What Works joins world leaders in sexual violence prevention to advance research on violence against women (VAW) in low and middle-income countries at the 6th SVRI Forum in Cape Town, South Africa

Results from 13 countries in Africa and Asia on what works (and doesn’t) to prevent violence will be unveiled at a high-level event at the tenth Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum on Wednesday 23rd October, in Cape Town, South Africa - the world’s leading research conference on violence against women, which brings together researchers, policymakers, funders and practitioners to design solutions for ending VAWG.

As rates of violence against women and girls reach epidemic proportions in South Africa global leaders in violence prevention will gather in Cape Town to address the pervasiveness of sexual assault and harassment around the world. The Sexual Violence Research Violence Initiative (SVRI)Forum, whose theme this year is “Time is Now”, will look at the impact of global movements like #MeToo, #IAmNotNext and TIME’S UP, which have been driven by a desire for equal rights and safety for all women and builds on decades of hard work of women activists and researchers.

The SVRI Forum provides a global space where delegates build knowledge, expand their networks, create collaborations and share knowledge. Over 750 delegates will attend this year’s Forum representing all key stakeholders from around the world, including UN Agencies, policymakers, government representatives, researchers, activists and funders.

The What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) Global Programme, funded by UK Aid, has been investing in primary prevention efforts across Africa and Asia for the last six years, efforts that seek to understand and address the underlying causes of violence, effective interventions to prevent it and evidence on the costs of VAWG.

Keep up with What Works at The SVRI Forum on twitter @WhatWorksVAWG and online at www.whatworks.co.za