The persistent challenge of gender-based violence (GBV) has long been addressed through fragmented and reactive approaches, highlighting the need for transformative, sustainable solutions that tackle root causes. Effective prevention requires centering the leadership and experiences of those most affected, particularly women, girls, LGBTQI+, and gender-diverse people in the Global South. However, feminist organizations and movements that could lead this work are often excluded, underfunded, and operate in fragile civic ecosystems.
In response, the Ford Foundation launched the Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice International (GREJ-I) strategy in 2020, aiming to prevent GBV by supporting organizations developing transformative solutions, especially those led by and for communities in the Global South. The strategy operates at global and regional levels, including West Africa, Southern Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Between July 2020 and November 2024, GREJ-I awarded 409 grants to 290 partners, totaling over $266.5 million. A key component of the approach has been providing flexible, long-term support, including general operating and BUILD grants, to strengthen organizational capacity and resilience. In 2024, Kore Global conducted an external evaluation of the first five years, employing a theory-based, mixed-methods approach that included portfolio analysis, document reviews, and interviews with grantees and external stakeholders.
The evaluation found that GREJ-I’s focus on GBV prevention was strategically timely, helping to shape the field during a pivotal moment. The program has laid foundational work by investing in feminist infrastructure, allowing movements to sustain their work in a challenging global context. Strong progress was observed in building a more resilient and collaborative GBV prevention ecosystem, with Ford’s flexible support enhancing grantee financial sustainability, visibility, and leadership transitions. Moderate progress was noted in advancing inclusive, intersectional narratives and engaging new actors in prevention, although gains were sometimes met with resistance. The strategy has also contributed to expanding resourcing mechanisms for grassroots organizations, including feminist pooled funds, and influenced other donors to prioritize gender justice. Emerging progress was seen in evidence-based policies and programs, with locally led research informing legal reforms, though gaps remain between policy adoption and effective implementation.
Despite these achievements, several persistent gaps and strategic questions were identified. There is a need to clarify GREJ-I’s ultimate aims and invest in evidence systems to design, implement, and measure primary prevention at scale, particularly as global GBV data infrastructure weakens. Navigating a fragile funding ecosystem, Ford’s catalytic role as a field-builder becomes critical, especially as other funders withdraw. Strengthening ways of working is also essential, with grantees valuing Ford’s trust-based approach but requesting more transparent communication and alignment with community-led practices. Overall, the GREJ-I evaluation underscores the importance of Ford’s leadership in sustaining momentum for GBV prevention and shaping a more equitable, well-supported global field.
