As the world continues to grapple with multiple crises, including the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, gender-based violence (GBV) has only increased, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Despite the challenges, a recent forum in Cancún, Mexico, the Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum 2022 (SVRI), brought together over 1,000 researchers, policymakers, and activists to discuss effective strategies for combating one of the most pervasive human rights violations. Among the insights shared, three key strategies emerged as essential for driving meaningful change in the fight against GBV.
1. Integrate GBV into All Development Efforts
GBV is a multifaceted issue that intersects with nearly all areas of sustainable development. Every development initiative, from health and education to economic growth, offers an opportunity to address the root causes of violence. UNDP’s Ending Gender-Based Violence and Achieving the SDGs project, in partnership with the Republic of Korea and United Nations University, has been integrating a GBV lens into local development planning in Indonesia, Peru, and Moldova. These efforts have resulted in localized action plans, which include evidence-based GBV prevention programming, such as the Common Elements Treatment Approach that reduces violence and risk factors like alcohol abuse.
By embedding GBV prevention into broader development programs, these initiatives not only provide targeted interventions but also transform harmful social norms and empower communities to become part of the solution.
2. Elevate Evidence to Action
While evidence is essential for guiding action, translating research into policy and practice remains a challenge. In Peru, for example, women’s rights advocates and the local government collaborated to develop a local action plan for Villa El Salvador (VES), addressing the key drivers of violence. This initiative was informed by cost analysis research that demonstrated the economic benefits of preventing violence for just a small percentage of the community’s women. As a result, more than 15 other local governments have already expressed interest in replicating this model.
The success of this approach underscores the importance of elevating evidence to policymakers and supporting them in taking evidence-based actions that lead to sustainable, long-term change.
3. Increase Financing for GBV Prevention
Despite the high prevalence of GBV, less than 1% of bilateral official development assistance and philanthropic funding is allocated to prevent and address violence. The Imperative to Invest study, presented at the SVRI Forum, highlights how a US$500 million investment could prevent 21 million women and girls from experiencing violence by 2025.
UNDP’s Ending GBV and Achieving the SDGs project demonstrates the impact of financing local, community-driven solutions. In Moldova, for instance, the regional government of Gagauzia allocated funds to create the region’s first safe space for survivors of violence. Through participatory planning processes at the local level, municipalities can take ownership of GBV prevention initiatives and mobilize necessary resources, ensuring that community needs are met.
Turning Evidence into Action
The SVRI Forum reaffirmed that with the right strategies and investments, a better future is possible. It’s clear that the challenge is no longer a lack of evidence, but the lack of will and opportunities to apply it. As we approach the final countdown to the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5.2 on eliminating violence against women and girls, the urgency to act has never been greater.
Now is the time to turn evidence into action, to integrate GBV prevention into all development efforts, elevate this work to the policy level, and ensure sustained financing for GBV programs. The fight against gender-based violence must start today.
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