The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) launched a global, multi-year initiative focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) known as the Spotlight Initiative. The Spotlight Initiative places all forms of violence against women and girls at the center of efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is a new joined-up approach and partnership between the UN and the EU to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an integrated manner in line with respective mandates. A key component of the Programme is to eliminate SGBV, and HPs and increase women’s and girls’ access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHRs).1 Through a comprehensive approach, the Spotlight Initiative focuses its work on eliminating SGBV and HP, and addressing SRHRs, through six key pillars: 1) developing and implementing relevant legislation and policies; 2) strengthening national and sub-national institutions; 3) preventing violence through evidence-based programs and campaigns; 4) establishing essential services for victims and survivors; 5) ensuring the collection and use of prevalence and incidence data and; 6) working with civil society organizations and women’s movements.
