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Well-being. Collaboration. Knowledge sharing.
We are the Gender Violence Research and Collaboration Network. Our global community is made up of over 5,000 researchers and practitioners in the field of gender-based violence (GBV). We work in collaboration with organisations and experienced practitioners to enhance the well-being and development of early and mid-career researchers and practitioners in GBV.
About us
The GVR-CN envisions a world where early and mid-career researchers and practitioners in the field of gender-based violence (GBV) are empowered, supported, and connected in a thriving global community. We aim to build a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative network that provides the resources, mentorship, and opportunities necessary for individuals in the field to drive forward impactful research, advocate for change, and contribute to lasting solutions to GBV. Through fostering diverse voices and global partnerships, we aspire to create an equitable research ecosystem that amplifies the next generation of GBV leaders.
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The mission of the Gender Violence Research and Collaboration Network (GVR-CN) is to advance the understanding of gender-based violence through inclusive, collaborative, and impactful research, advocacy, and knowledge-sharing. We are committed to fostering a global network that supports early- and mid-career researchers, prioritises the well-being and mental health of our members, and ensures that the voices of underrepresented communities are heard. By facilitating collaborative partnerships, promoting equitable access to resources, and advocating for systemic change, GVR-CN aims to drive meaningful solutions that prevent and address GBV across the world.
Our values
Kindness and Trauma-Informed Practice
At GVR-CN, we acknowledge that working in the field of gender-based violence (GBV) can be emotionally taxing and at times, traumatic. We understand that the trauma experienced in this work is shaped by the diverse lived experiences of all those involved—researchers, practitioners, and survivors. We are committed to promoting resilience and sustainable engagement in our community by putting care, kindness, compassion, and empathy at the heart of everything we do. By embracing trauma-informed practices, we strive to nurture a supportive environment where well-being is prioritised, enabling those in the network to thrive both personally and professionally.
Feminist and Women-Centered Approach
We advocate for research that is collaborative, non-hierarchical, and rooted in feminist principles. We believe in an intersectional approach that explores and challenges power imbalances present in both research and society. Our work is guided by a commitment to generating new knowledge that reflects the diverse realities of women, children, and marginalized communities. We are focused on fostering transformative change that addresses the underlying social structures that perpetuate gender-based violence, and we centre the voices and experiences of those who are most affected.
RIGHTS-BASED APPROACH AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
We recognise that gender-based violence is a violation of human rights and is rooted in unequal power dynamics based on gender, sexuality, and other forms of social oppression. Our work empowers women and children by promoting their rights and autonomy. GVR-CN's research and initiatives aim to uphold human rights, support survivors, and dismantle the structures that perpetuate violence. We seek to give agency to those most affected by GBV, while recognising the deep-rooted inequalities that must be addressed in both research and practice. We uphold the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our work. All research and initiatives supported by GVR-CN adhere to strict ethical guidelines that prioritise safety, dignity, and respect for all individuals involved. This includes ensuring that research is ethically approved, data is handled responsibly, and that all stakeholders—particularly survivors and vulnerable populations—are treated with the utmost care and respect. We are committed to transparent, accountable, and ethically grounded practices in both our research and organisational operations.
EQUITY, INCLUSIVITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
GVR-CN is committed to amplifying the voices of marginalised groups, including researchers, practitioners, and survivors from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aim to build the capacity of LMIC-based researchers, ensuring their leadership in shaping the global discourse on GBV. By fostering equitable partnerships and promoting diverse representation, we work to balance resources and power dynamics in research and advocacy. Our goal is to ensure that the global south has an equal role in shaping the knowledge, solutions, and policies that affect them. GVR-CN holds itself accountable to the communities we serve, particularly those who are most vulnerable and impacted by gender-based violence. We are committed to being transparent and responsive to survivors and marginalised groups, ensuring that their needs and perspectives are central to our research and advocacy. We believe that accountability to those most affected by power inequalities is fundamental to our work and mission.
Innovation and collaboration
We are committed to promoting innovative ideas, methodologies, and partnerships that challenge the status quo in GBV research. We believe in the power of creative solutions to address complex issues, and we encourage collaboration across disciplines, regions, and sectors. By integrating diverse perspectives and approaches, we aim to push boundaries and generate new ways of thinking about GBV prevention, intervention, and advocacy.
