Spotlight Initiative 133d ago

At the launch of A Sustainable Legacy, Catherine Gigante, Head of Division D2.5, Social Development, Multilateral and Thematic Direction, Government of Belgium, reminded us what sustained investment can achieve. Spotlight Initiative is estimated to have helped prevent gender-based violence for 21 million women and girls. Yet the crisis remains global — affecting 1 in 3 women worldwide — and fewer than 40 per cent of survivors seek help. “Behind these numbers are real lives.” From girls demanding the right to education in Afghanistan, to women asserting their dignity in Gaza, to activists defending sexual and reproductive rights, and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the movement to end violence against women and girls is both urgent and transformative. The Initiative has also helped mobilize nearly USD 50 million in domestic resources for gender equality — demonstrating national ownership and long-term sustainability. Ending violence against women and girls is not only the right thing to do. It is foundational to equitable, resilient and inclusive societies. #WithHer #EVAWG #GenderEquality #SustainableDevelopment