Insights Unpacked: Feedback from Forum 2024
1. Introduction
The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is the world’s largest network dedicated to advancing research on violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC) in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a global membership that has grown from approximately 8,500 members in 2022 to over 11,600 in 2024. By offering a dynamic platform where researchers, practitioners, funders, policymakers, activists, and survivors can connect and share evidence and insights, the SVRI aims to strengthen research to influence policy and practice that improve the lives of those affected by violence.
A key element of the SVRI’s work is the biennial SVRI Forum – the world’s largest abstract-driven conference on VAW, VAC, and other forms of violence rooted in gender inequality. The Forum brings together a global community to exchange the latest evidence, identify which interventions succeed or fail, address emerging challenges, and shape new frontiers in prevention and response. In 2024, the SVRI hosted its 8th Forum in Cape Town, South Africa. SVRI Forum 2024 brought together 1,502 participants from 112 countries, reflecting its expanding reach and its ability to amplify diverse perspectives.
As the SVRI pursues its 2025–2030 strategy, it is deepening its commitment to evidence-building, innovation, collective impact, and influencing change. Within this dynamic field, the SVRI Forum continues to connect research with practice, align evidence with policy, and bring together stakeholders from around the globe to connect, share and learn.
2. SVRI Forum over the years
3. SVRI Forum 2024 in numbers
1502 Delegates of which 1013 (67%) are from LMICs
112 Countries of which 88 (79%) are LMICs
47 Bursaries awarded
4 Young researchers/practitioners in the Young Professionals Programme
222 Oral presentations
84 Four-minute presentations
189 Posters
20 Workshops
68 Participant-driven events
39 Exhibition stands
4 Films screened
4. Evaluation methodology
Whova Surveys were used to collect evaluation data, with questions based on previous Forum evaluation surveys. The evaluation survey was shared with delegates at the end of the Forum via the Whova app. Three hundred and ninety (390) attendees completed the survey (8 surveys were completed in French). The evaluation also draws from feedback from bursary delegates and our Young Professionals Programme. Both quantitative and qualitative data was gathered on delegates’ experience of the event in terms of:
- Structure and design of the programme and quality of its contents
- Networking
- Diversity and inclusion
- Well-being, self and collective care and kindness
- Organisation of the event
- Future themes and topics
- Overall suggestions to improve the conference
Data for this evaluation was coded and analysed in Atlas.ti.
5. Survey findings
5.1. Structure and design of the programme and its contents
5.1.1. Comprehensive overview of key issues in the field
Participants were asked if the Forum programme provided a comprehensive overview of key issues in the field. An impressive 89% of respondents agreed, sharing the following feedback:
“I liked everything about the Forum. There was a variety of topics discussed, and I sometimes had a hard time deciding which presentations to attend.”
“I liked the high-level strategic thinking to advance the field that was showcased.”
“What I liked most was the ability to have one learning space with representation of various knowledge products.”
“The Forum was well organised and provided a good overview of what’s happening in the field. I would have loved to dive deeper in some of the findings and presentations.”
“I liked the quality of the content, the good vibes, the expertise.”
“The ability to share examples/successes/pilots from South to South is what excited me the most. There was an openness to share, assemble on the sidelines for impromptu research exchanges.”
5.1.2. Well-structured, informative panels
The SVRI aims to design panels that encourage meaningful learning experiences, carefully curated from the abstracts submitted. In 2024, 81% of respondents rated the panels as well-structured and informative. As we look toward 2026, the SVRI is committed to enhancing inclusivity in programme development. We will be in engaging in a series of related discussions over the course of 2025. The insights gained from these will be used to inform the development of the programme for 2026.
“The diversity of the delegates and the inspiration they shared; the methodology used in delivering the conference – from interactive workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions and the collective action towards elimination of VAW and VAC.”
“I loved the breadth of work on display. The wellbeing programme was well constructed and clearly prioritised.”
“The plenaries in the morning sessions were very informative and interesting. I also liked the mobile approaches session and went away with a lot of reflections on pathways to scale and required resourcing for scale interventions to prevent VAWG.”
“The research was of a really high standard, and it was great to see such diversity of high-quality research.”
“I loved the arrangement of the panel sessions and exhibition stood out for me.”
“It was very very well organised with much attention paid on how the sessions are structured, allowing for meaningful participation.”
Some respondents noted the need for more time dedicated to in-depth panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions to enhance engagement (16% of respondents felt that the allotted discussion time was not enough). Additionally, there were comments about better aligning session themes and titles to the content of presentations to enhance coherence and clarity.
