Centering on change: Spotlight Initiative underscores progress in addressing gender-based violence.
Protecting women and girls from gender-based violence requires placing them “at the heart of every decision,” says Erin Kenny, Global Coordinator of the Spotlight Initiative, a UN-EU partnership focused on eradicating all forms of abuse against women and girls.
Since 2017, Spotlight has been actively working to prevent violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, femicide, human trafficking, and labor exploitation.
Globally, one in three women has faced physical or sexual violence, with even higher figures in certain regions.
Here are some key breakthroughs from the initiative, showcased in a report that highlights its innovative approaches and achievements over the past seven years.
Empowerment in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, rural women with disabilities come together to advocate for their rights.
In Zvimba, Ndakaitei Matare, a mother and leader of a disability support group, has personally faced challenges related to disability, including limited access to education, assistive devices, and economic opportunities.
Through a collaboration between Spotlight and the government, Ndakaitei and other women with disabilities have found empowerment, raising awareness through support groups about gender-based violence, rights, and inclusion.
“We are capable of so much if we unite and work together,” she expressed, highlighting the transformative power of knowledge and community.
Improving Access to Justice for Women
Access to justice for survivors of sexual violence has improved, with Victim-Friendly Courts providing safe spaces for women and children. The Judicial Services Commission continues to assist survivors with transport and food allowances and has expanded three more courts with separate rooms.
Supporting Child Survivors in Haiti
A teenage survivor of gender-based violence is on a recovery path in Haiti.
In the summer of 2023, Taina* was kidnapped and held captive for a week by a Haitian gang.
She recounted being detained at a residence where two men raped her consecutively, calling it a ‘nightmare week.’
Thanks to Spotlight, Taina received medical, psychological, and social support, as well as housing, microfinance and income-generation training, school fee assistance, and emergency relocation.
“In this environment, I could finally breathe,” Taina said.
She now looks to the future with determination, aspiring to become a police officer and planning to resume her studies while taking beauty treatment and cooking courses.
Addressing Sexual Violence
More than one in three Haitian women has faced violence from a partner or husband. Nearly 30% of women of childbearing age have suffered physical violence—almost half by an intimate partner. Twelve percent have experienced sexual violence, including many girls aged 15 to 17.
Supporting Migrant Workers’ Rights in Thailand
Migrant workers like Namwaan* need assistance to secure safe and decent jobs.
Namwaan* left Myanmar in 2003 for a better life in Thailand.
Her first job was in a textile factory, where she worked long hours for little pay. “I worked 12-16 hours a day for only 70 baht ($3),” she shared.
Invisibility, exploitation, abuse, and silence are common conditions described by female migrant workers.
Lacking Thai language skills, Namwaan couldn’t negotiate her work conditions and feared employer retaliation if she spoke up.
“Some colleagues faced harassment, confinement, or abuse when they spoke up about work conditions,” she revealed.
Recovering from Abuse
Through awareness campaigns, airport support desks, and service provider training, the Spotlight Initiative has raised awareness about risks faced by female migrant workers.
For Namwan, the training provided a platform to connect with others who experienced similar abuse.
“I felt completely connected to their stories,” she said. “This program gives millions of women hope for decent work free from violence.”
Banning Corporal Punishment in Tajikistan
In 2023, Tajikistan became the 66th country to prohibit corporal punishment, a major policy shift facilitated by the Spotlight Initiative.
Partnering with the Ministry of Health, the initiative established 15 victim support rooms offering integrated medical, psychological, and referral services, including short-term shelter
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