When it comes to protecting women and girls from gender-based violence, change happens when they are “at the heart of every decision,” according to Erin Kenny, Global Coordinator of the Spotlight Initiative a United Nations–European Union partnership aimed at tackling all forms of abuse against women and girls.
At the heart of change: Spotlight Initiative highlights breakthroughs in tackling gender-based violence
When it comes to protecting women and girls from gender-based violence, change happens when they are “at the heart of every decision,”according to Erin Kenny, Global Coordinator of the Spotlight Initiative a United Nations–European Union partnership aimed at tackling all forms of abuse against women and girls.
Since 2017, Spotlight, has been working to prevent violence, sexual and gender-based violence (GBV), as well as femicide, human trafficking, and labour exploitation.
Worldwide, one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence, and in many places, this number is even higher.
Here are some of the initiative’s major breakthroughs highlighted in a report focusing on its innovative approaches, and its sustained achievements over the past seven years.
Finding empowerment in Zimbabwe
In Zvimba, Ndakaitei Matare, a mother of one and chair of a disability support group, knows firsthand the challenges of living with a disability having faced, since an early age, barriers to education, assistive devices, and economic opportunities.
Through a partnership between Spotlight and the government, Ndakaitei and other women with disabilities have found empowerment, raising awareness through disability support groups about GBV, rights and inclusion.
“We are capable of doing a lot if we unite and work together,” she said, a testament to how knowledge and community can transform lives.
Access to justice for women
Since, access to justice for survivors of sexual violence has significantly improved. Victim-Friendly Courts now offer safe spaces for women and children, and the Judicial Services Commission continues to support survivors with transport and food allowances and has expanded three more courts with separation rooms.
read more: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166721
