Spotlight Initiative

06/19/2026

Women and girls with disabilities face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, yet they continue to lead change in their communities.

In Samoa, women with disabilities are building confidence, advocating for their rights, and breaking barriers through inclusive programmes supported by Spotlight Initiative. From community leadership to Miracle Afele making history on the Miss Samoa stage, their stories demonstrate the power of inclusion and equal opportunity.

06/15/2026

Their stories are not simply untold — they are often uncounted.

Older women are frequently excluded from violence data, policies and programmes, leaving critical gaps in protection and support. As the world's population ages, addressing violence against older women is more urgent than ever.

Read "Rights Have No Expiry Date: The Case for Action on Violence Against Older Women."

🔗 https://bit.ly/4ejJsQ9

Older women are among the most overlooked groups in global efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls (VAWG). They are often left in an institutional vacuum — absent from data, absent from policy, and unable to access essential services. This Spotlight Initiative brief makes the case fo...

06/15/2026

Older women are the fastest-growing demographic globally, yet their experiences of violence are too often overlooked.

Violence against older women is driven by the intersection of ageism and sexism, compounded by barriers to reporting, economic insecurity and a lack of data that leaves many experiences uncounted.

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we explore the hidden crisis of violence against older women and the actions needed to prevent it—from strengthening laws and services to improving data collection and expanding access to support.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4vT62VF

Older women are the fastest-growing demographic globally. Yet, when it comes to preventing violence, they are often overlooked. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June aims to shine a light on how violence affects older people. Like all forms of violence, elder abuse is not gender-neutral. We exp...

06/15/2026

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day ( ), we are reminded of a critical reality: the right to live free from violence does not expire with age.

For the first time in history, there are more people over the age of 60 than children under five, and the majority are women. Yet older women remain largely invisible in efforts to prevent and respond to violence.

Many experience abuse from intimate partners, family members, caregivers or institutions meant to protect them. Too often, their experiences go unreported, undocumented and overlooked. In many countries, data on violence against older women is still not systematically collected, leaving their experiences both untold and uncounted.

Violence against older women is driven by the intersection of sexism and ageism, often compounded by economic insecurity, dependence on abusers and unequal access to resources and support.

On , we call for better data, stronger laws and accessible services that recognize and respond to the realities older women face.

Because every woman, at every age, deserves to live with dignity, safety and respect.

Filmed by: Fresco Agencia

06/10/2026

"When we speak about breaking barriers, we often think about extraordinary achievements. But most barriers are invisible."

At Women Breaking Barriers, H.E. Đỗ Hùng Việt, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations, reflected on the importance of creating safe, just and enabling environments where women and girls can thrive, lead and reach their full potential.

Breaking barriers is not only about individual success—it's about expanding opportunities, shifting social norms and ensuring support for every woman and girl.

06/02/2026

"What's so scary about smart girls?"

At Women Breaking Barriers, EU Ambassador to the UN () Stavros Lambrinidis () reflected on a powerful truth: educating girls is one of the most effective ways to build stronger, more resilient societies.

From Malala Yousafzai () to girls affected by conflict and extremism around the world, the fight for education remains a fight for human rights.

Watch his remarks on why advancing girls' education and women's empowerment is essential to protecting human rights and creating lasting change.

06/02/2026

"This place has had a huge impact on childbirth in our area."

In eastern Liberia, a maternal child health unit supported by Spotlight Initiative is helping save lives by ensuring safer pregnancies and deliveries.

Though maternal mortality has substantially reduced in recent years, in 2020, the country still had the sixth highest maternal mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa, according to data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Koro Mallah, a Maternal Child Health Supervisor, explains the life-saving importance of the unit.

ZOE-GEH DISTRICT, Liberia - In eastern Liberia, Spotlight Initiative has supported government efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates by building a Maternal Child Health unit at Bahn Health Centre. Though maternal mortality has substantially reduced in recent years, in 2020, the country still had...

05/29/2026

“Violence eats at the fabric of society. It takes away from your dignity and your humanity.” — Minister Chernor Bah

Violence against women and girls is not inevitable — it is preventable through political will, strong laws, partnerships and sustained action.

In this interview, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, reflects on the lasting impact of violence in society, the country’s progress in advancing protections for women and girls, and the importance of collective action to end gender-based violence.

From criminalizing child marriage to strengthening laws on sexual and gender-based violence, Sierra Leone is working to turn policy commitments into real change — with Spotlight Initiative supporting efforts to strengthen implementation, accountability, and survivor-centered responses.

05/26/2026

"True strength is respect and partnership"

In Uganda, Vincent Onyango is part of a growing movement of men advancing positive masculinity and helping build safer, more equal communities.

His transformation began through participation in the SASA Together! approach, implemented under the UN Spotlight Initiative, with funding from the European Union and the Netherlands Embassy.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4dItkpE

TORORO DISTRICT, Uganda - Vincent Onyango represents a growing movement of men redefining leadership within their homes and communities. At 28 years old, he is a youth counsellor and trained community volunteer on gender-based violence (GBV), sanitation and hygiene. His transformation began through....

05/22/2026

"Are you feeling forced, tricked or trapped?"

Sister Sarah Puls, a member of ACRATH shared how faith leaders and community-based organizations are helping identify and support survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery across the Oceanic Pacific.

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MELBOURNE, Australia - Sister Sarah Puls is a member of ACRATH, an Australian faith-based organization dedicated to addressing human trafficking and modern slavery. Her role involves working directly with survivors, migrant workers, schools, healthcare institutions and government bodies to address t...