The Spotlight Initiative, a United Nations–European Union partnership, emphasizes that effective action against gender-based violence occurs when women and girls are “at the heart of every decision,” according to Erin Kenny, the Initiative’s Global Coordinator. Since its launch in 2017, Spotlight has worked to prevent all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, femicide, human trafficking, and labour exploitation.
Globally, one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence, with rates even higher in some regions. The Initiative addresses this pervasive issue by combining community engagement, survivor support, legal and policy reforms, and awareness-raising programs to empower women and girls and promote their safety and dignity.
Over the past seven years, Spotlight has achieved notable breakthroughs through innovative approaches that foster cultural, social, and institutional change. These include programs that prevent violence, strengthen legal frameworks, enhance access to services for survivors, and promote societal norms that protect and respect women’s rights.
By placing women and girls at the center of its interventions, the Spotlight Initiative demonstrates how coordinated, long-term efforts can significantly reduce gender-based violence, improve accountability, and create safer, more equitable communities worldwide.
