'97 per cent of Spotlight Initiative programme countries have sustained achievements' – key takeaways from the Initiative’s sustainability report

BRUSSELS, Belgium – On 11 December, Spotlight Initiative hosted ‘A sustainable legacy: An intimate evening of conversation and insights from global leaders on how seed investments to end violence against women and girls deliver sustainable outcomes’. The event launched the Initiative’s sustainability report, which found that a remarkable 97 per cent of programme countries had sustained achievements two years after the programmes ended.

The event was moderated by journalist Federica di Sario and featured speakers from the UN, the EU and civil society.

Below, they share their key takeaways from the report.

“We are often told that real change happens slowly, in small increments over multiple generations... Yet Spotlight has demonstrated that with comprehensive and integrated programming, we can deliver deep and lasting impact — and we can do it in a relatively short period of time. Just three to four years of implementation can plant seeds of change that long outlast program cycles.”

- United Nations under Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund Ms. Diene Keita
 

“In a time of shrinking budgets, conflict and growing backlash against gender equality, this evidence is invaluable. It tells us two things: first, that sustainability is possible; and second, that we know what works.

“Comprehensive multisectoral approaches, national ownership, investments in civil society, strong data systems, and partnerships grounded in trust and long-term commitment—these elements are not optional. They are the foundation for lasting progress.”

- Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships from the European Commission, Mr. Martin Seychell
 

“Spotlight empowered communities and survivors. I visited districts where I met girls aged 13 and 14 who had been married at even younger ages, had left those marriages, returned to school, and were now champions in their communities. This is sustainability personified.”

- UN Resident Coordinator for Malawi, Rebecca Adda-Dontoh
 

“This report is rare. Usually, programmes end and we move on. Here, we returned two years later to see what endured. We spoke with over 100 stakeholders across 32 countries, and 97 per cent reported sustained achievements… This report is not just learning—it is a call to action. We must reinvest and scale up. We cannot compromise women’s and girls’ lives.”

- Spotlight Initiative Technical Advisor, Heran Ayele
 

“We are also sustaining knowledge—through global platforms, technical support, and guidance to EU delegations—to ensure Spotlight’s model shapes future gender-based violence programming well beyond the Spotlight label.”

- Head of Unit, Gender Equality, Human Rights and Democratic Governance, Chiara Adamo

“Resilience today often means solidarity — embedding ourselves within other movements, working across sectors, and refusing to be siloed. But survival alone is not enough. Without sustained investment in civil society, the movement itself is at risk.”

- Spotlight Initiative Global Civil Society Reference Group Coordinator, Shamah Bulangis