.webp)
SDG 16 of the UN calls for the "promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, access to justice for all, and effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels." This goal is critical in establishing the enabling environment within which economic growth, human well-being, and social cohesion can thrive. Some of its key targets include significantly reducing all forms of violence, with all people having equal access to justice, and halting corruption and organized crime. (UNEP - UN Environment Programme) (WSA Global) (UNDP Shop).
Let's explore businesses and organisations working to reduce violence. Understand how their initiatives can help your start-up to do the same
Any startup interested in contributing to this effort needs to understand exactly how businesses can play a role in violence reduction and the promotion of peace. This paper attempts to underline organizations, particularly in India, working in these directions by acting as role models or prospective partners.
Founder: Sunitha Krishnan
Founded in: 1996
Location: Hyderabad, India
Prajwala is one of the first organizations working on the issues of human trafficking and sexual violence. The organization was initiated by Sunitha Krishnan, a survivor of sexual violence. This means Prajwala specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the victim. So far, Prajwala rescued more than 22,000 women and children from the clutches of traffickers and gave them vocational training, legal aid, and counseling.
The strategies adopted by Prajwala, the organization reducing violence in all aspects. It has many protective homes that render psychological support and vocational training to the survivor to make their reintegration into society with dignity. Prajwala collaborates with the enforcement machinery in rescue operations and with legal experts in prosecution of the traffickers.
Founder: Sheldon Himelfarb
Founded in: 2015
Location: Washington D.C., USA
PeaceTech Lab uses technology to reduce violence and build peace. It was spun off as a non-profit from the United States Institute of Peace and focused on deployed uses of data, media, and technology in the reduction of violence. The tools and platforms in this organization developed to analyze social media data in order to predict and prevent violence. For example, its Hate Speech Tracker monitors and analyzes trends in hate speech in different languages across social media sites.
PeaceTech Lab's approach is informed by the conviction that technology can be a really effective means for facilitating peacebuilding processes. They work closely with local communities, governments, and other NGOs to come up with culturally relevant interventions.
Founder: Suparna Gupta
Founded in: 2002
Location: Mumbai, India
Aangan Trust is a civil society organization working toward the prevention of child abuse and exploitation in high-risk, marginalized communities. Founded by Suparna Gupta, it trains local volunteers to advocate child protection in areas where children are most vulnerable to trafficking, child labor, and other forms of exploitation with community-based solutions that involve local stakeholders.
The community-based approach of Aangan Trust enables the locals to take responsibility for the protection of children; it is, therefore, a more sustainable and culturally sensitive way of decreasing violence.
Founded in: 2008 (part of the global Oxfam network)
Location: New Delhi, India
Oxfam India is the Indian chapter of the global Oxfam and is involved at length in a number of social issues, of which violence against women is one. The program of reducing violence against women and girls under the banner of 'Creating Spaces' is executed by the organization in six Indian states. Changing social norms, legal aid, and supporting survivors have been identified as major areas under which community-based interventions would be carried out.
Oxfam India works at the level of communities, legal systems, and government bodies to bring an environment where women and girls can live freely from violence.
Founder: Dr. Ranjana Kumari
Founded in: 1999
Location: New Delhi, India
Breakthrough Trust is an innovative organization committed to ending violence against women and girls through shifting social norms. Founded by Dr. Ranjana Kumari, Breakthrough produces multimedia campaigns and organizes community mobilization efforts while training youth on domestic violence, sexual harassment, and early marriage. Their campaign "Bell Bajao" gained international recognition for encouraging men to take a stand against domestic violence by simply ringing the bell at a neighbor's house when they suspect violence.
This holistic approach towards the Breakthrough entails that it goes down to the root causes of violence. They reach out to communities directly and shift societal norms.
Founder: ElsaMarie D’Silva
Founded in: 2012
Location: Mumbai, India
SafeCity is a crowdsourcing platform for documenting sexual harassment and abuse in public spaces, based on anonymous reporting. It was founded by ElsaMarie D'Silva. Using data to pinpoint violence hotspots, SafeCity works with local authorities and communities in a bid to fix the problem. It empowers women to speak out and provides actionable data to make cities safer.
SafeCity's brilliant mobilization of technology empowers women to share their experiences and fuels systemic change by delivering evidence-based solutions to problems with public safety.
Founder: Gary Haugen
Founded in: 1997
Location: Washington D.C., USA (Global Operations)
IJM is an international organization protecting the poor from violence in the developing world. Founded by Gary Haugen, the field operations are done in collaboration with local authorities in enforcing laws protecting the poor from human trafficking, forced labor, and other forms of violence; they work to strengthen justice systems to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, and abuse is prevented.
IJM's comprehensive model focuses not only on immediate rescue but also on sustainable changes within local justice systems to protect vulnerable populations
Founder: Elca Grobler
Founded in: 2012
Location: Hyderabad, India
My Choices Foundation is a solution to domestic violence and sex trafficking in India, combining two of the most difficult changes—grassroots efforts and high-tech solutions. Founder Elca Grobler runs her organization through two major programs: Operation PeaceMaker and Operation Red Alert. Operation PeaceMaker deals with the prevention of domestic violence, while Operation Red Alert deals with the abolition of sex trafficking.
The two-fold focus of My Choices Foundation on prevention and intervention enables them to work hand in hand on the immediate needs of survivors while working toward the eradication of the root causes of violence.
Founder: Dr. Shaibya Saldanha and Dr. Sangeeta Saksena
Founded in: 2001
Location: Bangalore, India
Enfold Proactive Health Trust works towards making safe environments for children and adolescents. Conceived by Dr. Shaibya Saldanha and Dr. Sangeeta Saksena, Enfold works toward the prevention of child sexual abuse through education, advocacy, and policy reform. They train teachers, parents, and children on recognizing and preventing abuse.
With its proactive approach, Enfold ensures children and those who care for them are informed and empowered in prevention of abuse, creating a safer environment for young people
Founder: Ravi Kant
Founded in: 2001
Location: New Delhi, India
Shakti Vahini is involved in the fight against human trafficking, honor crimes, and gender-based violence. The organization was founded by Ravi Kant, and it deals with rescue and rehabilitation of the victims, rendering legal assistance, and advocating for stronger laws and policies. They collaborate with law enforcement agencies and other NGOs to create a network of support for victims.
Combining immediate rescue efforts with long-term advocacy and education, Shakti Vahini embarks on an integrated approach to ensure sustainable change.
These organizations demonstrate many of the different ways through which business and nonprofits can help to accomplish SDG 16. It could be through technology, community engagement, legal support, or even directly intervening; there are a million ways startups can help to reduce violence and promote peace. For would-be entrepreneurs, these examples may serve as inspiration and a guide for how to develop creative solutions to some of society's most pressing challenges.
learn directly from other founders, join our startup community and build together through our cohort-based online programs 🧑💻
.jpeg)
Get started 🚀 .webp)