A Note From Our Founder
Eighteen months ago, I put out a simple call on social media, wondering if anyone else felt the same loneliness I did and wanted a community in this field. I never could have imagined that today we would be a network of 2000+ members, representing over 70 countries, with more than 60% of us from low- and middle-income regions.
Working in gender-based violence is profoundly challenging and often isolating. The weight of this work is heavy, and it’s easy to find oneself grappling with poor mental health without always knowing where to turn. For many of us, the need for support runs deep, yet the path to finding it can feel unclear, or even out of reach. At times, I’ve felt the despair of not knowing where or how to seek the understanding and empathy needed to continue. This community has become a lifeline. As we reflect on the journey of this initiative, we are amazed by how far we have come.
From the outset, we recognised a critical need for greater support in our field—whether in mental well-being, career development, or simply fostering a sense of community. We didn’t want conferences to be the sole opportunity for us to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships.
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So far, we’ve taken significant steps toward that goal:
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🌟 18 online events bringing us together virtually.
🌟 Four 16 Days of Activism events featuring 12 incredible speakers and over 130 participants.
🌟 A successful meet-up at the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, with seven events designed to connect early-career researchers (ECRs) and mid-career professionals with mentors and peers in the field.
🌟 Nine writing accountability sessions to keep us motivated and connected every other Friday.
🌟 Regular newsletters packed with opportunities: jobs, conferences, networking events, and the latest publications.
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We’ve also taken a crucial step forward by applying to become a registered charity, which will enable us to secure funding for activities that directly benefit you, our members. These initiatives will include regular free well-being programs, an online platform to house all our resources, small grants to support conference attendance, and funding to kickstart collaborative projects. When I asked myself what I needed a year and a half ago, during one of the darkest periods of my life, I knew I needed community, kindness, guidance, and compassion. I needed understanding from those who truly "get it" and patience from those who know the toll this work can take. This network has been all of that and more. Seeing people connect deeply within days, witnessing friendships and collaborations spark before my eyes — it has made every moment of hardship feel worthwhile.
We can’t pour from an empty cup. To make a difference in this field, we must take care of ourselves and each other. This work may be difficult, but with a community to lean on, it is possible. I am filled with hope for the next generation and deep admiration for everyone walking this path alongside me. No one said it would be easy, but now, together, we can believe that it will be worth it.
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Sabrina
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Why it matters
The work we do in gender-based violence is undeniably tough. It requires immense emotional resilience, empathy, and a deep sense of commitment, but it can also take a serious toll on our mental health and well-being. Loneliness, burnout, and isolation are all too common, and finding the support and resources needed to cope or keep moving forward can feel out of reach.
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This is why our community matters. It is a safe space where people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences can come together to share, learn, and grow. It’s a network where we can speak openly about the difficulties we face without fear of judgment. By connecting researchers, practitioners, and activists, we help combat isolation, fostering a sense of solidarity, hope, and collective strength.
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Our work, though challenging, is undeniably important. It shapes policies, changes lives, and advocates for those whose voices have been silenced for far too long. But to continue making this impact, we need to take care of ourselves and each other. We can’t do this alone, and that’s why community support is essential.
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Through our shared experiences and collective efforts, we are not only making a difference in the field but also in the lives of the people who drive it forward. By providing a space for connection, growth, and mutual support, we ensure that those on the frontlines of this work are equipped, resilient, and empowered to continue creating change.
When we care for ourselves and each other, the work becomes more than just a task—it becomes a movement. Together, we can create lasting change, and in doing so, we build a world where no one has to face this fight alone.
Who we work with
We work with researchers and practitioners at all stages in their career to promote well-being, collaboration and knowledge-sharing across experience levels and across the globe.
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We also partner with organisations, NGOs, and Universities to help promote our shared values and mission. Please get in touch if you are interested in partnering.
Meet the Team
Meet the wonderful team who volunteer their time to keep the network running. Each of us are early or mid-career researchers or practitioners in GBV dedicated to building a supportive, kind and inclusive network.
