Ending Gender-Based Violence: From Prevention to Systems Change

​Event Description

Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive and urgent global challenges, affecting millions of women and girls across all contexts, particularly in low and middle income countries. From domestic abuse to harmful practices such as FGM, the impacts are profound, shaping health, economic opportunity, and human rights.

This discussion focuses on how to move beyond response toward prevention and long-term systems change. What does it take to address the root causes of violence, from social norms to economic inequality and weak institutional protection? How can survivor-led approaches reshape recovery and influence broader systems?

We will also explore the role of technology and cross-sector collaboration in scaling prevention efforts, as well as the often overlooked economic and societal costs of gender-based violence. The session invites participants to examine what is working, where gaps remain, and how to build coordinated approaches that are both effective and grounded in the realities of those most affected.

Speakers

• ​Alexis Atlani is Co-director of NOVAH, using mass media storytelling to prevent domestic violence at scale.

• ​Brandon Jacobsen is Executive Director of Nadia's Initiative, advancing survivor-led recovery and systems change.

• ​Kelsey Morgan is CEO & Co-Founder of EverFree, transforming systems of care for people affected by violence and exploitation.

• ​Nidhi Sharma  is Founder, RiseTogether Global and PArtnerships Development UK/Europe Goonj.

​Discussion Questions
What are the most effective approaches to preventing gender-based violence at scale?
How can survivor-led models inform stronger systems of support and recovery?
What role can technology and cross-sector collaboration play in addressing and preventing violence?
How can we better understand and address the broader social and economic impacts of gender-based violence?