Violence against Women and Girls: Lessons from South Asia (South Asia Development Forum)

Violence against Women and Girls: Lessons from South Asia examines the prevalence and factors
associated with various types of violence against women and girls in Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It analyzes the nature of violence throughout
the life cycle and highlights gaps where intensive research or interventions might be undertaken. Analyses
of the most recent data reveal that South Asia has the world’s highest levels of excess female child
mortality and child marriage. The prevalence of intimate partner violence also remains unacceptably high,
particularly for married adolescents. Reliable data are limited for other forms of violence.

The number and intensity of efforts to address violence in the region are truly impressive and yield
promising practices for future action. Important challenges remain, however—particularly the need for
more rigorous evaluation and the urgency for actors to engage across forms of violence and to more
systematically involve men and boys in addressing this violence. Different stakeholders have distinct roles
to play if the region is to make progress in violence prevention and response, including increased funding
of programs and evaluations. On the whole, strengthening the effectiveness, reach, and sustainability
of interventions will involve multifaceted coordination across all actors on the ground. This book offers
evidence-based recommendations for these actors and for coordination among them.