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Since its inception, Spotlight Initiative has helped to develop or strengthen 548 new laws and policies addressing VAWG at national, regional, and local levels. Across Spotlight countries, progress has been made to ensure that survivors are protected through formal, informal, and traditional legal structures.  

Examples of legislative development achievements include the following: 

• Liberia: Spotlight Initiative, in collaboration with OHCHR and civil society organizations, successfully advocated for the passage of the Domestic Violence Law and the drafting of the Female Genital Mutilation Bill. Awareness-raising sessions with government officials at national and local levels improved knowledge of the laws and supported its implementation.  
• Zimbabwe: The Initiative supported the inclusion of online violence provisions in the Data Protection act, the first of its kind in the country. The Act now criminalizes the use of information and communications technology (ICTs) for violence against women and children, establishing clear codes of conduct to address technology-facilitated violence. Additionally, the Initiative supported the Zimbabwe Gender Commission in launching the first National Inquiry on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Vulnerable & Marginalized Groups, strengthening institutional accountability.   
• Niger: Spotlight Initiative supported traditional justice reform by engaging the Sultan of Tibiri to appoint the first-ever female advisors in a traditional court. One advisor specifically addresses cases of violence against women and girls, while the other focuses on ending child marriage and supporting girls’ education. This landmark initiative enhances survivor access to justice and reduces barriers to reporting violence.  

OHCHR is developing a Regional Protocol to provide practical tools for public prosecutors, forensic experts and others, to guide their investigations into violent deaths of LGBTIQ+ people in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

In July 2024, OHCHR published a report on the solutions to promote digital education for young people and to ensure their protection from online threats (A/HRC/57/28) promoting a gender-responsive response in view of the gender digital divide and the gendered dimensions of online attacks. OHCHR was also mandated to produce a report on “a human rights approach to meaningful connectivity and to overcoming digital divides, including by addressing threats to individuals’ access to the Internet,” presenting an opportunity to analyse how women and girls’ access to internet is impeded by TF GBV. 

Since its inception, the Spotlight Initiative has made significant strides in addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF GBV). A key activity includes the development of a Digital Gender Violence virtual course in Argentina, as part of a broader initiative on comprehensive sexuality education. The Central Asia and Afghanistan Regional Programme hosted the Spotlight Digital Challenge, educating youth on the dual nature of technology, both as a tool to end violence and as a medium for perpetuating online violence. The Latin America Regional Programme, in partnership with the Behavioral Insights Team, explored the rise in online violence and cyberbullying during COVID-19 and utilized behavioral science to develop innovative strategies for addressing these issues. In Vanuatu, the Initiative partnered with the Internet Governance Forum to generate data on students’ experiences with online violence, and supported the development of a National Plan for Child Online Protection. In Zimbabwe, Spotlight supported the Data Protection Act, enacted in December 2021, which provides one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks in southern Africa to address online violence, including non-consensual image-based abuse. 

 The Initiative’s comprehensive approach involves collaborating across agencies and with donors to implement legal reforms, raise awareness, and build data-driven interventions. Additionally, Spotlight has hosted events such as the Unfollowing Misogyny session at the SVRI Forum and has recently been invited to contribute to the UNFPA Advisory Board on TFGBV, solidifying its role in global efforts to combat TF GBV.  

 IOM has provided support to national governments in developing legislative frameworks for reparation programs aimed at redressing victims of CRSV in Iraq, Ukraine and Ethiopia. In Iraq, IOM’s support in partnership with the UN Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict Team of Experts was instrumental for adoption of the Yazidi Survivors Law, and corresponding bylaws, framework which provides reparations to women survivors of CRSV perpetrated by ISIS.  

In Ethiopia, UNODC supported the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs in drafting a national policy for preventing and responding to gender-based violence and organized a national consultation forum on the role of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.  

UNODC provided legislative guidance on Albania’s draft gender equality law, aligning recommendations with the United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice. These contributions aimed to strengthen the country’s legislative framework on gender equality. 

In Viet Nam, UNODC, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), provided advisory services in relation to a draft of a law on domestic violence prevention and control, which was subsequently passed.  

In Nigeria, UNODC supported the development of a gender-responsive five-year strategic plan, standard operating procedures, and a monitoring framework for police accountability and victim support. 

