Advanced Search
Spotlight Initiative applies a survivor-centred approach as a guiding principle for all of its programming work across all pillars. This is an approach that:
Entails non-judgmental listening, validation and empathy;
Seeks to reduce of self-blame and shame;
Provides information about the traumatic effects of violence; and
Ensures confidentiality, safety and security, respect, non-discrimination and non-stigmatisation.
In terms of service provision, Spotlight Initiative programmes worked with service providers to consistently apply a survivor-centred and trauma-informed approach to…
Designing to context: Spotlight Initiative adapted the pillar model to the needs and challenges of each specific country and regional context. In the early stages of programme design, teams conducted country-specific assessments to understand the unique challenges and then tailored interventions under the six pillars to that context. A strong emphasis was placed on using data and research to inform the interventions and ensure that programming and budgets were allocated based on the most pressing issues related to VAWG in each context. Programmes also identified local stakeholders to partner…
One Stop Centres should be funded and planned for in the long term to prevent risks or harm to survivors posed by short-term or inconsistent provision of services. Generating a sense of ownership of these services among service providers and governments can support their long-term sustainability. Ensuring continuous engagement of stakeholders throughout the set-up and roll-out of One Stop Centres, and integrating and referencing them within National Action Plans, budgets and policies, can support maintenance of these structures over time.
It’s considered best practice to disaggregate indicators where appropriate to account for the range of experiences of different population groups based on their intersectional identities (i.e. by sex, age, race, disability, socio-economic status). Where disaggregation can support with precision, contextualisation, transparency and accountability, it can also benefit equity and inclusivity efforts, which is especially relevant where the language of indicators has been generalised.
Using data effectively for improved decision-making and advocacy is an ethical responsibility and involves creating diverse products tailored to various users. This requires thinking carefully about what types of information and presentation are suitable for different data users. For example, the list below sets out common types of information useful for different users.
General Public: Key figures, trends, data visualisations, short stories
Media: Summary tables, charts, trends, data visualisations, short stories
Policymakers: Summary tables, charts, trends, data visualisations, short…
When prevention programmes are implemented in communities and institutions, people become more aware of the harmful nature of VAWG and women and girls are often more likely to want to report violence, seek help and services. It is therefore really important that programme teams map existing response services and ensure that there are referral mechanisms in place to support survivors to access the services they need and want. This is sometimes called working across the prevention-to-response continuum.
To support the development of survivor-centred formal and informal justice processes, programmes should consider the following activities:
Activities to support both formal and informal justice systems
Support the establishment of referral pathways between justice systems and services to help survivors navigate these services efficiently.
Support provision of legal aid and advice for survivors. This includes support to survivors to prepare them for providing evidence in court. This support could include the development of accessible guides to illustrate women’s options…
Capacity building efforts need to be demand-driven and informed by the needs, aspirations and interests of partners. The most effective way to achieve this is to conduct participatory capacity assessments with partners to review skills and knowledge across a range of areas critical for effective VAWG programme delivery e.g. technical skills on VAWG prevention and response; foundational skills around financial and project management, report writing, or proposal writing.
Tools and guidance to support capacity assessments include:
Spotlight Initiative Guidance on Capacity Development
UN…
Donors, governments and INGOs often have access to extensive networks of influential stakeholders and decision-makers. They can support women’s movements by both amplifying their messages through these networks and facilitating networking opportunities with these stakeholders. In this way, donors, governments and INGOs can play a vital role in ensuring the voices, concerns, and ideas of women’s movements are heard by those in positions of power and are more likely to be considered during decision-making processes.
Diverse opinions and priorities can lead to tensions within groups of organisations, including women’s movements. In addition, power dynamics exist within any group and, if not addressed, may lead to some organisations having greater influence over decisions than others. This can further exacerbate tensions. It is important for programmes that support women’s movement building to be mindful of the potential tensions and power dynamics and put in place systems to address these. For example, this could involve encouraging rotating leadership responsibilities between organisations, introducing a…