Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today.
It is a major obstacle to the fulfilment of women’s and girls’ human rights and to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It occurs worldwide, cutting across all generations, nationalities, communities and spheres of our societies, irrespective of age, ethnicity, disability or other background.
The Spotlight Initiative
The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) are embarking on a new, global, multi-year initiative focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) – the Spotlight Initiative.
The Initiative is so named as it brings focused attention to this issue, moving it into the spotlight and placing it at the centre of efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Spotlight Initiative will respond to all forms of VAWG, with a particular focus on domestic and family violence, sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices, femicide, trafficking in human beings and sexual and economic (labour) exploitation. In line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Initiative will fully integrate the principle of ‘leaving no one behind’.
Other Resources
Related News
Stamps on Gender Equality, Migration and Sexual Exploitation issued today
On 15 March 2019, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) will issue three definitive stamps on the topics of “Stop Sexual Exploitation and Abuse” (US$0.85 stamp), “Gender Equality” (CHF1,50 stamp) and “Migration” (€1,80 stamp).
International Women’s Day: Empowering more women decision-makers ‘essential’, says Guterres
Under the theme “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change”, the United Nations hosted its flagship event celebrating International Women’s Day on Friday to recognize unsung women from across the world, and encourage innovation to transform lives.
Gender Equality: Sustainable Development Goal 5
A quick guide on why gender equality matters and what we can do to empower all women and girls for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
Related Videos
List of Parties that signed the Paris Agreement on 22 April
The Paris Agreement opened for signature by the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on 22 April and will remain open for signature for one year. Did your country sign on the first day? Find out here.
Breathe with Me: An Art Action for the World
MEDIA ADVISORY ‘Breathe with Me’ – a public art action [...]
UN Secretary-General announces new Climate Action Summit jobs initiative; urges countries to join
New York, 18 September—United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today announced [...]
New UN report launched to help ratchet up action to combat climate crisis
Ahead of global leaders’ arrival in New York for the Climate Action Summit on 23 September, the United Nations deputy chief has launched a comprehensive report on how the world can take swift and meaningful action to slow down climate change.