What we do
Spotlight Initiative is the United Nations high-impact initiative to end violence against women and girls.
We are the world’s largest targeted effort to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
Launched with a seed funding commitment of €500 million from the European Union, we represent an unprecedented global effort to invest in gender equality as a precondition and driver for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Spotlight Initiative is responding to all forms of violence against women and girls, with a particular focus on domestic and family violence, sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices, femicide, trafficking in human beings and sexual and economic (labour) exploitation.
As a demonstration fund for action on the Sustainable Development Goals, we are demonstrating that a significant, concerted and comprehensive investment in gender equality and ending violence can make a transformative difference in the lives of women and girls.
Our interventions focus on four mutually-reinforcing programming pillars:
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Civil Society Engagement
As one of Spotlight Initiative’s most critical partners, meaningful investment in civil society is a key priority for the Initiative. Women’s organizations at national and local levels are the main partners of Spotlight Initiative across all outcome areas.