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Too often, programmes struggle to move beyond the usual suspects to reach a wider pool of implementing partners. Smaller grassroots organisations often face barriers in applying to VAWG programmes due to limited resources, capacity constraints, language barriers, and competition with larger entities. They often struggle with complex application processes, limited access to information, and difficulties in meeting stringent compliance requirements. Exploring a small grants model, like the one used in several Spotlight Initiative countries for smaller CSOs, can help address potential barriers…

When selecting implementing partners, it is important to ensure that interested organisations have enough time and support to develop quality proposals. Spotlight Initiative recommended allowing a minimum submission time of 4-8 weeks for proposals. Offering capacity-building support through the application process can be particularly helpful for smaller organisations that may be less familiar with donor processes and expectations for ‘Calls for Proposals’ and ‘Expressions of Interest’.

Potential implementing partners can often be put off applying for VAWG programmes due to cumbersome application and reporting processes. All application processes will need to consider key programming constraints, for example around agency procedures for partner selection in different circumstances, any donor criteria on partner selection, documentation needed to contract partners, and maximum contract values. A meta-review of Spotlight Initiative’s approach in Latin America and Africa observed that developing joint calls for single, unified ‘Expressions of Interest’ across UN agencies made it…

Multi-stakeholder partnerships can operate within rapidly changing contexts, requiring constant adaptation and learning. This requires monitoring and evaluating the progress and impact of the partnership, collecting and sharing feedback, and making adjustments as needed. Creating a culture of learning can encourage innovation, experimentation and reflection, and can help to improve the performance and sustainability of the partnership. Spotlight Initiative programmes have implemented participatory monitoring, evaluation and reporting (PMER) in different ways, for example by:

Engaging a…

Implementing a multi-stakeholder, gender-transformative programme requires long-term investment from all partners to establish shared and inclusive ownership. Establishing trust between partners is an important first step in this direction; building and maintaining trust among partners can create a strong foundation for meaningful work. Funding and timescales for establishing and solidifying these relationships and achieving ambitious change need to be flexible and long-term.

In order for multi-stakeholder partnerships to operate effectively, it is important to establish and operate within a clear mandate and governance structure. Prior to launching a multi-stakeholder partnership, potential partners should engage in a participatory process of defining the issues that need addressing, goals, roles, and boundaries of the partnership. Agreeing on a clear purpose, scope and principles can help align partners around a common agenda and avoid mission drift. To ensure accountability, transparency and representation of all partners, it’s also important for multi…

To encourage accountability, transparency and sustainability, multi-stakeholder partnerships should aim for meaningful representation and participation of women's rights groups and civil society organisations, including those representing youth and groups facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. To achieve this, it’s important for all members to be aware of differing levels of power, influence and resources between partners. Recognising and addressing power imbalances and inequalities can help ensure that the partnership is fair, inclusive and equitable – and prevent…

Efforts to engage men and boys in violence prevention are most effective when they take a gender-transformative and whole-of-community approach. This involves creating space for men and boys, women and girls to reflect and transform their own personal attitudes and behaviour to influence broader social change. This includes reframing or shifting patriarchal entitlement, for example recognising and challenging situations where male privilege acts to amplify the voices of male advocates while rendering women advocates invisible. Efforts must also consider policy and institutional change to…

Depending on programme objectives and approach, it might be appropriate to target specific groups of men and boys, e.g. targeted because of their:

Positions of authority: Preventing violence against women and girls requires a supportive legal and policy environment, as well as supportive leadership, and this requires advocacy work with men in positions of authority.
Influence: Men may also be engaged in violence prevention work because of their informal influence over other men in communities and peer networks.
Openness to change: Particular individuals or groups of men may be more open…

In many contexts, couples attend pre-marital counselling programmes with traditional and faith leaders and look to these leaders to provide guidance when conflict arises within a marriage. Traditional and faith leaders can therefore be in a strong position to condemn VAWG and promote gender equitable conflict-resolution techniques that prioritise respect, compromise, dignity and harmony within a household. However, some religious leaders may use these sessions to reinforce patriarchal hierarchies and seek to justify VAWG. Efforts to develop context-relevant and gender-equitable couples…