The Knowledge Fair 

The Knowledge Fair “Empowering Voices, Ending Gender-Based Violence», led by UNDP in the framework of the Spotlight Initiative Caribbean Regional Programme, is an innovative gathering that aims to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Caribbean. Set in Bridgetown, Barbados, from November 6th to 8th, 2023, this knowledge fair brings together a diverse community of stakeholders committed to addressing and Family Violence (FV). The fair, organized under the auspices of the Spotlight Initiative Caribbean Regional Programme, seeks to foster cooperation, partnerships, and knowledge exchange among governments, civil society, academia, and grassroots communities. Through dynamic discussions, artistic expressions, and interactive sessions, the knowledge fair provides a platform for showcasing successful initiatives, celebrating actors, and promoting cultural and behavioral change. The fair will pave the way for transformative and sustainable progress towards a Caribbean free from GBV and FV. 

The knowledge fair seeks to celebrate the efforts of diverse actors who have contributed to addressing GBV and FV in the Caribbean. The fair’s themes and criteria, collaboratively developed with Recipient UN Organizations (RUNOs) prioritize innovation, coordination, intersectionality, cultural relevance, sustainability, and replicability. A «Coalition of the Willing,» comprising UN Regional Agencies, UN Country Offices, the Spotlight Regional Programme, the Civil Society Regional Reference Group and regional allies -RUNOs, Civil Society Reference Groups, Regional institutions and CSOs working on GBV, Implementing Partners, Academia working on Gender Studies, among others-, will curate the program, ensuring a diverse and impactful selection of proposals. The knowledge fair will provide a transformative space for sharing knowledge, fostering networks, and amplifying collective efforts to addressing GBV and FV and empower Caribbean voices for lasting change. 

The Spotlight Initiative 

The Spotlight Initiative is a multi-year program generously funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations aimed at addressing all forms of violence against women and girls, and harmful practices globally. In the Caribbean, the Spotlight Initiative is working with governments, regional mechanisms and civil society organizations to address all forms of violence against women and girls, including family violence, by raising awareness, establishing and implementing laws and policies and improving quality essential services for survivors and data.

Learn more here 

The Call for Proposals

In the framework of the Knowledge Fair “Empowering Voices, Ending Gender-Based Violence” an Advisory Group comprised by UN agencies (UNDP, UN Women, UNFPA and UNICEF), The Regional Civil Society Reference Group, the Programme Management Unit, the EU and CARICOM, launched a “Call for Proposals”. The call looked for promising Caribbean as well as global experiences to showcase during the Fair. This call involved initiatives aimed at proactively stopping acts of violence, encompassing educational programs, cultural interventions, the transformation of societal norms, youth engagement, and collaboration with the private sector.  The following initiatives were chosen to be showcased at the Fair, these are initiatives that are currently ongoing or that were launched within the last five years.

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Publications  

Read some of the latest publications led by UNDP under the Spotlight Caribbean Regional Programme presented during the Knowledge Fair “Empowering Voices, Ending Gender-Based Violence».

  • diciembre 26, 2023

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  • diciembre 26, 2023

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  • diciembre 26, 2023

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  • diciembre 26, 2023

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News (TBD) 

Noticias relacionadas

Read the news from The Knowledge Fair “Empowering Voices, Ending Gender-Based Violence» 

  • marzo 20, 2024

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  • marzo 13, 2024

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  • marzo 8, 2024

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  • marzo 8, 2024

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Thank you for your interest in The Knowledge Fair: Empowering Voices, Ending Gender-Based Violence in the Caribbean. This event will be a cultural and technical space to share experiences on what works and what does not work to stop gender-based violence (GBV) in the region; foster cooperation amongst countries and regions and promote Caribbean integration. This initiative stems from the strategic actions led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the framework of the Spotlight Caribbean Regional Programme with the support of its partners.

If interested in attending, kindly register below.

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