South Africa: At the SVRI Forum 2024 - a Journey in Comprehensive Evawg Programming: Drawing Lessons for the Sector From the Spotlight Initiative Compendium

During the 2024 Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum in Cape Town, Spotlight Initiative hosted 'A journey in comprehensive EVAWG programming: drawing lessons for the… Read more »

Africa: Uldouz Wallace of Foundation Ra On How to Protect Bodily Autonomy Online

Bodily autonomy is the theme of this year's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which is scaling up to become a year-long campaign. The ability for every person to… Read more »

South Africa: 'My Body Is My Own' - Activists Speak Out

25 November marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. This year,… Read more »

South Africa: Linking LGBTQI Experiences With Gender-Based Violence Elimination

Spotlight Initiative speaks with Dumiso Gatsha, an activist working to eliminate the barriers between grassroots experiences and global policy-making. They are a member of… Read more »

South Africa: Spotlight Initiative Brings Together Experts and Influencers to Discuss Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence At SVRI

During this year's Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, Spotlight Initiative hosted 'Unfollowing Misogyny: A conversation on digital… Read more »

Malawi: In Malawi, Scholarships Support Girls to Achieve Their Dreams

When Ellen Tembo was selected to attend Mpatsa Secondary School in Nsanje, it was a bittersweet moment for her mother. Read more »

Africa: Bold Stories - Celebrating the Power of African Women Filmmakers

As the world converged in New York for the Global Africa Business Initiative on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, The Rev Canon Dr. Betsee Parker, Naila Media,… Read more »

Africa: How Spotlight Initiative Supports the Pact for the Future

This month, the United Nations Headquarters in New York will host the Summit of the Future, a four-day convening designed to enhance global cooperation and accelerate progress… Read more »

Uganda: Demystifying the Judicial System in Uganda and Supporting Survivors to Access Justice

For many years, perception surveys have ranked the judiciary as one of the most difficult institutions to navigate in Uganda; the general perception is that a poor person can never… Read more »

Zimbabwe: Rural Women With Disabilities Advocate for Their Rights in Zimbabwe

 Ndakaitei Matare, a mother of one, chairs Ward 38 Disability Support Group in Zvimba, central northern Zimbabwe. After acquiring a physical disability at the age of six, she… Read more »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »