The forum basically seeks to engage security sector actors in discussions and training on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), aimed at strengthening their capacities to prevent and respond to such cases effectively. The event forms part of a series of activities organised by the United Nations in The Gambia to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Thus, the awareness forum, according to officials, is vital as it is perfectly designed to address critical challenges in tackling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), an essential step toward promoting gender equality and safeguarding human rights.
Addressing the gathering, Karl Frédérick Paul, UN resident Coordinator in The Gambia, acknowledged that the event is another opportunity to demonstrate their shared commitment to addressing one of the gravest challenges of our times -Gender-Based Violence.
In The Gambia, nearly half of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence at least once in their lives. These numbers are not just statistics, they are stories of pain, resilience and the urgent need for change.
Gender-Based Violence, he added, disproportionately affect women and girls leaving long lasting social and economic impact.
“And for every woman and girl, who reports these crimes, there are likely many more who remain silent or unrecorded.”
Unfortunately, UN resident Coordinator noted that incidents still persist at an alarming rate, adding that these victims need our support now more than ever.
He made reference to some of the barriers hindering our progress, which he said, includes, inadequate training, entrenched stigma and limited survivor-centred resources.
The UN Resident Coordinator, however, remains hopeful that amidst these challenges lie many opportunities for transformation, making reference to the day’s event which seeks to avail front line and justice and security officials with knowledge, tools and skills to address GBV effectively.
“By fostering meaningful partnerships between security and justice sectors, civil society organizations and survivor-led led initiatives, we can create holistic and inclusive response. By providing comprehensive training and resources, we can empower security and justice stakeholders to combat violence against women and girls effectively.”
He observed that the participation of women in the security and justice sectors too remains one of greatest opportunities to address GBV cases, acknowledging that gender equality is not only a fundamental right, but also a pathway to sustainable peace.
For his part, Ebrima Bah, Assistant Inspector General of Police, reminded that the forum culminates from a request from The Gambia Police Female Network in collaboration with the United Nations Country Team to conduct sensitisation for the country’s security sector on GBV.
AIG Bah alluded to the fact that GBV remains alarming and prevalent across all quarters of society in the Gambia and beyond.
“Thus, the collective efforts to end this social menace, he added, becomes everyone’s business, noting that bringing all the key security agencies and other major stakeholders together to discuss and exchange ideas geared towards fighting and eradicating the menace is timely and commendable.”
To that end, AIG Bah commended the ministry of Gender, Women and Children’s Affairs and the UN Country team spearheading the process.
He challenged all stakeholders to unite and stand firm to eradicate violence against women making use of the existing laws and other legal instruments relating to Gender-Based Violence.
