By: Haruna Kuyateh
4H Gambia, a local NGO based in Farafenni in partnership with Network for Gender-Based Violence and TANGOorganized a day-long sensitization event for local leaders, regional authorities and health workers on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence issues.
Funded by UNICEF, the sensitization was conducted on the theme Strengthening Collaboration to Combat Sexual & Gender-Based Violence for a Safer Community.
The purpose of the gathering, held at the NBR governor’s office in Kerewan, was to create awareness among TAC members on the negative effects of GBV.
Dembo Samateh, deputy governor of North Bank Region thanked 4H Gambia and its partners for organizing the event, noting that it would contribute to augmenting awareness of sexual and gender-based violence to protect women and girls from all forms of abuse.
Alieu Ceesay, program director of 4H Gambia described the partnership with the Network on Gender-Based Violence as crucial in strengthening the understanding of violence and advocating for all-inclusive participation in putting an end to the practice. He thanked the office of the Governor for their invaluable support in providing support for NGOs and institutions.
Juldeh Camara, regional police commissioner said the Gambia Police Force is committed to working with stakeholders to address all forms of Gender-Based Violence. Commissioner Camara said the region has child welfare officers stationed at Barra, Amdalaye, and Farafenni police stations, working with the Ministry of Gender and partners in the protection of women and girls from all forms of abuse.
Lamin Sise, monitoring and evaluation officer at Network for Gender Based Violence (NGBV) called for collective efforts in combating all forms of GBV.