This section presents a list of websites with helpful resources and information on international initiatives to end VAW globally.
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
The main roles of UN Women are: To support inter-governmental bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, in their formulation of policies, global standards and norms; To help Member States to implement these standards, standing ready to provide suitable technical and financial support to those countries that request it, and to forge effective partnerships with civil society; and To hold the UN system accountable for its own commitments on gender equality, including regular monitoring of system-wide progress. * See UN Women's Virtual Knowledge Centre to End Violence Against Women and Girls
UNiTE to End Violence Against Women
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls in all parts of the world. UNiTE brings together a host of UN agencies and offices to galvanize action across the UN system to prevent and punish violence against women. Through UNiTE, the UN is joining forces with individuals, civil society and governments to put an end to violence against women in all its forms.
World Health Organization: Department of Gender, Women and Health
GWH aims to increase knowledge and strengthen the health sector response by gathering evidence, developing norms and standards for mainstreaming gender in health policies and programmes, strengthening capacity and engaging in advocacy on how gender and gender inequality affect health.
The World Bank: Gender and Development
The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. In September 2011, the World Bank Group launched World Development Report 2012: Gender and Development, the first in the series to focus on gender. The 2012 World Development Report identifies four areas where gender gaps are most significant―where direct policy efforts are required since higher incomes alone will do little to reduce existing inequalities.
Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence
The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence is based on the understanding that violence against women is a form of gender-based violence that is committed against women because they are women. It is the obligation of the state to fully address it in all its forms and to take measures to prevent violence against women, protect its victims and prosecute the perpetrators. Failure to do so would make it the responsibility of the state. The convention leaves no doubt: there can be no real equality between women and men if women experience gender-based violence on a large-scale and state agencies and institutions turn a blind eye.
Stop Rape Now: UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict
UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action) unites the work of 13 UN entities with the goal of ending sexual violence in conflict. It is a concerted effort by the UN system to improve coordination and accountability, amplify programming and advocacy, and support national efforts to prevent sexual violence and respond effectively to the needs of survivors.
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) represents the world's commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. We have a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights.
Sexual Violence Research Initiative
The SVRI is a global research initiative that aims to promote priority driven, good quality research in the area of sexual violence, particularly in developing countries. We are building an experienced and committed network of researchers, policy makers, activists and donors to ensure that the many aspects of sexual violence are addressed from the perspective of different disciplines and cultures. The SVRI believes that prevention efforts and service provision must be informed by sound research and evidence.