Putting women and girls “at the heart of every decision” is essential to ending gender-based violence, according to Spotlight Initiative Global Coordinator Erin Kenny.
Since its launch in 2017, the UN–EU partnership has worked across regions to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV), including sexual violence, femicide, human trafficking, and labour exploitation.
The urgency remains stark: one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence, with even higher rates in some countries.
A new Spotlight report highlights how community-driven, survivor-centred approaches are delivering real change.
Empowerment and Inclusion in Zimbabwe
In rural Zimbabwe, Ndakaitei Matare, a woman with a physical disability, is helping transform lives by leading disability support groups that raise awareness about GBV, rights, and inclusion.
Through a partnership between Spotlight and the government, women with disabilities—long excluded from services—are now organizing, sharing knowledge, and advocating for equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“We are capable of doing a lot if we unite and work together,” Matare said.
Improved Access to Justice for Survivors
Spotlight has strengthened survivor-friendly justice systems, expanding Victim-Friendly Courts that provide safe, supportive spaces for women and children.
In Zimbabwe, judicial authorities now offer transport and food allowances to survivors and have expanded courts equipped with separation rooms, reducing retraumatisation and barriers to justice.
Supporting Child Survivors in Haiti
In Haiti, Spotlight has supported survivors like Taïna, who was kidnapped and raped by gang members at age 15.
With Spotlight’s support, she received medical care, trauma counselling, safe housing, education support, livelihood training, and emergency relocation.
“In this environment, I could finally breathe,” she said.
Despite the scale of violence—more than one in three Haitian women has experienced partner violence—Spotlight’s integrated services are helping survivors rebuild their lives and futures.
Protecting Migrant Women Workers in Thailand
Women migrant workers remain among the most vulnerable to exploitation.
In Thailand, Spotlight has helped women like Namwaan, who migrated from Myanmar and endured long hours, low pay, and abuse in factory work.
Through awareness campaigns, airport help desks, and training for service providers, women migrant workers are learning about their rights and how to seek help.
“This programme gives millions of women hope for decent work free from violence,” Namwaan said.
Ending Corporal Punishment in Tajikistan
In 2023, Tajikistan became the 66th country worldwide to ban corporal punishment—an achievement supported by Spotlight.
The initiative helped establish:
- 15 victim support rooms offering medical, psychological, and referral services
- Community-level prevention, including religious leaders as advocates for gender equality
- A national school incident-reporting mechanism, now adopted by the government and set to expand nationwide by 2030
A Proven Model for Lasting Change
Across continents, Spotlight’s work shows that lasting change happens when women and girls lead, institutions are strengthened, and communities are engaged.
By centring survivors, building inclusive systems, and shifting harmful norms, the initiative demonstrates that ending gender-based violence is not only possible—but already underway.
