Spotlight Initiative Program for Central Asia - Final Report

The Spotlight Regional Programme for Central Asia and Afghanistan has played a pivotal role closing critical gaps in addressing the violence against women and girls (VAWG). This initiative, driven by the collective efforts of the United Nations and steadfast support from the European Union, exemplifies our global commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women. It is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular emphasis on SDG 5, and other international agreements.

Structured around five distinct pillars, the Regional Programme has effectively addressed significant shortcomings within the system by (i) supporting legal and policy reforms, (ii) fortifying institutions, (iii) challenging prevailing social norms, (iv) bridging data gaps, and (v) promoting civil society and women's movements. These transformative impacts extend beyond immediate outcomes and have successfully paved the way for a new paradigm in the fight against all forms of VAWG in the region.