Introduction: A mandate to center women and girls in policy
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most persistent barriers to gender equality. The Spotlight Initiative, a joint United Nations–European Union partnership, is reshaping this landscape by placing survivors and the communities that support them at the heart of every decision. Under the leadership of global coordinator Erin Kenny, the initiative is documenting breakthroughs, sharing best practices, and scaling successful models to protect women and girls from violence.
What makes Spotlight different: A survivor-centered approach
At its core, Spotlight emphasizes a survivor-centered approach that links prevention, protection, and accountability. This framework ensures programs address root causes such as gender norms, lack of access to justice, and limited social services. By prioritizing the voices of women and girls who have experienced GBV, the initiative turns policy commitments into practical changes on the ground.
Key breakthroughs: From policy to practice
Several notable breakthroughs illustrate the impact of Spotlight’s work:
- Integrated services for survivors: Co-located health, legal, and psychosocial support centers offer a streamlined experience for survivors, reducing retraumatization and increasing the likelihood of reporting violence.
- Data-driven strategies: Robust data collection and analysis identify gaps in protection services, guiding targeted investments and policy reforms that address real-world needs.
- Community-led prevention: Engaging men and boys, faith leaders, and educators helps shift harmful gender norms and creates protective environments for women and girls.
- Legal and policy reforms: Spotlight supports legislative updates, improved reporting mechanisms, and faster justice pathways, ensuring accountability for perpetrators while safeguarding survivors’ rights.
- Financial protections and economic empowerment: Programs link GBV prevention to women’s economic participation, recognizing that economic independence reduces vulnerability to violence.
Examples across regions: Adapting to local realities
While the core principles remain consistent, Spotlight programs adapt to regional contexts. In some settings, mobile service units bring essential support to rural communities; in others, digital safety tools empower survivors to seek help discreetly. Across these variations, the common thread is a commitment to scale proven models while maintaining community relevance and cultural sensitivity.
Partnerships that sustain impact
The Spotlight Initiative’s strength lies in collaboration. Partnerships with governments, civil society, and local organizations enable a wider reach and more durable results. Capacity-building efforts equip local leaders and service providers with the skills and resources needed to sustain gains beyond project timelines. As Erin Kenny notes, when women and girls are “at the heart of every decision,” policies become more effective, and communities become safer places to live.
Measuring progress and ensuring accountability
Transparency and accountability are essential. The initiative uses clear indicators to track progress, from the number of survivors accessing integrated services to the rate of policy implementation. Regular reporting, independent evaluations, and knowledge-sharing forums help identify what works, what doesn’t, and how to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
What this means for the future
Breakthroughs in GBV prevention and response are not isolated achievements; they are building blocks for a world where violence against women and girls is not tolerated. By centering survivors, strengthening systems, and fostering collaborative leadership, the Spotlight Initiative is accelerating progress toward safer, more equitable communities. The path forward is clear: expand successful models, invest in prevention, and keep survivors at the center of every decision.
