The kNOwVAWdata initiative
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Click on one section to learn more about it
Click on one section to learn more about it
The global call for data
The adoption of Target 5.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals has given rise to a growing call for reliable and comparable data on violence against women.
Sustainable Development Goal 5: “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”
Target 5.2: “Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.”
- Indicator 5.2.1: “Proportion of ever-partnered 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.”
- Indicator 5.2.2: “Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by age and place of occurrence.”
Yet, the capacity to collect and analyze such data safely and ethically is falling short of demand, limiting evidence-based policies and programmes and the monitoring of efforts.
Impact of high-quality data on violence against women
Countries with ethically collected, reliable national and sub-national data have actionable evidence to understand the specifics of violence against women in a given context and to design targeted interventions.
The studies on prevalence of violence against women in different regions of the world have resulted in concrete legislative changes, including the development of family protection acts – which have changed the definition of violence in those countries. The data also establish baselines from which countries can monitor change over time, including their progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 and ending violence against women.
Key features of the kNOwVAWdata initiative
- High-quality technical assistance on national data collection and use: Supporting countries to conduct, analyze and use surveys on violence against women in an ethical way, keeping interviewees safe and their personal information confidential.
- Capacity building for conducting national studies: Boosting the capacity of national statistical systems, civil society and researchers to conduct, analyze and effectively use data on the prevalence of violence against women through training online and in person.
- Sustainability as part of a long-term vision: Ensuring local ownership and sustainability of the kNOwVAWdata course through partnerships with regional institutions and other initiatives.
- Sharing knowledge: Providing information through kNOwVAWdata’s website and building a community of professionals committed to ending violence against women by using data to advocate for prevention and response.
