Putting Feminist Accountability into Practice: Reflections from a Global Dialogue

The What Works to Prevent Violence: Impact at Scale Programme (What Works II), funded by the UK Government, is driving forward evidence-based, feminist approaches to end violence against women and girls (VAWG). With accountability to women and girls at its core, the programme champions innovation, collaboration, and the leadership of women’s rights organisations across the Global South. By embedding feminist principles within large-scale bilateral funding, What Works II aims to ensure that prevention remains not only effective, but truly transformative.

In August, we convened a powerful online discussion: “Putting Accountability into Practice: Upholding Commitments to Women and Girls in VAWG Prevention.” The event brought together leading experts, practitioners, and advocates to explore how feminist accountability can be embedded in real-world prevention efforts.

The panel featured Mpho Mpofu, Accountability Co-Lead, What Works II (Chair); Cristin Marona, Director of Positive Change, Matchboxology; Elizabeth Dartnall, Executive Director, Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI); Zwellicia Dlamini, Programmes Officer, Women Unlimited Eswatini; and Kajal Jain, Project Manager, MASUM, India.

Together, they shared expert insights and practical lessons from their work, offering a roadmap for how the global violence prevention field can stay accountable to the women and girls it serves.

Below are five key takeaways from this important dialogue.

1) Centring the voices of women and girls

 A key theme of the discussion was the importance of centering the voices of women and girls - and ensuring this remains intentional and consistent, even in changing times. Cristin Marona from Matchboxology underscored that true accountability means ensuring women and girls are not negatively impacted when programmes conclude or funding shifts. Reflecting on current external funding environment, she highlighted the need for accountable exits that safeguard the wellbeing of those most at risk. Drawing on Matchboxology’s experience with human-centered design, Cristin emphasised the power of solutions that are rooted in community voices and lived experiences, demonstrating that accountability can, and must, endure, even amid shifting donor priorities. 

2) Accountability in Research Practice

Accountability in research practice was another key theme that stirred interest and discussion.  Elizabeth Dartnall, Executive Director, Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) spoke to accountability and transparency in resource allocation and prioritising funding for low and middle-income country-based researchers and practitioners. She highlighted the importance of co-creating research agendas with women's rights movements and ensuring diverse knowledge systems are included in shaping priorities.  In her remarks, Elizabeth spoke to SVRI’s collaboration with Raising Voices in building practice-based knowledge. She also called for a “different way of practising accountability, moving towards one that prioritised solidarity.” 

3) Practical approaches to Accountability

The panel also explored practical ways to uphold accountability in complex and changing contexts. Speakers highlighted the importance of meaningful community engagement, transparency in research, and striking a balance between donor priorities and local realities. The discussion underscored the value of participatory research methods and inclusive practices that ensure the voices of people with disabilities are heard and respected. Furthermore, collaboration and stakeholder engagement was cited as crucial. Together, these approaches point to the need for equitable partnerships and long-term, strategic collaboration to sustain feminist accountability in violence prevention efforts.

4) Building external partnerships

The event also spotlighted the work done by two What Works II Grantee Partners, MASUM and Women Unlimted Eswatini, who showcased accountability within the What Works II Programme.

MASUM’s project focuses on strengthening health systems and addressing VAWG in rural communities in India. The team highlighted the critical role of accountability in ensuring the sustainability of their programme. Kajal Jain, Project Manager at MASUM, noted that they had “found value in accountability that allowed them to build external partnerships even beyond the health sector.” The project also emphasises the importance of multi-level engagement with community structures and linking health facilities with support services to provide holistic responses to violence against women.

5) Inclusivity and responding to community needs is key

Insights from Grantee Parter Women Unlimited Eswatini’s Litsemba Rising Project were shared by Zwellicia Dlamini. Zwellicia flagged that at Litsemba, they saw “accountability as a movement responsive to community needs, involving clear commitments to doing no harm and centering women and girls' voices”. The programme uses feminist principles to ensure Siswati inclusivity, including students in the creation process and providing accessible materials in both and English. For Litsemba, inclusive language was crucial and they were able to receive feedback and adapt their programme immediately. 

Final thoughts

The discussion highlighted that feminist accountability is an active, ongoing practice - one rooted in transparency, collaboration, and centering the voices of women and girls. As What Works II continues to scale evidence-based prevention, these lessons reinforce that accountability must go beyond rhetoric, ensuring that all efforts to end violence remain grounded in the leadership and lived experiences of women and girls in the Global South.

More information

• Find out more about our Feminist Principles

• Discover our Grantee Partners