The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.2 aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation. Achieving this target requires an integrated approach involving policy reforms, community engagement, and technological innovations. Below, we explore international strategies and technologies contributing to these efforts.
Policy Reforms and Legislative Measures
Countries worldwide are implementing legislative frameworks to combat gender-based violence. In 2004, Spain enacted The Comprehensive Law against gender-based violence, providing comprehensive support services and establishing specialised courts for gender violence cases. Plus, a public information legal service called the Institute of Women and Equal Opportunities, which is part of the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality. In South Africa, The Domestic Violence Act of 1998 offers protection orders and mandates police intervention in domestic violence incidents. India enacted The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005, which addresses a broad spectrum of abuse types, including physical, emotional, verbal, and economic abuse. These legislative measures create a framework where violence against women is legally condemned, and survivors can access justice and support services.
Community Engagement and Education
Grassroots initiatives play a critical role in shifting societal norms and preventing violence. The Isange One Stop Centers in Rwanda provide integrated services, including medical care, legal assistance, and counselling for survivors of gender-based violence. The Safe Cities Programme in Bangladesh focuses on community mobilization and awareness campaigns to make urban spaces safer for women and girls. No Means No Worldwide in Kenya educates young people on consent and self-defence, aiming to reduce sexual assault rates. These programs demonstrate the power of community involvement and education in prevention efforts and survivor support.
Technological Innovations
Advancements in technology have introduced new tools for violence prevention and support. Mobile device alarms provide discreet safety options for those at risk of violence. For example, Help@Hand (New Zealand) have a Violence Prevention Watch and Monitoring Service. This innovative service provides survivors with a discreet, wearable device resembling a regular watch. The watch features an alarm system linked to a monitoring service that can alert police and support emergency networks. Designed with input from survivors and pilot-tested in South Auckland, this service empowers users to take proactive steps for their safety without drawing attention.
Safetipin (India) and bSafe (Global) offer mobile applications with features such as GPS location tracking, emergency contacts, and public space safety audits. Hollaback! provides an online platform to report and map harassment incidents, promoting awareness and community action.
International Collaborations
Global partnerships are pivotal in addressing violence against women and girls. The Spotlight Initiative by UN Women and the European Union focuses on legislative reforms, strengthening institutions, and promoting gender-equitable norms. The World Health Organization (WHO) offers guidelines and technical support for countries developing national action plans to prevent violence against women. Such collaborations amplify the impact of individual efforts, creating a shared platform for tackling gender-based violence.
Challenges and Future Directions
While progress is evident, challenges remain. Data Collection: Many countries lack comprehensive systems for accurate and disaggregated data, which is essential for effective intervention. Resource Allocation: Sustainable funding is needed for prevention programs and survivor services. Cultural Norms: Addressing deep-seated cultural beliefs perpetuating violence requires a long-term commitment to education and community engagement. A holistic approach combining legal frameworks, community involvement, technological innovation, and international cooperation is essential to overcoming these challenges.
Conclusion
Achieving UNSDG Target 5.2 is a complex but attainable goal. By adopting international strategies and embracing innovative solutions like the Violence Prevention Watch in New Zealand, countries can develop effective interventions to prevent violence against women and girls. Continued collaboration at all levels is crucial to creating a safer, more equitable world for women and girls.
Sir Ray will be creating a Vlog interviewing global thought leaders in the domestic violence and sexual
violence prevention and rehabilitation sectors. If you would be interested in being interviewed, please
contact gavin@helpathand.org.nz