5.1.3. New, innovative and emerging insights in the field
The SVRI Forum 2024 programme maintained its tradition of delivering a rich array of knowledge across diverse topics. This year, 84% of respondents felt that the programme brought fresh perspectives and innovations, with many sharing detailed feedback on the elements they valued most.
“The Forum provided invaluable insights and deepened my understanding of this field.”
“I liked the innovative approaches, there was a strong emphasis on holistic and intersectional methodologies.”
“I most liked the well-formed panels and focus on emerging issues like climate, TFGBV, reproductive agency and GBV, scale-up, and funding.”
“This year, there were deeper discussions about where the VAWG prevention field is at, giving prominence to practice-based learning, innovations in climate change, and GBV programming.”
5.1.4. Interesting and informative presentation formats
The SVRI Forum 2024 programme maintained its tradition of delivering a rich array of knowledge across diverse topics. This year, 84% of respondents felt that the programme brought fresh perspectives and innovations, with many sharing detailed feedback on the elements they valued most.
Four-Minute presentations
SVRI Forum 2024 marked the third year of offering short, pitch-style presentations as part of the programme. These 4-minute presentations provided a dynamic platform to highlight a variety of projects and ideas. In 2024, 72% of respondents found these sessions to be interesting and informative, showcasing their value in bringing diverse perspectives to the Forum.
“What I loved most was the 4-minute presentations. Most presenters were able to present what they do and the key findings from their work in a concise and clear manner. It was innovative.”
“I really enjoyed the 4-minute presentation format and would love to see more sessions in this structure at the next SVRI Forum. I find this to be a great and effective way to hear from many presenters and would support the Forum prioritising these over the standard parallel events.”
While many respondents appreciated the 4-minute presentations for their concise and dynamic nature, some noted challenges with the format. The fast pace and limited time were described as overwhelming for both presenters and the audience, with concerns that the density of content made it harder to engage meaningfully or generate discussion. Suggestions for improvement included allocating more time for each presentation or reducing the number of presenters per session to enhance the overall impact and allow for deeper engagement. These are areas the SVRI will explore to refine the format in future Forums.
Poster presentations
By popular demand, SVRI Forum 2024 reintroduced poster sessions, which were last held at the 2017 conference. This format provided a highly engaging platform for showcasing a wide range of research and projects. In 2024, 82% of respondents found the poster sessions to be interesting and informative, highlighting their value in knowledge exchange and networking.
“In future – more films and more poster presentations.”
“I loved the poster sessions which I think worked really well and personally found them easier to digest than the 4-minute presentations, but both types of presentations do help more people justify attendance.”
“Poster presentations were incredible – different from previous years.”
5.1.4. Overall programme trends
Compared to the evaluation report of SVRI Forum 2022, the feedback trends show notable improvements in the structure and content of the programme and panels, as well as a positive response to the reintroduction of the poster sessions. However, a slight decline in satisfaction with the 4-Minute Presentations compared to Forum 2022, suggests room for improvement to ensure that this format remains effective and engaging.
5.2. Diversity and inclusion
5.2.1. Attendance
The SVRI Forum 2024 proudly welcomed 1502 delegates from 112 countries, with 88 (79%) of these being low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Overall, 67% of our delegates were from LMICs—an encouraging reflection of our efforts toward inclusivity. While this percentage is lower than the country representation, it highlights the Forum’s role as a truly global platform that brings together diverse voices. This year, just over half of our delegates came from Africa, reflecting the Forum’s location in the region and its commitment to regional accessibility.
The Forum alternates every two years between South Africa and another low- and middle-income country. The 2024 event marked the fifth time the Forum was hosted in South Africa and the fourth time in the city of Cape Town. To follow are some quotes from respondents on diversity at Forum 2024:
“Loved the setting and the presence of so many people from so many countries!”
“It felt truly global with strong diversity and representation regionally, and also by sector e.g., NGO, research, policy.”
“The Forum really brings together people with different points of view. I want to thank you!”
“I liked the diversity of people present at the Forum. I made so many connections and also learned a lot from other people’s work.”
“I loved the diversity of the delegates and the inspiration they shared; the methodology used in delivering the conference from interactive workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions and the collective action towards the elimination of VAW and VAC.”
“I really appreciated the diverse range of topics covered during the discussion, as well as the broad geographic representation. It was particularly valuable to hear perspectives from different regions, as it highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities each area faces.”
