Violence Against Women and Girls

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) affects one-third of all women globally in their lifetimes and is one of the leading causes of death, disability, and trauma for women of all ages. Women who experience intimate partner violence are twice as likely to experience depression and 16 percent more likely to have a low birth weight baby. Violence against women also contributes to women’s poverty and to that of their families and communities (World Health Organization).

Trained mentors who work with their community to prevent violence against girls and promote maternal health on the outskirts of Kumasi, Ghana.

As an integral part of our commitment to improve the lives of urban girls and women, WomenStrong’s Learning Lab have included a focus on learning and sharing solutions devised by our partners for eliminating VAWG in their communities that might be applied worldwide.

Through WomenStrong’s work to-date, we have seen greater impact achieved by infusing programs in other sectors, such as economic empowerment, with elements designed to address some of the underlying drivers of violence. Solutions practiced, tested, and shared by our VAWG Learning Lab partners include educating girls and young women on sexual violence prevention strategies and engaging men and boys as allies of women and girls.

For an example of our partners’ groundbreaking thinking in this challenging arena, see our recent public webinar, “What Will It Take to End Violence Against Women: A Dialogue on New Paradigms for Our Era Confirmation,” led by Black Women’s Blueprint and Men Stopping Violence. Stay tuned for more of our partners’ findings and resources as they become available.