Leaving no one behind

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) have embarked 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.

An initial investment in the order of EUR 500 million was made, with the EU as the main contributor. Other donors and partners were invited to join the Initiative to broaden its reach and scope. The modality for the delivery is a UN multi- stakeholder trust fund, administered by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office, with the support of core agencies UNDP, UNFPA and UN Women, and overseen by the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General.

Join us in partnership so that this bold and transformative Initiative is matched by equally ambitious political action, resources and knowledge. We invite everyone to visit? www.spotlightinitiative.org to learn more about the world's largest targeted effort to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

Did you know?

  • Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today.
  • 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence.
  • Women and girls are disproportionately subjected to violence, including femicide, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, trafficking and harmful practices.

Spotlight Initiative - a partnership between the UN and the EU

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and European Union Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica discuss the Spotlight Initiative.