5.2.2. Supporting bursaries to the SVRI Forum 2024
At the heart of the SVRIs fundraising efforts for the Forum is a commitment to ensuring that voices from low- and middle-income countries are represented in meaningful ways. For the 2024 Forum, we proudly supported 47 bursary recipients of which 4 young researchers and practitioners participated in our Young Professionals Programme (YPP). These initiatives provided opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to share and learn from this global event.
Bursary recipients had the following to say:
“I would like to express my profound appreciation to the SVRI for the opportunity to attend the conference and present my project. I had an amazing experience as the conference strengthened my knowledge and skills. I am also grateful for the new connections I made.”
“Your hard work and dedication created a space for younger researchers like me to learn, grow, and dream big. I am committed to applying the knowledge and insights I gained to my professional work and contributing meaningfully to my field.”
“Attending this conference was a dream come true for me, and it would not have been possible without your support, especially the bursary award, which enabled me to participate. Meeting esteemed professionals with similar interests has inspired me immensely, giving me the motivation to aim higher and work with greater passion to support survivors.
The Young Professionals Programme provided structured mentoring for presentations, led by experienced researchers and practitioners. This initiative aimed to enhance the skills of young researchers and practitioners selected for this programme while inspiring them to sustain and advance efforts to address VAW and VAC.
“My mentor provided insightful feedback on my presentation, suggesting ways to make it more engaging and easier for the audience to understand. She also offered valuable advice on effectively communicating my findings [also] to a non-academic audience.”
“One of the most beneficial outcomes of the YPP was the opportunity to gain insights and guidance from an experienced mentor with a deep understanding of gender-based violence in the region. This was invaluable in shaping my approach to presenting my study. My mentor provided me the space to discuss my research in depth, gain feedback on complex aspects, and explore potential challenges that may be encountered while discussing differing yet interesting findings within my field. Another key outcome was the chance to build a professional relationship with my mentor, which has inspired me for a long-term commitment to advancing my expertise in GBV and child protection.”
5.2.3. Young and early career researchers and practitioners at the Forum
This year, the SVRI Forum had a record number of young and early career researchers attend the Forum. The programme featured 78 young researchers and practitioners (16%) eligible for the Young Researcher and Practitioner Awards (35 years and younger), who presented across 84 presentations:
- 46 oral presentations
- 24 poster presentations
- 14 FMPs
Of the 78 young researchers and practitioners, 63% (n= 49) were from low- and middle-income countries.
“What I liked most was the number of young presenters from the global south”
“Incredible organisation of a conference that…also supported young researchers and practitioners from around the world. Really, really excellent conference.”
The Gender Violence Research and Collaboration Network, a network set up for early career researchers collaborated with the SVRI to leverage the conference to connect early career researchers with each other and with prominent researchers already established in the field. At the Forum, this network gathered to bring early career researchers together over 8 dedicated events ranging from informal coffee chats, lunches and dinners to sunsets on the promenade and roundtable discussions. Read the network’s impact report at SVRI Forum 2024 here. A quote from the report reads:
“This was my first time attending the SVRI Forum, and while I was so excited to meet everyone, I was also quite nervous! It’s a big and busy event, and I wasn’t sure how to navigate everything as an early career researcher. However, I found so much comfort in the Early Career Researchers (ECR) group – everyone was in a similar situation, which gave me a sense of belonging. It also helped mitigate some of the imposter syndrome I was feeling! By creating a space to connect with other first timers, and by creating an opportunity to connect with the well-established “giants,” the ECR Group helped me find my place at SVRI and in the field. I met so many incredible researchers, and I’m so excited to continue to work with and learn alongside all of them!”
5.3. Networking
In the 2024 evaluation, 90% of respondents indicated that the Forum provided sufficient time and space for networking and sharing each other’s work. Participants appreciated the thoughtfully designed networking opportunities, such as longer lunch breaks, multiple participant-driven events, informal tea breaks, and the lively exhibition hall.
“Networking and addressing emerging issues were my favourite parts of the Forum.”
“I liked the open networking space, it was easy to access people in the field whose work I have read”
“Loved reconnecting with friends and making new connections. I appreciated more time for networking.”
“I like the fact that the SVRI Forum allowed room for networking between the juniors and experts in the violence field.”
“I loved connecting with so many amazing friends and colleagues and the diversity of activities and learning formats including wellness activities, posters, panel presentations, participant events.”
