Adaptability of the Spotlight Initiative

Adaptability of the Spotlight Initiative 

Strengthening the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus to End Violence Against Women and Girls

All Spotlight Initiative programmes were impacted by the devastating consequences of COVID-19, and in many countries, this was compounded by humanitarian emergencies, exacerbating violence against women and girls (VAWG). While the Spotlight Initiative was designed for development contexts, the Initiative has been able to adapt and flexibly respond across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, including in crises contexts in order to meaningfully respond to shifting needs and national priorities. This has been critical to follow through on its principles of supporting local and national ownership and serving the needs of those furthest left behind. Critically, the Initiative’s theory of change - which centres women and girls’ experiences across six interconnected pillars of action - as well as its flexible programme operation principles has allowed the Initiative to be adaptable across contexts and pivot activities and funding to serve those who need it most. Through sharing its results, challenges, promising practices and lessons learned, the Spotlight Initiative continues to support continuous reflection and adaptation for the advancement of efforts to end violence against women and girls everywhere.