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M&E systems and frameworks should follow a set of Guiding Principles to ensure programmes are relevant, useful, timely, credible, and sustainable. These principles may include:

Involving and engaging local partners and stakeholders – in the design of M&E frameworks to appropriately account for the needs and priorities of all actors and stakeholders throughout the process. This participation can take a number of forms, including consultation (seeking input and feedback on programme design and implementation), collaboration (co-designing and co-implementing programmes), partnership (engaging…

M&E needs to be designed at the start of any VAWG programme. When setting programme objectives, consider the scope of all activities that need to be undertaken to track, measure and evaluate progress and its success in achieving the goal. M&E activities will vary based on the type of VAWG approach, for example, the M&E required for a school-based GBV prevention programme would look different to assessing the implementation of a domestic violence policy or legislation. VAWG programmes require robust M&E systems to be in place to assess and understand complex issues such as social norms change…

Improving coordination between different government ministries is key to ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing violence against women and girls. Spotlight Initiative has focused on supporting systems for better coordination across different sectors of government, with nearly half of its country programmes either strengthening multi-stakeholder coordination mechanisms or supporting the creation of new ones in line with international standards. For example, in Zimbabwe, the “Spotlight Initiative Inter-Ministerial Coordination Mechanism” helps implement a coordinated whole-of-government…

Gender-responsive budgeting is a critical tool to ensure that VAWG programmes and services are adequately funded in national, regional and local budgets. Over 100 countries have started using gender-responsive budgeting, although as of 2023, only 26% have comprehensive systems to track gender-equality allocations in the budget. Spotlight Initiative has worked with public sector ministries to build the capacity of government officials on gender-responsive budgeting and developed tools and methodologies to assess the gender-responsiveness of budgets. For further information, see the case study b…

Staff in public sector ministries and bodies are part of wider society and may often express attitudes in line with predominant social norms which may be gender-inequitable and tolerate violence. It is therefore really important to support staff through a process of reflection and gender transformation to enable them to design, implement and sustain appropriate activities to prevent and respond to VAWG. Possible activities suggested in Spotlight Initiative’s Technical Guidance Note include:

Analysis of operational culture, policies and programmes on VAWG.
Training and ongoing support…

Working with sectoral ministries, local government offices and municipalities to strengthen their capacities is an important strategy to increase their contribution to addressing VAWG and promoting gender equality. Institutional strengthening work can include providing ongoing, specialised training to public sector staff, with refresher training and on-the-job mentoring. Spotlight Initiative uses a variety of capacity development strategies such as gender action learning, strategic planning and programme development, training, and reflective learning to engage with teams. Developing and…

Allies within the government can serve as valuable advocates for VAWG programmes. They can leverage their position to influence policy, gain support, and secure necessary resources. Strong engagement or leadership by allies in line ministries can also support effective coordination and implementation. Look for individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to gender equality or have shown sensitivity to issues related to violence, ideally those in decision-making positions. To engage these champions, it is helpful to demonstrate how working on VAWG aligns with broader government priorities and…

Examples of times when messages around VAWG are more likely to resonate with parliamentarians include key legislative calendars, budget cycles and international observance days like International Women’s Day (8 March) or the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November - 10 December). There are also ‘pressure points’ during government reshuffles and post-election, when new parliamentarians may be more receptive to fresh ideas and partnerships. Similarly, outgoing parliamentarians may wish to leave a legacy, as in Nigeria when the outgoing President, Goodluck Jonathan, signed…

Identifying and encouraging champions among parliamentarians and support staff can help progress legislative action and policy. This can be done through public acknowledgement, media highlights, or simply providing them with necessary resources to further amplify their impact. An interesting example is the Voices for Change programme in Nigeria, which reinstated a ‘Gender Technical Unit’ (an internal resource centre within the National Assembly). The involvement of the support staff and clerks in this unit was said to be ‘invaluable’ in passing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill…

Engaging with women parliamentarians and women’s caucuses can help ensure that legislative bodies are better equipped to understand, formulate and implement policies on VAWG. It can also encourage collaboration across party lines and chambers on VAWG issues. An example of such an initiative under Spotlight Initiative is the formation of the women’s parliamentary caucus in Jamaica. This caucus aims to be a unifying platform for all women parliamentarians, irrespective of their political affiliation or legislative chambers. Its core purpose is to facilitate networking, foster meaningful dialogue…