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The socio-ecological model is a valuable framework for this analysis because it acknowledges that VAWG isn't isolated to individual actions but is deeply embedded within interconnected layers of society—ranging from personal experiences to societal structures. Using this model to analyse risk and protective factors helps inform and target interventions at multiple levels, challenge harmful norms, transform societal attitudes, and advocate for policy changes to dismantle systemic inequalities. It ensures that programme teams understand why it is important to address multiple risk factors…

A Theory of Change (ToC) is a framework that outlines how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. Often a ToC is developed in response to a problem analysis that identifies the causal pathways of VAWG within a given context, and provides a structured approach to understanding the complex interplay of cultural norms, gender inequalities, economic disparities and institutional dynamics. A theory of change can then be created to show how the proposed interventions will tackle the different factors at different levels that are driving VAWG, and any related…

In order to design effective programmes, it is important to identify and address the specific drivers of VAWG that are most significant in a particular context. In this respect, engaging stakeholders and communities in analysing the situation, and identifying solutions, can help create more effective and comprehensive solutions to shifting norms and prevent VAWG. In order to identify and recognise contextual drivers of VAWG, it can be helpful to consider the following:

The different forms and prevalence of VAWG: what are they, and how do they vary? Who are the primary victims and…

Violence against women and girls can take many different forms. In order to understand what drives the occurrence and perpetration of VAWG, and how to tailor interventions, it can be important to consider the following:

Types of violence: Different forms of violence - for example, intimate partner violence, sexual exploitation and abuse and harmful traditional practices - may have different risk factors. Understanding these variations helps in designing targeted programmes and support services that cater to diverse needs.
Prevalence of violence: Knowing the prevalence rates and patterns…

Preventing VAWG requires addressing multiple risk factors rooted in unequal power dynamics. Organisations working on VAWG prevention therefore need to take deliberate actions to build solid prevention programming. Organisational readiness means strengthening systems and structures across the organisation and building staff technical skills and practices to design and deliver ethical and effective prevention programming. In doing so, organisations should reflect on their values alignment, funding, staffing and organisational culture. When designing programmes, it is important to develop a clear…

Prevention interventions that have been shown to work on a pilot or small-scale basis can be scaled up in different ways. These can be expanded by adding more beneficiaries, adapting and replicating in another geographic location, or expanding the same intervention over a wider geographic area. Approaches can also be extended by deepening impacts by adding additional elements (e.g. combining a community social norms approach with a schools-based prevention approach), involving new organisations, or influencing political interests. Interventions that are being scaled up in a new setting need to…

In contexts where VAWG is normalised, recognising it as a social problem is one of the first steps towards changing mindsets, norms, attitudes and behaviours. Creating an enabling environment for ending VAWG, strengthening institutional capacity on prevention, and building community-wide responses to VAWG, can have a preventive effect in the long run. Substantial change occurs when communities and leaders see it as their responsibility to intervene in cases of VAWG and declare abusive behaviour towards women unacceptable. According to the RESPECT Framework, key elements of strengthening the…

To prevent VAWG, it’s important to have a deep understanding of the causes, dynamics and consequences of violence. Identifying and understanding the underlying causes and risk factors which promote violence can help design and inform prevention work. Similarly, understanding the protective factors which reduce the likelihood of violence occurring can help prevent VAWG. Prevention work needs to occur at all levels of the socio-ecological model - and across all the settings where people live, work, learn and socialise - in order to be effective. Good outcomes cannot be sustained when people move…

Women’s movements and women's rights organisations (WROs) play a specific and vital role in prevention work. Firstly, they play an important role in catalysing, driving and sustaining shifts in social norms. By working with local WROs on prevention efforts, these changes can be owned by local communities and can support sustainable, long-term behaviour change. Secondly, WROs have developed a range of innovative prevention strategies and programmes, such as SASA! developed by Raising Voices in Uganda, which reduced the prevalence of VAWG. Thirdly, they are well-positioned to inform and lead…

Evidence shows that VAWG is preventable. The core drivers of VAWG are socially determined, which means they can change. Research and evidence-based prevention strategies have shown substantial reduction in levels of violence, even after only a few years of implementation. Well-designed prevention programmes can shift norms, systems and behaviours that drive violence at different levels of the ‘social ecology’ (within personal and peer relationships, groups and communities, organisations and institutions, or society as a whole). Read more about understanding the drivers of VAWG.

Some…