Contribution to UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women

Available data indicates that as many as 7 out of 10 women and girls experience physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime. Violence against women and girls is a universal phenomenon irrespective of income, class, education, culture and age. In many regions, it is on the rise, both in terms of scope as in intensity and gravity, especially in fragile contexts. It is a major cause of poverty and a serious barrier to sustainable development. The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women was established in 1996 and is managed by UN-Women on behalf of the UN system. The Trust Fund awards grants annually through an open and competitive process, to governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as to UN country teams.

To nurture innovation, develop and multiply successful approaches and catalyze widespread change to accelerate the prevention, reduction and abolishment of violence against women and girls in countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Arab States, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Women and girls potential and real victims of violence ranging from domestic and sexual violence, sexual harassment, harmful practices such as child, early and forced marriage often associated with intra-marital rape, female genital mutilation/cutting to trafficking and forced prostitution.

• Violence against women and girls is prevented and reduced;
• The access to services by women and girls affected by violence is expanded;
• The implementation of laws, policies and action plans on violence against women and girls is strengthened.

Results from previous phases:  

The projects supported by the UN Trust Fund led governments to become more accountable and responsive and resulted in changing knowledge and behaviour, which is fundamental to ending violence against women and girls. They contributed to modifying institutional norms and practices, increased or improved referral systems and access to justice for survivors, improved access to health and protection services for survivors and changed public opinion. In addition, an Outcome Mapping revealed that the Fund’s influence reaches far beyond the immediate scope of its grants to inspire other social actors to make fundamental changes that improve the lives of women and girls.

Phase 2 15.12.2013 - 30.11.2016   (Completed)