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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 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 research, practical approaches and evidence aimed at strengthening efforts to prevent violence against women, 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 amid continuing concerns over violence against women and children in Bangladesh. In May 2026, the rape and murder of a child in Dhaka’s Pallabi area sparked protests across the country, with demonstrators demanding swift justice and stronger measures to protect women and children.
While individual cases often draw intense public attention, experts say a broader challenge is ensuring that effective prevention, protection and justice mechanisms continue to function after public attention fades. The Bangkok forum is expected to examine how research can help build systems capable of preventing violence and ensuring long-term accountability.
Artificial intelligence, online abuse and technology-facilitated gender-based violence will be among the key issues discussed at the forum. Participants will also examine the links between climate change and gender-based violence, as well as evidence on effective prevention strategies and ways to translate research into government policies and practical programmes.
The forum will highlight emerging research and trends from Southeast Asia and other regions, allowing participants to compare experiences and identify approaches that can be adapted to different social and cultural settings. Organisers say closer collaboration between researchers and practitioners is essential to bridging the gap between evidence and action.
Journalists covering violence against women and children, gender, climate change, technology and public policy will have access to the media programme and opportunities to interview participating researchers and experts. Media accreditation is required, while travel and other expenses will not be covered by the organisers.
An online media briefing will be held on September 22 at 2pm Bangladesh Standard Time ahead of the forum. Organisers will also assist journalists in identifying relevant researchers and research topics for coverage.