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Aligning research agendas and evidence on violence against women and children in low- and middle-income countries: Lessons from a pilot mapping approach
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DOI：10.1186/s12961-026-01518-w.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
One in three women globally experience physical or sexual violence, driving the urgent need for research to inform prevention and response efforts. The Global Shared Research Agenda (GSRA), developed by the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) and the Equality Institute (EQI), sets out 41 priority research questions across four domains for addressing violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): (1) understanding violence against women and girls in its multiple forms, (2) intervention research, (3) improving existing interventions and (4) methodological and measurement gaps. Yet, there are few practical tools for assessing whether research activity is meaningfully aligned with these priorities. This study pilots a desk-based mapping approach to examine how research presented at the SVRI Forum aligns with the GSRA. To address this gap, we piloted a desk-based mapping approach using all abstracts accepted at the 2019 and 2022 SVRI Forums; large, peer-reviewed, abstract-driven conferences focused on VAW and VAC. While not exhaustive of all research underway, SVRI Forum abstracts provide a structured, time-bound snapshot of current research trends, notably in LMICs. Grounded in an interpretivist approach, we used a qualitative content-mapping method informed by directed content analysis. Titles and abstracts were systematically matched to the 41 GSRA priority research questions to identify patterns of alignment, gaps and emerging themes. Most abstracts aligned with at least one GSRA priority question, with the greatest concentration in Domain 1 (understanding C in their multiple forms) and Domain 3 (improving existing interventions). Fewer abstracts addressed priority research questions related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQIA+) populations, justice sector responses and long-term or intersectional measurement. Unmatched abstracts highlighted emerging themes, which include decolonization, practitioner well-being and political and funding dynamics, which fall outside the current GSRA scope and signal areas where priorities may be evolving. The process also underscored other, broader challenges with research priority question formats and the level of specificity required for research agendas. Findings suggest that the research presented at the SVRI Forums is broadly aligned with GSRA research priorities, while also highlighting areas where the agenda may require periodic updates to reflect emerging themes and methodological needs. The mapping approach offers an accessible tool for tracking the influence of research agendas such as the GSRA. Embedding similar monitoring mechanisms within research convenings may strengthen feedback loops between agenda-setting, funding decisions and practice, helping ensure that global research priorities remain responsive and relevant to stakeholders.
Keywords:
LMICs
Monitoring and evaluation
Research
Research agenda
Research priorities
VAW
VAC
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1.8K
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