Toolkit to Guide Collection and Use of Harmonized and Standardized Data and Indicators on Violence Against Women and Girls, Harmful Practices and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights

Abstract

This toolkit provides harmonized and standardized approaches for collecting, analysing, and using data on violence against women and girls (VAWG), harmful practices, and sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights (SRH&RR) in Africa. It presents standardized concepts, definitions, indicators, ethical guidance, and data collection methodologies to improve the quality, comparability, and consistency of evidence generated across programmes and research initiatives. The toolkit covers multiple forms of violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, child marriage, and positive masculinity interventions, while also highlighting recommended indicators, existing data sources, and monitoring approaches. Designed for researchers, governments, civil society organizations, and development partners, the toolkit supports evidence-informed policy development, programme implementation, monitoring, and evaluation aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls and harmful practices.