Reflections from the SVRI Summit

Written by Enoch Amponsah

Attending the SVRI Forum 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa, was nothing short of transformative.  It was my first time attending one of the largest conferences in the field (with 1500 participants)  covering critical themes that require collective discussion.  I was excited about stepping into a global gathering dedicated to tackling violence against women and children, a cause I am deeply passionate about, and returning to the continent after being away for more than three years because of graduate studies. From start to finish,  it was clear how much work had gone into organising SVRI Forum 2024.  So much care was invested in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, a space where difficult conversations about violence against women and children could happen in an atmosphere of mutual respect and support. Every detail—whether it was the thoughtful provision of counseling services, the quiet reflection offered in the art room and networking spaces- was designed to make participants feel respected and valued.

The plenary panels and parallel sessions I attended provided invaluable insights on incorporating innovative research methods and approaches into my own work. The sessions offered a wealth of knowledge, especially those focusing on the intersections of technology with gender-based violence and the sexual abuse of children, which underscored the critical role of technological solutions in safeguarding vulnerable populations, including agency-led approaches to protect children in online spaces. I was also particularly excited about the session on mobile parenting interventions, which demonstrated alternative ways to foster positive parenting practices to protect children against abuse. The convergence of technology with social intervention strategies has left me optimistic about the potential for scalable, accessible prevention efforts that can reach people in diverse settings.

I also had the opportunity to present my work to a wider audience, focusing on “Unraveling the Nexus Between Neighborhood Disorder and Intimate Partner Violence Against Women: The Important Role of Social Cohesion,” which won the Best Poster by a Young Researcher Award. It was rewarding to see my hard work and dedication acknowledged in a setting filled with experienced professionals and fellow early-career researchers, all contributing to this critical cause.

Throughout the week, the Forum emphasised the power of collaboration and partnership. Hearing about the impactful partnerships between researchers and practitioners in development organisations gave me hope that people outside of academia can also pursue important work they are passionate about and make meaningful contributions in the field. Spontaneous discussions over meals and informal networking moments opened invaluable learning opportunities beyond the structured sessions. I learned practical tips on effective teamwork and how to translate research into tools that can be used by policymakers and funders.

I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to reunite with old friends and make new ones in the SVRI community. Thank you to the SVRI Forum organisers for awarding me the Bursary Grant, making this journey possible, and to everyone I met who shared their stories, wisdom, and inspiration. My experience at the Forum was a reminder that while the path to change is often long and complex, there is a global network of dedicated individuals working tirelessly to make a difference. I left Cape Town deeply motivated, with new ideas, friendships, and a renewed commitment to my research.