Gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education institutions is globally endemic; however, the evidence is concentrated much more in high-income countries than low- and middle-income countries. Little is known about the extent to which higher education institutions offer an effective entry-point to GBV prevention in low- and middle-income countries, whether they can provide a mechanism for scale-up, or how they could link to other types of prevention interventions, including in community, (other) education or workplace settings.

The SVRI is addressing these gaps in the evidence base by conducting research and research-priority setting on GBV in higher education institutions in Africa and the Middle East with funding from the International Development Research Centre. The SVRI will:

• Undertake a systematic review of GBV in higher education institutions in Africa and the Middle East;
• Implement a qualitative study on GBV policies in higher education settings;
• Conduct a consultative research priority setting exercise to further guide evidence building in the field;
• Develop recommendations to support a more systematic approach to knowledge building and research in the field.