Yes, we can prevent violence against women and girls!
Image: Françoise Girard
The evidence is in: the cycle of violence against women and girls (VAWG) can be stopped. A seven-year, multi-country research and implementation initiative, What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (What Works II) is now in its fourth year of activity and the results are surprisingly encouraging. We can reduce VAWG dramatically and durably!
Two weeks ago, I had the immense pleasure of speaking to What Works’ Coordinator, Anne Gathumbi, a bold and brilliant Kenyan lawyer and feminist advocate who has worked in this field for many years at the national and international level. She told me why she’s hopeful we can stop VAWG.
This is a lengthy, in-depth analysis of research and advocacy and campaigns to reduce violence against women and girls from an international perspective.
FULL TEXT: What Works to prevent violence against women and girls, by Françoise Girard, October 2025. Photo: INSTAGRAM