Spotlight Initiative Gains Momentum

Spotlight Initiative Champions Global Efforts to End Violence Against Women and Girls

At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville, Spain, the Spotlight Initiative organized a side event aimed at accelerating and expanding international investment to combat violence against women and girls. The event, titled “Increasing Momentum for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls” (EVAWG), brought together high-level representatives from various sectors including the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), governments, philanthropy, international financial institutions, academia, and civil society.

A Call for Collective Action

The session was moderated by Raquel Lagunas, the Global Director of Gender Equality at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). She emphasized the transformative potential of the Spotlight Initiative, stating that it offers hope and demonstrates that large-scale change is achievable when global efforts are united. “This is a high-impact initiative of the UN Secretary-General,” she said, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing gender-based violence.

Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, underscored the human and economic costs of gender-based violence. She called for a shift in perspective, urging stakeholders to view investments in EVAWG as strategic and measurable contributions to public safety, human development, and economic resilience. “We have some good news: we know what works,” she said, emphasizing that collaboration has already yielded tangible results.

National Commitments and Challenges

Edward Walugembe, Uganda’s Commissioner of Strategic Coordination Implementation, shared the country’s progress in combating violence against women and girls. As one of the first nations to launch the second phase of the Spotlight Initiative, he described the achievements as a “quiet revolution of hope.” He urged global leaders to align resources with ambition, calling for a stronger commitment to gender equality in financing frameworks.

Ms. Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, delivered a recorded message highlighting the EU’s dedication to ending gender-based violence and promoting women’s economic opportunities. She praised the Spotlight Initiative for its collaborative approach, which brings together governments, organizations, civil society, and the private sector to address this critical issue.

Advocacy and Innovation

His Royal Highness Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, Chair of the International Olympic Committee’s Safe Sport Steering Committee, emphasized the role of sports in both perpetuating and preventing violence. He called for safe, value-driven sports environments that incorporate preventative and protective systems. His commitment to long-term partnerships, such as the Spotlight Initiative, reflects the need for sustained efforts in this area.

Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, CEO of PAI, issued a call to action, questioning how global financing architectures can prioritize the prevention of violence against women and girls. She stressed the importance of replicating successful initiatives like the Spotlight Initiative, especially as multilateral systems undergo reform and national budgets are reimagined.

Dr. Hayat Sindi, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and biotechnologist, shared her personal experiences with gender discrimination and highlighted the barriers faced by women in science. She advocated for access to finance and tools that empower vulnerable communities, particularly women and girls, to build sustainable futures.

Domestic Strategies and Funding Realities

In Liberia, Hon. Dehpue Zuo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management, discussed the nation’s domestic financing strategy amid reduced Official Development Assistance (ODA). He emphasized the importance of gender-sensitive budgeting and multi-sectoral approaches in addressing gender-based violence. Collaboration between civil society and government remains central to these efforts.

Dr. Mabel Bianco, UN Women ACT Civil Society Representative, addressed the impact of ODA reductions on civil society organizations. She warned that more than 50% of women’s organizations globally could be forced to close without adequate funding. She urged governments to prioritize support for organizations working on the frontlines of gender-based violence prevention and response.

Martín Abregú, Vice President for International Programmes at the Ford Foundation, stressed the need for flexible core funding to support feminist and women’s rights movements. He called for a reimagining of financing for development to deliver meaningful results for partners and build social justice infrastructure.

Climate, Development, and Migration

Dennis Zulu, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Jamaica, highlighted the challenges Caribbean nations face due to climate change and the importance of national ownership in addressing gender-based violence. He noted Jamaica’s integration of prevention mechanisms into core health, education, and justice services, emphasizing the need for joint programming within the UN system.

Hana Brixi, Global Director for Gender Equality at the World Bank Group, reiterated the institution’s commitment to scaling up support for gender equality. She emphasized the link between women’s economic participation and the prevention of gender-based violence, expressing pride in the partnership with the Spotlight Initiative, the UN, and the EU.

Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General for Operations at the International Organization for Migration, spoke about the vulnerability of migrant workers and women to violence. She noted that migrants face three times higher rates of violence and often lack access to support services. Despite these challenges, she highlighted the significant contributions of migrants to their communities and the global economy through remittances.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The event underscored the urgent need for global cooperation, innovative strategies, and sustained investment to end violence against women and girls. From national commitments to international collaborations, the Spotlight Initiative continues to serve as a powerful platform for driving change and ensuring that the voices of women and girls are heard and valued.