First Virtual Launch of the SVRI Forum 2026
At this special 2 October 2025 Launch Webinar, co-funded by the Australian Volunteers Program (AVP), we heard more about the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI), and why the SVRI Forum, our flagship event, matters now more than ever.
For the first time, we introduced our co-hosting partners – Southeast Asia GBV Prevention Platform, and UN Joint Programme on GBV Prevention in Southeast Asia by UN Women & UNFPA, we heard from past participants on how Forum has transformed their work and networks, alongside new regional and global allies shaping the Forum with us.
Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, activist, policymaker, funder, student or just curious to learn more – this is your invitation to be part of the journey to Bangkok!
Opening and SVRI Forum overview
Wendell Westley
Australian Volunteers Program
Rachel Jewkes
SVRI Co-Founder & Leadership Council
Elizabeth Dartnall
SVRI Executive Director
Moderator
Panelists
Manuela Balliet Ahogo
Together for Girls
Jaslin Kalsi
Minderoo Foundation
Tu-Anh Hoang
Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population
Kartika Anggun Dimar Setio
University of Indonesia
Special message and closing: Delivered on behalf of the Co-hosting Collective: Southeast Asia GBV Prevention Platform and UN Joint Program on GBV Prevention in Southeast Asia by UN Women and UNFPA
Melissa Alvarado
UN Women Asia and the Pacific
Valentina Volpe
UNFPA Asia and the Pacific
Second Virtual Launch of the SVRI Forum 2026
In a special return, on January 14th, the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI), co-funded by the Australian Volunteers Program (AVP), hosted the second edition of the Virtual Launch series of the SVRI Forum 2026.
The session shared the latest Forum updates, highlighting emerging themes shaping the programme, while offering a space for partners, practitioners, and researchers across all regions to ask questions and connect as we continue our journey together toward Bangkok!
Opening and SVRI Forum overview
Dr Claudia Garcia-Moreno
SVRI Forum Chair and LC Founding Member
Elizabeth Dartnall
SVRI Executive Director
Moderator
Panelists
Alessandra Guedes: Gender and Development Manager at UNICEF Innocenti and co-chair of SVRI’s Leadership Council.
Dr Nambusi Kyegombe: Associate Professor at LSHTM and Head of the Social Determinants of Health portfolio at the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. Repeat Forum Presenter, Reviewer and Partner.
Iris Nxumalo-De Smidt: Founder of Lorha Nakambe Consulting, and former SVRI Young Professional Programme bursary recipient and Award Winner.
Mariam Gagoshashvili: Program Officer with the Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice International team at the Ford Foundation – SVRI Forum Funder.
This series is made possible by:
