Global experts gather in Bangkok to tackle violence against women and children

More than 1,500 researchers, practitioners, survivors, advocates and funders from around the world are expected to gather in Bangkok next month for the SVRI Forum 2026, a major international conference focused on preventing and responding to violence against women and children.

The five-day forum, scheduled for October 5-9, will bring together experts to share new research, practical approaches and evidence aimed at strengthening efforts to prevent violence against women, violence against children and other forms of gender-based violence.

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is hosting the flagship event jointly with the Prevention Collective, which includes the UN Joint Programme on Gender-Based Violence Prevention in Southeast Asia, implemented by UN Women and UNFPA, and the Southeast Asia GBV Prevention Platform. Both initiatives are supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The forum comes at a time when concerns over violence against women and children remain high in Bangladesh. In May 2026, the rape and murder of a child in Dhaka's Pallabi area sparked protests across the country, with demonstrators calling for swift justice and stronger measures to protect women and children.

While individual cases often generate intense public attention, experts say a larger challenge is ensuring that effective prevention, protection and justice mechanisms continue to work after public attention subsides. Against this backdrop, the Bangkok forum is expected to provide an opportunity to examine what research shows about building systems capable of preventing violence and ensuring accountability over the long term.

Technology, climate change and prevention in focus
Among the key issues to be discussed at the forum will be the growing role of artificial intelligence, online abuse and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Researchers will also examine the relationship between climate change and gender-based violence, as well as new evidence on what works in violence prevention and how research findings can be translated into government policy and practical programmes.

The forum will also highlight emerging research and trends from Southeast Asia and other regions, giving participants an opportunity to compare experiences and identify approaches that can be adapted across different social and cultural settings. Organisers say bringing researchers and practitioners together is crucial to closing the gap between evidence and action.

Opportunity for journalists
Journalists covering violence against women and children, gender, climate change, technology and public policy will have access to the media-accessible programme and opportunities to interview researchers and experts attending the forum. Reporters wishing to attend can apply for media accreditation, though travel and other expenses will not be covered by the organisers.

An online media briefing will be held on September 22, 2026, at 2pm Bangladesh Standard Time, ahead of the forum. Organisers say they can also help journalists identify relevant researchers and research topics for coverage.