No Safe Space: A Systematic Review of Violence Against Women and Girls Across Africa (ANULA-WP1)

Introduction Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a major public health and human rights issue in Africa, with prevalence consistently among the highest globally. According to WHO and UNFPA, one in three women worldwide experience violence in their lifetime, but in sub-Saharan Africa the burden is compounded by poverty, food insecurity, conflict, and weak health systems. Despite its scale, evidence is fragmented across countries and populations, often excluding vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, sex workers, healthcare workers, adolescents, and HIV-positive women. This review synthesises available data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the scope, determinants, outcomes, and interventions addressing VAWG in Africa.Methods We conducted a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, African Journals Online, WHO, UNFPA, and Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) repositories were searched (2000–2024). Eligible studies were conducted in African countries and reported prevalence, determinants, outcomes, or interventions for VAWG, including IPV, sexual violence, workplace violence, reproductive coercion, in-law abuse, or community-based violence. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers, appraised for quality, and synthesised using thematic, contextual, trend, and intersectional analyses.Results Eighty studies from 22 African countries were included. Lifetime IPV ranged from 30–65%, pregnancy IPV 25–60%, childhood sexual abuse ~33%, workplace violence 30–62%, and >50% among sex workers. Determinants included alcohol use, poverty, food insecurity, conflict, and inequitable gender norms. Outcomes included maternal morbidity, depression, adverse birth outcomes, HIV/STI risk, and sexual dysfunction. Interventions such as SASA!, Indashyikirwa, CETA, and MAISHA reduced IPV and improved secondary outcomes.ConclusionVAWG in Africa is pervasive, persistent, and particularly concentrated among marginalised groups. Integrated, trauma-informed, and equity-sensitive responses are urgently required to reduce its health and social consequences.