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A key element of improving VAWG data is effective coordination with key stakeholders, particularly when putting in place integrated national systems for collecting administrative data. This approach involves engaging relevant government ministries and a diverse range of entities, including police, health systems, courts, hotlines, shelters and other service providers. One of the first recommended steps here is to create a National or Subnational VAW Administrative Data Coordination Mechanism with leadership, membership, and roles agreed in the Terms of Reference. For examples and further…

Adequate budgeting for improving VAWG data is essential for long-term viability and impact. Resources need to be allocated for design, testing, data collection, and dissemination, as well as the ongoing maintenance of data collection systems, ensuring they remain up-to-date and effective over time. This includes costs associated with training personnel in data collection and analysis, the technological infrastructure required for storing and processing data, and the tools necessary for effective data gathering, such as surveys and reporting mechanisms. In addition, resources are needed for the…

The first step is to identify which types of data require improvement and how. For example, prevalence data, which provides insights into the scale of violence within a population, is distinct from administrative data, typically derived from service providers or law enforcement, which only provides details on reported incidents and responses. Each of the following data types serves a unique purpose in addressing VAWG and requires tailored strategies for improvement:

Generating accurate prevalence data requires comprehensive and statistically representative population surveys.
Improving…

When using new data systems, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to analyse big data, it is important to consider any potential risks. For example, the Spotlight Initiative Latin America Regional Programme worked with Brazil’s National Justice Council to develop an innovative AI tool that strengthens the gender-responsive analysis of femicide by the justice sector. To support the ethical roll-out of the AI tool, Spotlight Initiative worked with partners to produce a guide for the justice sectors on how to use AI to support the analysis of femicide data.

Ethical guidelines for data collection, sharing and reporting must guide any VAWG data collection process. This is essential for all VAWG data, but particular principles and processes apply for especially sensitive data, including related to groups at high risk of discrimination, such as LGBTQI people, or data on adolescents under the age of 18. For example, the Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS) are nationally representative household surveys of adolescents and young people ages 13-24 and are considered good practice in terms of the way that data is collected and disseminated…

Strengthening the capacity of local partners to use and collect data to inform the development of laws, policies and programmes, as well as track progress and advocate for change, is important for effectively addressing VAWG. Take the time to build data literacy by explaining how to interpret trends and any limitations. For example, an increase in reported incidents of violence against women and girls could indicate several things. Firstly, it might reflect an actual rise in the number of incidents occurring (prevalence). However, it could also suggest improved awareness of and/or confidence…

There are multiple sources of VAWG data and it can sometimes be difficult to judge the accuracy and reliability of different data sets and their interpretation. It is important to analyse or seek advice on data collection methodologies used in studies, to be aware of potential biases and problems. Be aware that various sources and forms of data on VAWG might not capture the full scope of the issue, due to factors such as underreporting, cultural stigma, or lack of comprehensive data collection methods. Different sources might have biases or limitations depending on their methodology…

High-quality data on violence against women and girls is crucial for understanding the types, patterns, causes and consequences of VAWG and designing effective programmes and policies. Using both quantitative data (numbers and statistics) and qualitative data (personal stories and experience) is important to understand the scale, trends and experiences of those affected by violence, as well as the impacts of different interventions. These sources generally use rigorous collection and analysis methods, are regularly updated, and often undergo peer review.

Prevalence data: Several countries…

Due to the limited pool of approaches with rigorous evidence they are ready to scale, donors and funders should consider developing flexible funding mechanisms, including ‘transition grants’ that can help facilitate the journey to scale. For example, if funders want to support smaller organisations to scale initiatives, it may be necessary to adapt the evidence requirements and the size and flexibility of grants.

Spotlight Initiative’s Small Grants Policy is a funding mechanism used by some UN agencies to increase their reach to national, local and grassroots organisations. These…

Learning and adaptation are essential components of effective scale efforts. Efforts to scale a programme are likely to come up against new and unexpected opportunities and constraints. Scaling efforts should document these challenges and efforts to overcome them and use this learning to adapt interventions, so they are better suited to the new context. For more information, see these pages on how to develop a monitoring and learning plan and how to capture and share learning.