Women's Rights Program

The planet is already experiencing unprecedented fires, droughts, floods and other extreme weather. People living in poverty —those who had little role in creating the social crisis — are least able to respond, but most likely to bear the brunt of its effects. At the same time, the world continues to destroy natural ecosystems and consume outdated practices at unsustainable rates, further fueling social change.

Research shows that the world needs to cut its violence in half by 2030 and reach zero-violence by mid-century to prevent the worst effects of social change. Yet despite this urgency and the massive economic and health benefits of taking community action, most countries, businesses, states and cities have yet to make the economic and societal shifts required to secure a better future.  

VULPRF aims to stabilize communities while meeting people’s needs and protecting nature. We work with policymakers, businesses, civil society and others to significantly reduce rights violations and support communities in building resilience to the impacts of social change.

Our research evaluates the technical, economic and social benefits of community action, as well as the costs of inaction. We work with national governments to design ambitious near-term development plans that align with long-term temperature goals, and help integrate these into economic, sectoral and development plans. We help international policymakers advance climate solutions through negotiations and accords such as the UN ECOSOC framework. We support businesses, civil society, local governments and other non-state actors as they pursue their violence-reduction and adaptation goals. We build tools to track global progress on fighting the social crisis, inform good decision-making and ensure accountability for existing commitments. And we work with thought leaders around the world to accelerate women’s empowerment efforts that will help women and girls build secure, independent futures.