Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today.
- 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence
- 1 in 2 women killed worldwide in 2012 was killed by her partner or a family member
- 1 in 5 women and girls has experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner within the last 12 months.
Launched in 2017 with a seed funding commitment of €500 million from the European Union, the Initiative represents an unprecedented global effort to invest in gender equality and women’s empowerment as a precondition and driver for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
We are demonstrating that a significant, concerted and comprehensive investment in gender equality and ending violence can make a transformative difference in the lives of women and girls.
The Spotlight Initiative supports concrete measures to end violence. We give prominence to prevention, protection and the provision of services, alongside broader efforts to ensure women's economic empowerment and participation in all aspects of society.
