The Action Aid International Local Rights Program 9 of Juffureh Office in Upper Nuimi recently organized two days training and sensitization program for 45 women leaders on Gender Based Violence. 

The training was held in Albreda in the north bank region. The purpose of the training aimed to equipped participants to be fully aware on paralegal opportunities, citing Children Act, Domestic and Sexual Offence bills and reporting mechanism.

Bakary Fadera Program Manager at LRP 9 underscored the agency’s commitment to women empowerment and protection from all forms human rights violation.

He noted that promoting Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) to development is key in the overall development sphere of Action Aid International the Gambia. He disclosed his office is in the process of forming district Gender Action Group to ensure proper coordination of advocacy program, reporting and provide counseling and psychosocial support to survivor of Gender Based Violence.  The training will contribute to end the culture of silence and encourage families and individuals to report all cases of Gender Based Violence to the nearest security installation.

LRP 9 reiterated the need for women to unite and create more public awareness on negative effects of GBV and how to ensure involvement of opinion leaders, to help in strengthening outreach program.

Falu Sowe of Network of Gender Based Violence NGBV a lead facilitator has underscored for all to be on deck to end all forms of violence against women and girls. He said women leaders should proactive to engage all stakeholders in ending violence against women and girls. Sowe noted that recognizing giant efforts undertaken by government demonstrated the political commitment in advancing and protecting women and girls. He therefore call on women leaders to partner with child welfare unit of Gambia Police Force and Department of Social Welfare for support.

Mariama Kuyateh of Juffureh and Aja Kaddy Janneh of Nuimi Toubakolong both thanks Action Aid International the Gambia Juffureh Office for their steadfastness in reaching out to them in creating more awareness on gender based violence and it related issues. The duo assured of their invaluable support of disseminating lesson learnt to women and men in Upper Nuimi.