of violence in all contexts and particularly in those regions affected by armed violence, conflict and territorial control. The strategy relies on a three-pronged approach that integrates first, actions to address existing gaps in policies, legal frameworks, data collection and public servant skills when dealing with gender-based violence; actions to improve institutional and community care and protection routes at local level, paying particular attention to how victims are able to access quality and prompt legal and psychosocial emergency and long-term assistance; and finally actions aimed at promoting the cultural transformation of society and institutions, with particular emphasis on reducing social tolerance of GBV.The intervention logic is therefore structured in three pillars: (1) institutional reinforcement for the reduction of GBV; (2) promotion of a social and institutional cultural transformation; (3) improvement of institutional and community protection and care services for GBV victims.The Overall Objective (Impact) of this action is to contribute to the reduction of Gender-Based Violence in Colombia. The Specific Objective (Outcome) of this action is to improve the effectiveness of institutional and civil society mechanisms for prevention, protection and comprehensive care in situations of Gender-Based Violence for women, girls and LGBTIQ+ persons, particularly in situations of fragility and conflict. The Outputs to be delivered by this action contributing to the corresponding Specific Objective (Outcome) are first, improved institutional capacities in the implementation of the comprehensive public policy on GB, second, improved prevention and awareness-raising strategies for promotion of social and institutional changes in preventing and eradicating GBV and addressing structural gender inequalities, and finally, strengthened access to essential protection and care services for women, girls and LGBTIQ+ victims of GBV with an intersectional approach (institutional and civil society).