‘What Counts?’ The State of Funding for the Prevention of Gender-based Violence (GBV) against Women and Girls Report

Ending gender-based violence (GBV) is essential to achieving gender equality, and with the right investment, change is possible within years rather than lifetimes. We know that prevention — addressing the root causes of violence across education, health, livelihoods and beyond — has a multiplier effect that can transform societies. Women’s rights organisations, researchers and practitioners have been at the forefront of this work, developing evidence-based strategies that shift harmful norms and drive long-term change.

To accelerate progress, the Accelerator for GBV Prevention and partners have set two ambitious goals: to secure at least USD $500 million in new donor investment for evidence-based GBV prevention in low- and middle-income countries by 2026, and to ensure at least 50% of national governments commit dedicated budget lines to prevention. This report focuses on the first goal, establishing a baseline of donor investment between 2018–2023, identifying trends and gaps, and proposing a clear approach to track progress towards the 2026 target.

The findings lay the groundwork for greater transparency, collaboration and impact. By tracking funding over time, sharing good practice, and providing actionable recommendations for donors, the report is an invitation to redouble investment in prevention. Together, we can accelerate progress towards a future free from gender-based violence.