UN, 30 November (IPS) – How are the many shocks and crises facing the world changing the way we respond to gender-based violence? Nearly three years after the COVID-19 pandemic caused high levels of violence against women and girls, Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum 2022 (SVRI) sheds light on the best ways to move forward.
Bringing together more than 1,000 researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and activists in Cancún, Mexico, the forum highlighted new research on what works to prevent and address one of the most powerful behaviors. most common human rights abusers.
While some outspoken – and courageous – participants shared that their initiatives did not have the expected impact, many discussed the efforts that have changed lives, according to the following reports. big and small way.
After 5 days of the forum, one thing became clear; The lack of evidence is not what is standing in the way of achieving a better future. It is the lack of opportunity and will to apply that evidence.
Among the many findings shared, UNDP present its own proof.
Since 2018, the global project on Ending gender-based violence and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)a collaboration between UNDP and Korea, and in collaboration with the United Nations University Institute for Global Health, has tested new approaches to preventing and addressing gender-based violence, to encourage new partners, resources and support to move from words to actions.
Three main strategies emerged.
1. We need integration
Gender-based violence (GBV) intermingles with all areas of sustainable development. That means every development initiative offers an opportunity to address the causes of violence and to transform harmful social norms that not only put women at greater risk of violence, but also limited progress.
Bringing together diverse partners to work together to end GBV into “no GBV” programs is at the heart of this strategy. End GBV and achieve the SDGs project. Pilots in Indonesia, Peru and the Republic of Moldova have integrated GBV aspects into local development planning.
As a result, local action plans focus on the needs and solutions identified by the communities themselves, including evidence-based GBV prevention programs such as the Methods of handling common factors, has been shown to reduce violence along with risk factors such as alcohol abuse. This approach is evolving, opening up many new spaces for this work.
2. We need to raise
While evidence is crucial to making change, the work doesn’t stop there. We also need to advance this evidence to policymakers and support them to put these findings into practice. In our global project we have done this in different ways.
In Peru, women’s rights advocates and local authorities worked together to draft a local action plan to address the causes of violence in the Villa El Salvador (VES) community. By working collaboratively and building trust among key players, the project was able to take a more holistic approach and forge stronger alliances to drive sustainability and impact. it.
In particular, the local action plan informed by cost analysis research shows that this approach will pay off if it prevents violence for only 0.6% of the more than 80,000 women in the country. VES is at risk of violence every year.
Since the trial began, more than 15 other local governments have expressed interest in this model and it has been replicated in three localities.
3. We need finance
less than 1 percent Bilateral official development assistance (ODA) and charitable funding are provided to prevent and address GBV, despite the fact that around one-third of women have experienced physical or sexual violence.
The Research “Required to invest”sponsored by EU-UN Outstanding Initiative and presented at the SVRI Forum, showing what can be achieved with a $500 million investment. The study highlights that Spotlight’s efforts will prevent 21 million women and girls from experiencing violence by 2025.
The End GBV and achieve the SDGs The project also found positive results when funding local plans. Through pilot initiatives in Peru, Moldova and Indonesia, it is possible to raise capital as different city governments take ownership of early-stage participatory planning processes.
The local level is a key, yet often overlooked, point to identify community needs and, through participatory, multi-sector partnerships, to transform them into funded solutions.
In Moldova, the regional government of Gagauzia allocated funds to create the region’s first safe space, with community support.
The SVRI Forum is living proof that a better future is possible. It provides poignant moments for deep exchange, learning with partners and colleagues, and inculcating our thoughts on the outcome and next steps for this global project.
As we approach the final countdown to achieving the SDGs, including SDG5.2 on the elimination of violence against women and girls, it is imperative to gather all this evidence and turn it into action against Gender-based violence has never been more urgent. Take action today.
Jacqui Stevenson is a Research Advisor to UNU’s International Institute for Global Health, Jessica Zimerman is a Project Specialist, Gender-Based Violence, UNDP, and Diego Antoni is a Gender Policy Specialist, Governance and Resilience, UNDP.
Source: UNDP
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© Inter Press Service (2022) — All rights reservedOrigin: Inter Press Service
