Before engaging with the national government to develop a national EVAWG plan or policy, it is useful to conduct a brief analysis to assess the national context, political and practical support for a plan. The Handbook on Multisectoral National Action Plans to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls notes that this analysis does not need to be lengthy and can be based on a desk review of the evidence and meeting key stakeholders. Some key areas to explore include:

• Data on the extent, prevalence, risk factors and impacts of VAWG
• Resources and capacity available to develop and implement a national plan or policy
• Existing services and programming to prevent and respond to VAWG
• Political will and support from key stakeholders, particularly line ministries

For example, in Fiji, before developing the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls 2023-2028, there were initial talks between the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, UN Women, and other important partners to check if the country was prepared, based on the above criteria.

Early and meaningful engagement of stakeholders is important to ensure that a national EVAWG plan or policy is comprehensive and inclusive. The participatory process should be survivor-centred and include all groups affected by violence, in the spirit of the Leave No One Behind principle. Engaging a wide group of stakeholders also increases ownership, which is crucial for effective implementation and sustainability. For example, Cambodia’s second National Action Plan (NAP) to Prevent VAW 2014-2018 was developed in consultation with the courts, prosecutors, local authorities, police and civil society and covers multiple actors, including relevant government ministries, development partners, civil society, and survivors. 

National Action Plans should provide a comprehensive framework to achieve lasting change. Drawing inspiration from countries like Fiji, Belize, Liberia, Peru and many more that have pioneered inclusive, whole-of-government strategies, the plan should outline short, medium and long-term measures for both VAWG prevention and response. The Handbook for National Action Plans on Violence against Women recommends that plans outline a comprehensive programme of activity that builds evidence and practice over time, including the following elements:

• Cross-cutting actions to establish governance structures, ensure participation of civil society, strengthen law and policy, build capacity of workforces and organisations, and improve evidence.
• A coordinated strategy for the primary prevention of violence against women.
• The establishment and ongoing improvement of an integrated service, police and judicial response to violence against women.
• A description of how the plan will be implemented, including articulation of concrete goals, actions, timelines and implementing entities, links to gender equality machinery and policy, and designated funding sources.
• Evaluation, monitoring and reporting.

For a National Action Plan on EVAWG to be effective, it requires ongoing resources for implementation of strategies and activities. Securing and allocating adequate funding involves estimating the costs associated with each component of the plan and identifying sustainable funding sources. This may require seeking additional funds from national budgets and exploring partnerships with international donors and private sector entities. Transparent and accountable financial management practices are also essential to maintain trust among stakeholders that funds are being used effectively to achieve the plan’s goals.

A noteworthy example is South Africa’s approach to implementing the National Strategic Plan on GBV and Femicide (GBVF), which was launched in 2020. The Government designated ZAR1.6 billion (approx. US$92 million) for the plan, based on budget reprioritisation. A multi-sectoral GBV Fund was also established in 2021, pooling resources from the private sector, development partners and other stakeholders, with the aim of aligning investments with the wider national priorities set out in the plan.

The Handbook for National Action Plans on Violence against Women recommends that plans provide for regular and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of progress towards implementing the plan, including the following elements:

• Indicators and targets that are closely linked to the goals and objectives of the plan. Read more on developing indicators to measure change.
• An institutional mechanism to monitor implementation – these can take different forms and may be located in Government, in existing statutory authorities, or as independent organisations.
• Meaningful participation of civil society and other stakeholders in the processes of monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Read more on using participatory MEL processes.
• Evaluation of the national action plan (either as a whole or parts of it), with feedback loops to allow for the adaptation of interventions.
• Accountable reporting procedures which are available to civil society and the general public.

Effective implementation of a national EVAWG plan or policy requires strong institutions with clearly defined roles and well-trained personnel, as well as institutional mechanisms to ensure a coherent and sustainable multi-sectoral approach. Strengthening the capacity of institutions involves investing in capacity building for decision-makers, from government ministries to health providers, police, legal professionals and educators. Read more on how to engage with sectoral ministries to end VAWG.