“Connecting with others in the field makes me remember that what I’m doing is part of something much larger than myself. It felt like BEING a part of a movement to create futures where everyone will feel safe from violence.”
Interactive tools such as the Whova app further facilitated connections by enabling attendees to engage before, during, and after sessions. The app had 1378 active users with 3207 community board messages posted and 586 photos shared, 49 meet ups created, over 15,700 private messages exchanged among participants, and 1261 business cards scanned and exchanged.
“I liked that we had the Whova app with all the program schedules and so many options of sessions to attend.”
“The Whova app made it easy to communicate with so many participants.”
Events like the gala dinner, welcome event, Friday’s film space, and various meet-and-greet sessions created dynamic spaces for delegates to connect, share and learn. These elements highlight the Forum’s commitment to build connections within our global community.
“The gala dinner was fantastic, providing an informal setting to meet new people.”
“Loved the conference dinner and musical entertainment and street food/vendors—brilliant idea!”
Networking is a key element of the Forum and 91% of respondents said that they felt more connected to the field having attended SVRI Forum 2024.
5.3. Self and collective care
Attendees expressed their appreciation for the Forum’s focus on care activities and the positive impact of creating a conference space centred on well-being and kindness. This is evident in the following quote from a delegate:
“There was a warmness and a genuineness in the way people interacted.”
In 2024, 87% of delegates who completed the evaluation felt that if they needed support, there were staff available to assist them.
For Forum 2024, we partnered with a local South African wellness team to deliver a diverse range of activities, including yoga, Trauma Release Exercises, dance, breathwork, meditation, and more. A dedicated Brave Room offered a quiet space for delegates to reflect, with healing activities hosted by the Me Too Movement and Tara Transform . As with every Forum, counselling and containment services were available, with a thoughtful effort to ensure diversity within the counselling team.
“The inclusive engagement and supportive offerings for survivors of abuse was wonderful.”
“I enjoyed the wellness aspect of the forum. I wasn’t expecting it and it was so good. Much needed.”
“I appreciated the practical focus on, and availability of care spaces…”
“The community care team was the BEST.”
6. Strengthening the Forum
While Forum 2024 was widely praised for its organisation, diversity and improved programming, participant feedback highlighted a some areas where improvements could be made to further enhance the conference experience. Below are key areas for consideration by the SVRI team:
6.1. Session coherence and thematic alignment
Some sessions were noted to have lacked connections between their themes and the presentations included within them. This challenge often arises as certain abstracts, while valuable, do not perfectly align with any one session theme but are placed in the closest fit available. Moving forward, we will strive to improve this process to create even more streamlined and cohesive sessions.
6.2. Time management and Q&A opportunities
Packed sessions often left limited time for questions and discussion. Streamlining the agenda and ensuring dedicated Q&A time could improve engagement and participant satisfaction.
6.3. Strengthening the 4-Minute Presentation format
While appreciated for their brevity and dynamism, 4-Minute Presentations were sometimes seen as too fast-paced, limiting engagement. Adjusting time allocations or reducing the number of presentations per session could improve impact in future Forums.
6.4. Wellness and care services accessibility
Wellness programmes were highly valued, but some participants faced scheduling conflicts that limited access. Allocating dedicated time slots and expanding spaces like the Brave Room could assist in increased participation in future.
6.5. Networking and informal spaces
Networking opportunities were appreciated, but additional structured meet-and-greet events, breakout sessions for thematic discussions, or dedicated networking times without competing activities were suggested for the next conference.
6.6. Support for presenters and early-career researchers and practitioners
Offering greater mentoring and guidance to presenters, particularly those new to the field, can help ensure that presentations are accessible and impactful. Expanding programmes such as the Young Professionals Programme would further enhance this support, and the SVRI will explore potential avenues and opportunities for this.
6.7. Inclusivity in representation
Efforts to include underrepresented groups, such as individuals with disabilities or those from specific geographic regions continue be strengthened. Increasing bursaries is a key component of this and the SVRI continues to fundraise for this effort.
6.8. Improved communication and orientation
The SVRI takes to heart that some first-time attendees found the schedule overwhelming. Providing clear pre-event communication and orientation sessions will enhance navigation and participation in future.
We thank all our respondents for these valuable insights which will guide ongoing efforts to refine and improve the Forum experience for future events.
This evaluation was written by Lizle Loots, and reviewed and edited by Joy Watson and Elizabeth Dartnall.