From Evidence to Action
The event successfully provided a platform to share and discuss new evidence on the prevention of violence against women and girls and explore how best to translate research findings into policy and practice.
Keynote speeches by Prof. Rachel Jewkes and Dr.hc. Christine Brendel framed the discussions about the latest evidence as well as successful strategies to engage the private sector in violence prevention.
During interactive clinics and parallel sessions, participants discussed how to prevent violence in schools and shared lessons on other promising approaches from SADC member states. Others looked at how media and community engagement can promote gender equitable attitudes. Men and boys, as well as religious and traditional authorities were emphasized as vital allies in reducing the acceptance of VAWG.
As numbers speak for themselves, evidence was presented on the actual cost of discrimination and VAWG on societies, and how women’s economic empowerment is linked. The sessions were also used to identify gaps in data that need to be addressed for improved violence prevention policies and interventions.
Throughout the conference, practitioners, policy makers and civil society were able to connect and share strategies from their local context, foster regional exchange and build partnerships across different sectors. After two days, delegates agreed that the event had improved their conceptual understanding of VAWG prevention and highly valued the opportunity to network across the region.