Data Collection, Analysis and Research

UNESCO (Social and Human Science Section) undertakes research on the causes and social structures that foster violence against women. As part of its research activities for the ten-year review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, UNESCO produced a conceptual framework for qualitative and quantitative information on women’s empowerment. One of the 7 sets of indicators pertains to women’s bodily integrity and health, including data on the prevalence of female genital mutilation; sexual abuse of women; and physical abuse against women by an intimate partner. Hide

In the framework of its project to fight human trafficking in Africa, UNESCO carries out research on factors leading to human trafficking in 6 pilot countries (Benin, Nigeria, Togo, Lesotho, Mozambique and South Africa) and proposes concrete recommendations. Hide

ESCWA published Social and Economic Situation of Palestinian Women 2000-2006, which analyses the close links between increased poverty and social burdens and increased domestic violence against women. Hide

The ILO Conditions of Work and Employment Programme (TRAVAIL) conducts research on violence, including violence against women, at work including on laws, workplace policies and other initiatives to prevent and respond to it. Hide

Under the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour, ILO has carried out analyses of the situation of girl child labour in agriculture, domestic work and in situations of sexual exploitation. Hide

UNDP supports research for policy development, the collection of data disaggregated by sex and the development of databases on gender issues. Hide

UNICRI’s anti-trafficking projects include a specific assessment component aimed at the collection and analysis of information and data on trafficking patterns and modalities, routes and flows and existing counter-trafficking measures. UNICRI carried out research on trafficking in women for sexual exploitation in the Philippines (2002), Nigeria and Italy (2003), Czech Republic (2004), the Balkans (2004 and 2006), Poland (2005), Germany and Romania (2005). Under the programme of action against trafficking in minors for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation, research was also conducted in Thailand, Ukraine, and Costa Rica. Hide

UNICRI developed databases in Costa Rica and Thailand, in 2005-06, that collected and analyzed judicial cases of trafficked minors. Hide

UN-Habitat undertakes surveys under the umbrella of the Safer Cities Programme, and assesses four types of violence against women, i.e. economic, physical, emotional and sexual abuse. These surveys have been developed in South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Cameroon and Papua New Guinea, with the aim of assisting policy development and advocacy at international, national and local levels. Hide

ECA supported 12 countries to undertake field studies using the African Gender and Development Index. The 12 pilot countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda) have collected qualitative data on domestic violence, harmful practices, rape, sexual harassment and trafficking in women. They assessed the extent to which governments have ratified international conventions, met all reporting requirements, passed national laws, developed plans with specific targets, set institutional mechanisms, allocated sufficient financial and human resources, undertaken research, collaborated with civil society organizations, disseminated information and set monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for each type of violence against women. The project has been extended during 2007 to five countries, Cape Verde, Senegal, the Gambia, Namibia, and Botswana. Hide