Regional Training of Trainers Workshop on Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) for Health Sector Actors in ECOWAS Member States

The ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) organized a three-day regional training workshop in Lome, Togo, from June 19 to 21 2024, on Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) for Health Sector Actors. The workshop was organised in partnership with the USAID and Ford Foundation.

The workshop was officially opened by Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission. In her opening remarks, she expressed appreciation to the Government of the Togolese Republic for hosting the workshop and for the excellent conditions put in place for the holding of the workshop. She also expressed her gratitude to Ford Foundation and the USAID for their financial support, and to ARAA for its support in organising the workshop.

Professor Fatou Sow Sarr noted that “Gender-based violence is rooted in gender stereotypes and patriarchal structures. This violence is not an isolated act; it is the reflection of a system of domination and control. This balance of power, rooted in archaic social norms, perpetuates inequalities, and fosters violence. It is therefore essential to deconstruct gender stereotypes and promote a culture of respect and equality. Therefore, the role of health professionals is essential in the early recognition, proper treatment, and support of survivors of this violence.”

In his welcome remarks, the ECOWAS Permanent Representative in Togo, Ambassador Barros Bacar BANJAI, welcomed the participants and expressed sincere thanks to the EGDC for choosing Lomé to host this important regional training workshop, whose theme, he said, was in line with pillar 5 of the ECOWAS Vision 2050 on Social Inclusion.

Goodwill messages were read by the ECOWAS National Office in Togo and the Ford Foundation.

The workshop is to enable health actors to understand the concepts, causes, effects and consequences of gender-based violence as well as the different stages of the holistic medical and psychosocial care of GBV survivors from admission, through to the provision of health services, to the closure of the medical file and socio-economic reintegration, educational or professional life of survivors.