Homepage Rising to the challenge The global Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls is a United Nations initiative in partnership with the European Union and other partners. Learn more Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today. 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence 1 in 2 women killed worldwide in 2012 was killed by her partner or a family member 1 in 5 women and girls has experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner within the last 12 months Since 2019, Spotlight Initiative's investments across more than 30 countries and regions ensured that: The conviction rate for perpetrators of gender-based violence doubled across 12 countries. Almost 500 laws and policies were signed to end violence against women and girls. USD 190 million was allocated to civil society organizations. National budgets to address gender-based violence increased 10-fold across 14 countries. More than 4,000 local and grassroots women's rights organizations reported having greater influence. 2.5 million women and girls have accessed gender-based violence services. 3.5 million young people have participated in programmes promoting gender equality. 2 million men and boys have been educated on positive masculinity and non-violent conflict resolution. 260 million people have been reached by gender-based violence prevention campaigns. 43 countries have strengthened their National Action Plans to eliminate gender-based violence. According to Dalberg, Spotlight Initiative’s comprehensive model on across its programme countries could lead to: Effective prevention of violence for 21 million women and girls by 2025. Saving two women’s and girls’ lives every day and 140,000 children’s lives by 2025. Mitigation of physical harm for 2,500 women and girls every day and preempting onset of serious psychological disorders for 320 women every day. Keeping 1 million more girls in school by 2025. Enabling role-modelling of gender-equal relationships for 90 million children. Featured N News Investing in gender-based violence survivors in Jamaica N News Cecilia Suárez, Natalie Portman urge UN Member States to re-invest in Spotlight Initiative P Publications Together for Change: Documenting the fight to end violence against women and girls in the Pacific, the Caribbean and Central Asia N News In Kyrgyzstan, parents strive to educate their daughters N News In unity our advocacy becomes a chorus - the women working to end violence in Vanuatu P Press Statement from Spotlight Initiative on the report of the European Court of Auditors Civil Society Funding Dashboard Your browser does not support iframes, but you can visit Civil Society Funding Dashboard
P Publications Together for Change: Documenting the fight to end violence against women and girls in the Pacific, the Caribbean and Central Asia