Spotlight Initiative

08/27/2026

Tiwa Savage (Tiwa Savage) joins the UN Spotlight Initiative on a mission focused on ending violence against women and girls.

On this mission, Tiwa will learn, listen and amplify the voices of women and girls, helping to build a safer, more equal future for all and leaving no one behind.

Photos: UNDP Malawi/Jonathan Mphande/2026

08/26/2026

08/20/2026

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You can do it. You made it.”

For Ana*, one phone call to Samoa Victim Support Group’s 24-hour helpline became the first step towards a safer future for her and her children.

After being attacked by her partner, Ana reached out for help. SVSG arranged for a vehicle to collect her and her children and brought them to the Campus of Hope — Samoa’s only domestic violence shelter.

There, she received counselling while her son was able to continue school. The shelter also provides women and children with access to legal support, psychosocial counselling and economic empowerment opportunities to help them rebuild their lives.

Today, Ana has left the shelter, found a job and is building a new life with her sons.

“It made me realize I could really do it without my partner.”

With support from Spotlight Initiative, SVSG’s 24-hour helpline helps connect survivors with the safety and support they need — whenever they need it.

08/20/2026

Period poverty can impact a girl’s school attendance and her confidence to participate fully in her community.

In low-income households across , an estimated 30 per cent of girls miss school during their menstrual cycle because they cannot afford sanitary materials.

“I never imagined I could make something that helps not only me, but other girls as well."

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

08/12/2026

"My success is not mine alone." – Audrey Nuna

Meet the young women working to eliminate violence against women and girls.

🔗Read more: https://bit.ly/4hpBSFs

08/04/2026

"Investing in women and girls is not charity... When 10 per cent more girls go to school, a country's GDP rises by 3 per cent."

At the Women Breaking Barriers event, Audrey Nuna (audrey Nuna), Grammy-nominated recording artist and songwriter (the singing voice of Mira in KPop Demon Hunters), reminded us that investing in women and girls isn't an act of charity—it's one of the smartest investments societies can make.

Every girl deserves the chance to learn, lead and shape the future.

07/31/2026

"This land means peace, food and a future for my children."

After years of being denied her land, Alice* reclaimed her rights through legal aid supported by Spotlight Initiative.

Access to justice empowers women, protects livelihoods and helps prevent violence.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4hrl9lh

07/30/2026

Today, on World Day against Trafficking in Persons, we recognize the people working every day to support survivors and prevent trafficking before it happens.

Across the Pacific, faith leaders are using trusted community networks to identify survivors, provide long-term care and help rebuild lives with dignity and opportunity.

Read the inspiring stories of Sister Sarah Puls (Australia) and Lemau Palaamo (Samoa), whose work reminds us that recovery is not just about escaping exploitation—it's about restoring hope, empowerment and belonging.

Read more:
🔗 https://www.spotlightinitiative.org/news/are-you-feeling-forced-tricked-or-trapped-faith-leaders-who-identify-and-support-trafficking
🔗 https://www.spotlightinitiative.org/news/how-faith-leaders-are-working-end-human-trafficking-oceanic-pacific

07/24/2026

What does positive masculinity look like?

For Valentino in Uganda, it meant replacing harmful ideas of manhood with respect, partnership and shared decision-making. Through the SASA! Together approach, supported by Spotlight Initiative and UN Women, he transformed his family relationships, strengthened their livelihoods and became a leader in his community.

Ending violence against women and girls requires engaging men and boys as allies for equality.

🔗 Full story: https://www.spotlightinitiative.org/news/redefining-manhood-how-father-uganda-grew-support-his-family-new-ways

KASESE DISTRICT, Uganda - Spotlight Initiative and UN Women use the SASA! (Start, Awareness, Support, and Action) Together Approach to support communities to prevent violence against women and girls and reduce HIV risk by addressing power imbalances between men and women. Through this approach, comm...

07/22/2026

“It is easier to bring young children to work with you because we have a preschool where the children go to play and learn with a teacher."

Economic empowerment is a powerful tool for preventing violence against women and girls.

In Zimbabwe, Safe Markets supported by Spotlight Initiative are creating safer, more inclusive public spaces where women can grow their businesses, care for their children and work with dignity. With secure market stalls, childcare facilities and essential services, these markets are helping reduce women's vulnerability to gender-based violence while strengthening their economic independence.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4brKEPB

HARARE, Zimbabwe - Women’s participation in the workforce has the potential to benefit individuals, families and communities. Yet many women are forced to work in unsafe conditions or face difficult choices between earning an income and caring for their children. Safe Markets are designed to addre...