ECOWAS Gender Centre trains Ivorian security officers on GBV response

The ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (EGDC) has trained police, gendarmerie officers and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) focal points in Côte d’Ivoire to strengthen the country's response to gender-based violence.

The two-day capacity-building workshop was held in Abidjan from September 16 to 17, and brought together Judicial Police Officers, GBV focal points in the justice sector and other frontline actors involved in preventing and responding to GBV.

The workshop was organised by the EGDC in collaboration with Côte d’Ivoire's Ministry of Women, Family and Children and the Akwaba Mousso Association.

The training focused on improving the practical skills of participants in preventing GBV, identifying victims and providing comprehensive support to survivors.

It also covered referral systems and access to appropriate and coordinated services for victims and survivors.

In a news release issued on Thursday, September 24, the regional bloc said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration among security, justice, health and social protection institutions in responding to GBV.

They noted that stronger cooperation among the sectors is essential to ensuring that survivors receive coordinated and survivor-centred support.

The initiative is expected to contribute to a more effective and coordinated response to GBV in Côte d’Ivoire by strengthening the capacity of frontline officers and improving collaboration among institutions responsible for prevention, protection and support.