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A robust analysis will include an identification of key decision-makers across the executive and legislative parts of government, their interests and commitments and the likelihood of them supporting or blocking positive changes in laws and policies. Consider, for example, which government ministers have a history of voting in favour of laws to protect and promote women’s rights. These may be allies who are more sympathetic to work to end VAWG. Equally, be aware of decision-makers that may be resistant and consider how to protect your efforts from their potential influence. Finally, it is also…

The most appropriate methods for gathering data for an analysis of the national policy, legal and institutional environment will vary depending on how much information is already publicly available and the specific political environment. In some contexts, there may be plenty of official information - including texts of laws and policies, parliamentary records, budgetary reports and implementation reports - available online. There may also be reports and analysis from civil society and/or research organisations on the political context, the state of legislative reform and institutional…

A growing body of evidence has shown that women's economic empowerment approaches, combined with gender transformative, social empowerment interventions a can prevent VAWG and reduce GBV. Risks management is essential to ensure no harm is caused. Some activities include: Intervention with Microfinance for AIDS and Gender Equity (IMAGE) programme in South Africa: The intervention combined microfinance, participatory gender and HIV awareness education. IMAGE found a 55% reduction in sexual and/or physical violence by an intimate partner or relative among participants.MAISHA in Tanzania: Assessed…

To ensure programme design, adaptation, implementation and scale-up of social empowerment interventions is most effective, it’s important to draw on promising practice and common elements of successful approaches relevant across humanitarian and development contexts, and in community or institutional settings (i.e. schools, workplaces), including: Designing programmes with sufficient time and resources: The most effective programmes include at least 10 to 12 social empowerment sessions and encourage and support additional activities by participants after the empowerment sessions. Implementing…

Social empowerment interventions are considered gender transformative when they go beyond  gender sensitivity or awareness-raising and actively work to transform existing gender norms, roles, and power dynamics within society. A gender transformative approach entails a deeper and more systemic approach to addressing gender inequalities. For example, they encourage individuals to critically reflect on their own attitudes and behaviours related to gender.

Social empowerment interventions include efforts to build women’s vocational and life skills; address women and young peoples' barriers to social, political and economic inclusion; and build social networks and collective agency. There are a range of strategies which aim to build individual, group and collective power of women to challenge inequality and subordination across contexts (i.e. in relationships, families and communities). Effectively coordinating multiple strategies can increase the likelihood of wider social proliferation of behaviour and norms change. Some examples of…

When considering the application of a successful prevention approach or model from another context, it's important to tailor that programme to the specific setting and target population(s), and within the context of existing prevention work. This adaptation process involves modifying the design or implementation of the approach to fit the context, while ensuring key elements that contributed to its success are retained. Investing resources in this process is crucial to avoid the risks associated with ineffective interventions and potential harm. Engaging with the original programme creator or…

Evidence shows that VAWG is preventable. The core drivers of VAWG are socially determined, which means they can change. Some prevention strategies and interventions have achieved substantial reduction in levels of violence, even after only a few years of implementation. Prevention work should therefore be informed by the evidence available locally, regionally and globally. For example, the UN's RESPECT framework outlines strategies that have shown promise in reducing the prevalence of one or more types of VAWG. An implementation package is available here. Strategy R: Strengthening relationship…

Prior to selecting or designing a prevention strategy, it is important to conduct a thorough assessment of the local context so interventions can be tailored as needed. This analysis should involve stakeholders including civil society organisations, women and girls' rights activists, local researchers and government partners. More recommendations on how to understand drivers, types and dynamics are available here.The different forms and prevalence of VAWG, as well as their drivers and risk factors. What is the specific type(s) of VAWG you are seeking to prevent? How does this vary from other…

In order to design a comprehensive and multi-component VAWG prevention strategy, it is important to build on best practice in programme design and implementation. Robust programme design ensures relevant stakeholders from a range of sectors come together and are meaningfully engaged from the earliest stages, including women’s movements and civil society groups already working on ending VAWG, and marginalised groups. Ending the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), and child marriage can be supported through the integration of evidence-based approaches. Strong programme design also…