International Federation
for Human Rights

While violence against women, particularly domestic violence, has worsened considerably since the start of the covid-19 crisis, civil society groups have risen to the occasion by responding with innovative initiatives, in a context of unprecedented challenges and despite restrictive measures put in place by governments.

In Mexico, the association Justice, Human Rights and Gender has developed a comprehensive system of women’s protection and online protection orders to remove the violent partner from the home.

In Tunisia, ATFD has developed new strategies to provide psychological support to women victims of violence and conduct advocacy with the authorities.

In South Africa, an independent Solidarity Fund has been created by civil society and private actors and is in the process of being reoriented towards funding the fight against violence.

In France, the collective #NousToutes took advantage of the lockdown period to conduct online training sessions on gender-based and sexual violence, reaching thousands of people. Before the lockdown, this collective had also conducted a major online survey on consent and sexual violence in France.

This innovative remote documentation initiative is particularly interesting given that restrictive measures linked to the coronavirus prevent associations from investigating on the ground.

The seminar will provide an opportunity to share and discuss these approaches and good practices, with participants from South Africa, Tunisia, Mexico, and France. The topics addressed include documentation of violence, training, protection and support measures for victims, advocacy, and funding.