The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) are embarking on a new multi-year programme, called the ‘Spotlight Initiative (SI). SI is a global partnership to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. The Spotlight Initiative in Africa is going to be implemented in 8 countries: Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The focus for the African initiative is GBV, SRHR and Harmful Practices (HP). Six UN agencies namely, ILO, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF and UN Women are participating in the Spotlight Initiative. Liberia has an estimated population of 4.8 million, roughly half of which is under the age of 18, with a median age of 18.7, but the country will not reap the benefits of this demographic dividend unless the situation of women and girls improves. With strong patriarchal social norms and entrenched, socially accepted violence against women and girls, Liberia currently ranks 177 out of 188 countries on the overall measures used to determine the gender inequality index. Rates of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), harmful practices (HPs), female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and teenage pregnancy are all high, while access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) is low. The programme is going to be implemented in Liberia’s five most-affected counties, and it was formulated through an extensive and inclusive participatory process. This process identified the priority interventions needed to tackle violence against women and girls by addressing structural causes, thus ensuring sustainability in six key areas of intervention; - Legislative and Policy Framework
- Institutional Strengthening
- Prevention : Changing Norms and Behaviors
- Response : Delivery of quality essential services
- Management of Data and Information
- Strengthening Women’s Movement and Civil Society Organizations
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is one of the responsible UN agencies participating in the implementation of the Spotlight initiative. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the leading UN entity on human rights. The General Assembly entrusted OHCHR with a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights for all people. The United Nations human rights programme aims to ensure that the protection and enjoyment of human rights is a reality in the lives of all people. UN Human Rights also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the three interconnected pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, human rights and development. |
