By DIANE VISSOH, Diplomacy Analyst
In early October, I had the privilege of attending the Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum 2026 in Bangkok. The experience was a powerful reminder of why spaces for exchange, collaboration and collective learning matter so much in our efforts to end violence against women and girls. By bringing together researchers, practitioners, advocates and policymakers from around the world, the Forum created space to share experiences, deepen our collective understanding and turn knowledge into meaningful action.
One key takeaway was the importance of connecting grassroots realities and research with national, regional, and international policy processes. Evidence is essential to demonstrate the scale and impact of violence against women and girls, challenge persistent misconceptions, and strengthen the case for effective legal and policy solutions.
Evidence alone, though, is not enough: it must translate into stronger legal frameworks and lead to effective implementation and accountability. This is where international mechanisms, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), play an important role in advancing change.
Perhaps most importantly, the Forum reminded me that behind the research, policies, and legal frameworks are people working tirelessly to make the world safer for women and girls. Reconnecting with Every Woman coalition members and meeting so many inspiring people committed to this cause left me feeling hopeful and reminded me of how much we can achieve when we share our knowledge, build relationships, and support one another. At a time when organised opposition to gender equality continues to challenge progress, these exchanges reinforced the need to build stronger alliances, share knowledge, and coordinate our efforts across movements and regions.
Every Woman Diplomacy Analyst Diane Vissoh and Coalition Member Abiola Akiyode Akiyode
For me, the Forum reaffirmed the relevance of Every Woman’s work to bridge research, advocacy, and international legal accountability to advance stronger prevention of gender-based violence and increased protections for women and girls. I returned from Bangkok with a renewed appreciation for the collective effort this work demands. It also highlighted the importance of ensuring that our efforts to advance stronger legal frameworks are informed by evidence, grounded in lived realities, and supported by the people and organisations working to end violence against women and girls every day. No single organisation or approach can achieve this alone; lasting progress depends on our ability to work together to drive change.
