Closing the funding gap to end violence against women and girls | Publications | UN Women – Headquarters – UN Women

Report on Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive and severe human rights violations globally, impacting one in three women. This issue directly undermines the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Despite evidence confirming that such violence is preventable, efforts to eradicate it are insufficient, especially regarding funding allocations.

Current Funding Landscape

Currently, less than 1% of official development assistance (ODA) is allocated to ending gender-based violence. Even fewer resources support women’s rights organizations that operate on the frontlines of this critical work. This funding gap impedes progress toward SDG 5 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as these organizations play a vital role in prevention and response efforts.

ACT to End Violence Against Women and Girls Programme

Under the ACT to End Violence against Women and Girls programme, a publication has been produced to urge governments, donors, and development partners to take immediate and substantial action. This report highlights:

1. The current state of funding for prevention and response initiatives.
2. The costs associated with inaction on violence against women and girls.
3. The economic and social benefits of investing in evidence-based solutions.

Evidence and Benefits of Investment

Drawing upon global data, case studies, and economic analyses, the report demonstrates that well-funded, evidence-based interventions can significantly reduce violence. These interventions also generate savings across multiple sectors, including:

• Health systems
• Justice systems
• Social services

This aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), emphasizing that investment in prevention and response is both socially responsible and economically sound.

Priority Actions to Close the Funding Gap

The publication outlines six priority actions to accelerate progress toward ending violence against women and girls, reinforcing the achievement of SDG 5 and related goals:

• Development of fully costed national action plans.
• Investment in data collection and prevention research.
• Increased long-term financial support to feminist movements and women’s rights organizations.
• Strengthening multi-sectoral coordination and accountability mechanisms.
• Enhancing capacity building for service providers.
• Promoting inclusive policies that address intersectional vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Closing the funding gap to end violence against women and girls is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in building safer, more equitable societies. This commitment supports the realization of multiple Sustainable Development Goals, fostering gender equality, justice, health, and economic growth worldwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article focuses on ending violence against women and girls, which is a core aspect of achieving gender equality.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article discusses justice systems and prevention efforts related to violence, linking to peaceful and inclusive societies.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Addressing violence against women contributes to improved health and well-being outcomes.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 5 Targets:
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.3: Eliminate harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
2. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
3. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 5.2: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age.
2. Indicator for Target 16.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age; and proportion of population subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence in the previous 12 months.
3. Funding Indicators: Percentage of official development assistance (ODA) allocated to ending gender-based violence and supporting women’s rights organizations, as the article highlights the current funding gap (less than 1%).
4. Indicators related to National Action Plans and Research Investment: Presence of fully costed national action plans and investment levels in data and prevention research on violence against women and girls.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: unwomen.org