May 28
Nigeria: In Nigeria, Vulnerable Women and Girls Go From Survivors of Violence to Business Owners
Despite making half of the population, women in Nigeria continue to be under-represented in political positions and businesses, with only 20 per cent of enterprises owned by women.… Read more »
May 02
Liberia: How Women Peace Huts Are Transforming Lives and Communities in Liberia
Evon Gbarduo lives in Putu, Tiama Town, a community along the Liberian-Ivorian border. Read more »
April 08
Mali: In Mali, a Teenage Activist Advocates Against Child Marriage
With a determined step, Aminata Fofana walks into the courtyard and sits down on a chair. The teenager unlocks her phone with a swipe of the screen and starts a conversation with… Read more »
March 25
Africa: Voices From Civil Society - 'Feminist Activists Are Less and Less Safe'
The 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), the UN's largest annual gathering on gender equality and women's empowerment, is taking place this month under the… Read more »
March 18
Africa: Voices From Civil Society - 'Investment Must Be Made to Promote Equality and End Inequality'
The 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), the UN's largest annual gathering on gender equality and women's empowerment, is taking place this month under the… Read more »
March 11
Ethiopia: In Ethiopia, Three Young Women Advocate for a Community Free From Female Genital Mutilation
Entering adulthood can be a beautiful journey, but for those who have experienced female genital mutilation (FGM), it often carries layers of pain and trauma. FGM leaves a scar… Read more »
March 04
Mozambique: Shining a Light On Spotlight Initiative's Impact in Mozambique
Over the past four years, Spotlight Initiative's comprehensive approach to eliminating violence against women and girls has changed lives and communities in Mozambique. Read more »
February 05
Liberia: Former Practitioners of FGM Lead the Fight to End Female Genital Mutilation in Liberia
Rebecca Yaoh, 63, is the head of women Zoes (elders) in Naio Town, Grand Gedeh County. Read more »
January 08
Liberia: Liberia's Traditional Leaders Work to Eliminate FGM and Harmful Practices
The Traditional Chiefs and Elders of Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County in Eastern Liberia have partnered with Spotlight Initiative in their quest to eradicate female genital mutilation… Read more »
November 25, 2023
Africa: Meet Five Activists Building a Brighter Future for Women and Girls
One in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence. Read more »
September 12, 2023
Mozambique: School Communities Unite to End Gender-Based Violence and Child Marriage in Mozambique
Sitting on a bench in the courtyard of Madzicuera Secondary School, teachers Flora Senguaio and Eugénio Francisco discuss how they work with their students to eliminate… Read more »
August 28, 2023
Nigeria: From Surviving to Thriving - Vocational Training Is Helping to End Violence Against Women and Girls in Nigeria
LAGOS, Nigeria - Women and girls face many barriers to education, health care and decent work. These barriers perpetuate a state of vulnerability for women and girls, making them… Read more »
August 22, 2023
Liberia: Supporting Courts to Provide Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence
GRAND GEDEH COUNTY, Liberia - Badio Quiah has been the Clerk of Court for the Ministry of Justice at the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Gedeh County for over 15 years. He has… Read more »
November 25, 2022
Mozambique: 'Girls Should Be Able to Focus Only On Their Studies' - How Activism Changes Girls' Lives in Mozambique
With notebooks in her arms and a bright smile, Maria*, 16, is getting ready for another school day. She is in the 9th grade in Mogovolas district, Nampula province, Mozambique, and… Read more »
October 31, 2022
Mozambique: 'Reclaiming My Dignity' - Breaking the Cycle of Violence in Mozambique
Sarudzai Saize, 26, was able to break the cycle of violence and become an inspiration to other women in her village. She lives in her own house, runs her hairdresser business and… Read more »
October 11, 2022
Mozambique: 'Everyone Said I Couldn't Be a Mechanic, but I Can Be Whatever I Want' - Deconstructing Gender Roles in Mozambique
With the support of the Spotlight Initiative, Dulce Santos challenged professional gender roles and trained as a mechanic. Today she shares her workspace with five other… Read more »
October 10, 2022
Mozambique: The Impact of Economic Empowerment On the Lives of Women and Girls in Mozambique
In Mozambique, with the support of the Spotlight Initiative, thousands of women and girls have joined Village Savings and Loan Associations, enabling them to open and manage their… Read more »
October 02, 2022
Niger: In Niger, Equal Opportunities for Women and Girls With Disabilities Benefits the Whole Community
With a smile on her face, Oumal khayr Abdoussalam, 30, breastfeeds her young child. In addition to caring for her baby, Ms. Abdoussalam teaches religious sciences to 40 young girls… Read more »
September 12, 2022
Mozambique: 'We Can Eliminate Violence If We Work Together' - Multi-Sectoral Teams Are Eliminating Gender-Based Violence in Mozambique
Judite Nota is 36 years old and has been a Mozambican Government employee for over 13 years. She has always worked to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) as her primary… Read more »
August 22, 2022
Uganda: How Male Champions Are Helping to End Gender-Based Violence in Uganda
Under the Spotlight Initiative, UN Women and the Uganda Police Force engage male vendors on ending violence against women and girls as part of a 16 Days of Activism police caravan… Read more »
August 15, 2022
Niger: In Niger, Economic Empowerment for Women and Girls With Disabilities
Less than two years ago, Hady Rabou and her young child begged on the streets during the day and spent their nights in the compound of the regional hospital building in the… Read more »