Spotlight Initiative has supported a range of programmes and activities which have focused on preventing violence in sports. This includes: awareness and advocacy campaigns, policy reform, creation of safe spaces, capacity building, youth engagement, peer leadership, and multi-stakeholder partnerships. These initiatives have targeted youth, men and boys, women and girls.
Policy development and institutional support: In Samoa, Spotlight Initiative partnered with the Samoa Association of Sports and the National Olympic Committee to develop new policy tools and resources - including an Institutional Review and Communications Strategy for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. These sought to understand the needs and ensure that sports could become a site for advancing gender equality. In Guyana, Spotlight Initiative supported the development of a Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy for the Guyana Football Federation which promoted a clear stance of zero tolerance to violence.
Campaigns and awareness raising: In Argentina, Spotlight Initiative designed creative campaigns tackling machsimo in sports. In Tajikistan, Spotlight Initiative developed new curricula so that, during taekwondo and badminton training sessions, athletes could engage in discussions on topics such as gender sensitivity in sports and inclusion of people with disabilities. A televised celebrity football match was also held to amplify EVAWG messages.
Capacity building: Sports stakeholders can play a key role in ending VAWG. People in sports include survivors, perpetrators, but also allies, advocates, influencers, and first responders to incidents of violence. Partnerships with sports stakeholders and organizations can support local ownership and therefore sustainability efforts. In Samoa, Spotlight Initiative trained over 300 athletes and sports administrators in GBV prevention and the identification of VAWG risk factors.