Today, we're exploring a nearly unknown territory, often neglected by traditional media and funding: the most vulnerable people in humanitarian and development sectors who remain in the shadows.
Let's look at some examples:
> Gender-based violence: although 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence, less than 1% of global humanitarian aid is specifically allocated to fighting these forms of violence (UN Women, 2023). For LGBTQ+ people, the situation is even more alarming: in the 69 countries that criminalize homosexuality, organizations defending their rights receive only 0.04% of global philanthropic funding (Global Philanthropy Project, 2022).
> Another telling example is albinism: in sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 1 in 20 people with albinism is murdered before the age of 40 for practices related to witchcraft, protection programs receive only a tiny fraction of development funding (UN, 2022).
> Or modern slavery: it affects 50 million people worldwide, including 28 million in forced labor and 22 million in forced marriage. Yet, the fight against this scourge receives only 0.2% of international development funds (ILO and Walk Free Foundation, 2023).
My guest today, the Pro Victimis Foundation, based in Geneva, has made it its mission to act on these issues and help these forgotten victims. Since its creation in 1988, this private foundation has specialized in identifying and supporting neglected causes, adopting a niche philanthropy that prioritizes impact over visibility.
I am delighted to welcome Ariane Waldvogel, Executive Director of the Pro Victimis Foundation, for this conversation that will take us to the far reaches of philanthropy, where perseverance makes it possible to reach those whom the world has forgotten.
To know more about the Pro Victimis Foundation, visit: https://provictimis.org/en/