“We need to invest in research and evidence, we need to invest in women’s rights movements, we need to invest in civil society organizations.” – Elizabeth Dartnall, SVRI Executive Director.
Women and children around the world face violence in its many forms every day, and it impacts individuals, families, communities, and entire countries. It is a global health crisis with profound social, economic, and generational consequences that no one is immune to.
In a powerful new video produced by the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) and recorded at the SVRI Forum 2024, prominent experts on violence against women and violence against children explore what the field needs to deliver evidence-based solutions that respond to local needs and that have the greatest potential to create lasting change:
Collaboration and partnership
Long-term, consistent, core funding
Support for local evidence-based research
Engagement from policymakers, funders, and institutions
Diversity of voices for collective action
There is more evidence than ever on what works—and what doesn’t—to prevent, reduce, and respond to violence against women, violence against children, and other forms of violence driven by gender inequality. Yet, global progress remains slow. Limited funding, weak political commitment, insufficient stakeholder engagement, and backlash against gender equality continue to hinder advancements in women’s and children’s rights.
SVRI know that evidence is a powerful catalyst for change, shining a light on the urgency of this global crisis. But real progress demands a thriving research ecosystem—one that is built on core, consistent, and long-term funding for local researchers in low- and middle-income countries, where the need is greatest, yet resources remain scarce.
Gary Barker, CEO, Equimundo: “Funding research on violence against women and children shows return on investment, it works.”
Tarana Burke, founder, me too movement: “Humanity itself cannot bear the weight of this particular crisis.”
The film contributors are:
- Claudia Garcia Moreno: SVRI Co-Founder and SVRI Forum Chair
- Dr Jane Ndungu: Research Fellow, University of Exeter
- Elizabeth Dartnall: SVRI Executive Director
- Gary Barker: CEO, Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice
- Kalliopi Mingeirou: Chief, Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Section, UN Women
- Tarana Burke: me too Founder & Chief Vision Officer, me too International
- Tesmerelna Atsbeha: Senior Programme Officer, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund
- Tvisha Nevatia: Learning Coordinator, Raising Voices
Violence is preventable and we must address it with a sense of urgency. It is a fundamental commitment that must endure beyond leadership cycles and policy trends.
Watch the film on SVRI’s YouTube channel and learn more about their incredible work www.svri.org