UNODC conducted an assessment in Bosnia and Herzegovina to identify gaps in legal frameworks, victim support services, and access to justice for technology-facilitated gender-based violence.  

UNODC developed a Training Handbook for Criminal Justice Practitioners on Cyberviolence against Women and Girls for Southern Africa and conducted a webinar and trainings based on this and related UNODC tools. 

In Pakistan, UNODC integrated digital services for real-time case tracking and secure complaint registration at police facilitation desks. The Office also partnered with the Balochistan Police to establish a women and juvenile facilitation centre, which offers specialized victim support services, and 10 gender facilitation desks at smart police stations.  

In 2023, UN Action developed a resource page on technology-facilitated gender-based violence as seen in contexts of conflict-related sexual violence. Through a working group made up of member entities UNODC, UN Women, UNFPA, and UNICEF, UN Action looks forward to exploring how it can contribute knowledge building and operational impact in this area of work.

UNFPA plays a pivotal role in supporting governments to develop legislation that is responsive to the needs of survivors while aligning with international laws and human rights standards. Through its technical expertise, human resources, and financial support, UNFPA supports governments in the development and implementation of national laws that effectively address GBV and ensure the protection of survivors. 

One notable example of UNFPA’s advocacy efforts is its successful work in The Gambia, where it helped uphold the 2015 law criminalizing FGM. UNFPA countered repeal efforts by providing technical support, fostering regional partnerships, engaging with parliamentarians, and collaborating strategically with religious and civil society leaders. This work highlights the importance of multifaceted approaches to legislative advocacy and survivor protection. 

UNFPA has also supported legal framework strengthening and the development of National Action Plans for GBV response across the EECA region (Eastern Europe and Central Asia). In 17 EECA countries, the focus has been on domestic violence prevention, protection, and survivor support, which reflects UNFPA’s comprehensive approach to legislation and policy development. 

Progress at regional and national level: 

• In Latin America, UNFPA has advanced critical GBV legislation. Notable achievements include the passage of comprehensive laws in Chile and bans on child marriage and early unions in Peru and Colombia. These legislative advancements demonstrate UNFPA’s active role in shaping policies that prioritize the rights and protection of women and girls in the region. 
• In the Arab States, UNFPA has partnered with the Arab Institute for Human Rights to build capacity in 9 countries for addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG) through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) reporting process. This partnership highlights UNFPA’s commitment to improving accountability and monitoring mechanisms for human rights issues in the region. 

Launched in 2024, Making All Spaces Safe is a UNFPA global programme supported by Global Affairs Canada, aimed at addressing the growing threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). The programme focuses on critical gaps in preventing and responding to TFGBV by integrating targeted activities into existing gender-based violence (GBV) programming and advancing rights-based laws and policies, as well as safety-by-design standards in technology development. The programme is structured around three key pillars: 

• Response 
• Prevention 
• Law and Policy 

Additionally, it includes two cross-cutting pillars: 

• Research and Evaluation 
• Convening Efforts 

Key Activities and Regional Efforts 

• UNFPA’s Role in Global Initiatives: UNFPA is an active member of the Technology and Innovation Reference Group under the global GBV Area of Responsibility. 
• Gender Analysis and Legislative Roadmaps: In 2024, a Gender Analysis of national legislation on TFGBV was conducted in the Pacific sub-region, as well as in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo. As a result, Legislative Roadmaps for preventing GBV through information and communication technology (ICT) were developed in these countries. 
• Bodyright Campaign: Several UNFPA country offices have adapted and launched the Bodyright Campaign, including in Moldova, Costa Rica, Argentina, the Western Balkans (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo), Nigeria, and Mali. 
• Regional Initiatives in the Arab States: In the Arab States, UNFPA has focused on various approaches to address TFGBV. In Jordan, UNFPA partnered with the National Commission for Women to create a community awareness guide. In Egypt, UNFPA conducted multiple trainings on TFGBV for GBV service providers and university representatives. 
• Investing in Technology for Women’s Safety: UNFPA is also leveraging technology for women’s safety. For example: 
• Safe YOU app: Launched in Iraq and Romania, the app provides emergency support and a peer discussion platform. 
• Netopoly: In Tunisia, UNFPA developed Netopoly, an online board game aimed at educating adolescents on cyberbullying and online safety.