UN-EU to launch partnership to end all forms of violence against women

The European Union, in partnership with the United Nations, are set to launch a global initiative to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) - the Spotlight Initiative. Backed by a dedicated financial envelope from the EU of EUR 500 million, the new partnership will focus action on several areas of major concern such as trafficking in women and girls and sexual and economic (labour) exploitation; domestic and family violence; sexual and gender-based violence; as well as femicide.

The Spotlight Initiative will deploy targeted, large-scale investments in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Pacific and the Caribbean, aimed at achieving significant improvements in the lives of women and girls. 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.

The High-Level Launch event will feature UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, EU High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini VP, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica, as well as high-level panellists. Speakers will reflect on the challenges ahead and promote partnerships at global level to jointly deliver on the Initiative's ambitious objectives.

You can follow the high-level launch LIVE from UN Headquarters in New York, tomorrow, 20 September, 20:00 CET: webtv.un.org | #SpotlightENDViolence, #UNGA

Additional links:

• EC - Spotlight Initiative, overview
• EC International Cooperation and Development, Building partnerships for change in developing countries
• EU and UN to launch strategic partnership for ending all forms of violence against women and girls