Spotlight Initiative - Stories from Samoa

The Spotlight Initiative emerged as a crucial program in Samoa's national efforts to address violence against women and girls, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Apart from its investments, beneficiaries, and global recognition, the program's partnerships played a vital role in fulfilling its mission. Partnerships within the Spotlight Initiative facilitated effective collaboration and engagement among various stakeholders, including government ministries and civil society organizations. 

These collaborations facilitated valuable data collection on the prevalence and impact of violence, empowered the education sector to prevent domestic violence, improved data management for GBV cases, facilitated survivor support through mobile apps, and enhanced legal frameworks and policy responses.

UNESCO, as one of the implementing UN agencies, collaborated with over 15 significant partners across diverse areas such as educational research, cultural performing arts, capacity building, media awareness campaigns, and innovative mobile applications. These collaborations have reshaped the narrative surrounding gender-based violence and have contributed to driving tangible change in Samoa’s efforts against violence targeting women and girls.

UNESCO has released a publication, sharing inspiring stories of these partnerships, which serves as a testament to the success and innovative approach of collaborative efforts within the Spotlight Initiative. It sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the transformative impact of these partnerships in combating gender-based violence worldwide.