The Spotlight Initiative

The United Nations and the European Union have launched the Spotlight Initiative, to eliminate violence against women and girls.

Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the U.N., said: "The Spotlight Initiative is for the millions of abused women and girls around the world who seek nothing more than to enjoy their human right to participate equally in society, unleash their potential and live lives of dignity."

From the Spotlight Annual Report July 2017 - March 2018

This is a new, global, multi-year initiative focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). It is designed to bring attention to violence against women and girls, placing it at the centre of efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment, in line with United Nations commitment to make a lasting difference to women's lives globally and end violence.

From the Spotlight Initiative launch:

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 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’.