Africa: The Hidden Crisis of Violence Against Older Women - and What Can Be Done to Prevent It

For the first time in history, adults aged over 60 now outnumber children under five - and are projected to outnumber all youth by 2050. Older women are the fastest-growing… Read more »

Zimbabwe: How Safe Markets Are Supporting Women-Led Businesses and Reducing Violence in Zimbabwe

HARARE, Zimbabwe - Women's participation in the workforce has the potential to benefit individuals, families and communities. Yet many women are forced to work in unsafe conditions… Read more »

Africa: Power, Funding, Accountability - Feminist Lessons for Multilateral Reform At Women Deliver

NARRM/MELBOURNE, Australia - During the last week of April, more than 6,000 people convened in Australia for Women Deliver 2026, a global gathering to advance gender equality.… Read more »

Africa: From Hunting Demons to Fighting for Gender Equality - Audrey Nuna Calls for Greater Investment in Girls' Education At the United Nations

UNITED NATIONS, New York - Grammy-winning artist Audrey Nuna - known to many as the singing voice of Mira in the film 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' - used her first appearance at the… Read more »

Africa: Women Breaking Barriers - Celebrating Trailblazers During Women's History Month

UNITED NATIONS, New York - At the conclusion of Women's History Month, Spotlight Initiative and Rise, a non-profit advocacy organization for the rights of survivors of sexual… Read more »

Zambia: A Bold Push for Safe Women's Leadership Through Spotlight Initiative in Zambia

With Zambia's 2026 general elections approaching, Spotlight Initiative is working to ensure that every woman can participate safely and confidently in civic and political life. The… Read more »

Africa: Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls Marks Its Fifth Anniversary

UNITED NATIONS, New York - On 12 March, the of the Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls marked its fifth anniversary on the sidelines of the… Read more »

Malawi: Supporting Young Mothers in Malawi to Return to School

In Malawi, 42 per cent of girls have experienced physical violence by the age of 18, and almost half have married and left school by their eighteenth birthday. The Spotlight… Read more »

Liberia: 'The Greatest Joy in My Life Is When We Obtain Justice for Survivors' - Liberia's One-Stop Centres Are Helping Women and Girls to Heal

MONROVIA, Liberia - Between 2019 and 2023, Spotlight Initiative's Africa Regional Programme assisted more than 225,500 Liberian women and children to access services. This includes… Read more »

Zimbabwe: 'I Want to Experience My Girlhood With Confidence' - the Zimbabwean Shelter Helping Survivors to Rebuild Their Lives

HARARE, Zimbabwe - Musasa is a non-governmental organization that works to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. It provides temporary shelters to survivors of violence… Read more »

Liberia: How Community Radio Stations Are Raising Awareness of FGM and Violence Against Women and Girls

GANTA, Liberia - Community radio stations are a key way of raising awareness about sexual and gender-based violence, and how to prevent and report it. Meet Ruth Jeffrey and… Read more »

Africa: Meet the Activists Working to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls

November 25 marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence -- a civil society-led initiative calling for action to ensure that every woman and girl… Read more »

Uganda: In Uganda, Girls With Tools Are Building a More Gender Equal World

At a garage-turned-classroom on the edge of Kampala, girls and boys in purple overalls are busy fixing engines, welding metal and setting up water pipes. Smart Girls Foundation is… Read more »

Africa: Invest in Women and Girls to Drive Change Across SDGs, Urge Leaders At the Second World Summit for Social Development

During the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Spotlight Initiative and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) hosted the side event 'Invest in adequate social… Read more »

Africa: From Commitment to Impact - Lessons From Leaders Coordinating Efforts to End Violence Against Women and Girls

DOHA, Qatar - During the Second World Summit for Social Development, Spotlight Initiative hosted a Solutions Studio conversation to highlight strategies for addressing gender-based… Read more »

Zambia: How One-Stop Centres Are Supporting Gender-Based Violence Survivors to Reclaim Their Futures in Zambia

Under the shade of a mango tree at the Isoka One-stop Centre, Jane Nakamba, 27, sat quietly with her child and reflected on her journey. Read more »

Africa: Full Speed Ahead - a Global Partnership to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls At UNGA80

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK - During the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Spotlight Initiative co-hosted a high-level side event to mobilize new commitments towards… Read more »

Uganda: Asserting Women's Land Rights in Rural Uganda

When Lucy's* husband died, she lost more than just her partner - she also lost her home and income. Read more »

Zambia: Working Together to End Gender-Based Violence in Eastern Province, Zambia

The United Nations and the Government of Zambia officially kicked off Spotlight Initiative in the country with an inception visit to the Eastern Province, one of the regions where… Read more »

Sierra Leone: Spotlight Initiative to End Violence Against Women and Girls Launched in Sierra Leone

The Government of Sierra Leone has officially launched Spotlight Initiative, the UN high-impact initiative to end all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). Read more »

Africa: Spotlight Initiative Increases Momentum for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls At the Fourth International Conference On Financing for Development

SEVILLE, Spain - At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville, Spain, Spotlight Initiative hosted a side event to catalyse and scale up… Read more »