The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, through its Domestic Violence Secretariat, has organized a three-day workshop in the Northern Region aimed at addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The event, which brought together 60 key stakeholders from the Northern, North East, Savanna, Upper West, and Upper East regions, sought to enhance the capacity of participants to provide coordinated and effective services to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
Participants included representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and other key partners. The focus of the workshop was on the Essential Services Package, a framework designed to ensure that survivors of GBV receive comprehensive and coordinated support from the health, social services, police, and justice sectors.
Madam Malonin Asibi, head of the Domestic Violence Secretariat, opened the workshop by emphasizing the critical role of human rights, social services, and cross-sectoral coordination in safeguarding the well-being of survivors. She noted that the Essential Services Package is a vital tool in protecting the rights of survivors and ensuring their safety.
Faisal Bawa, a Gender Analyst from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), highlighted the importance of the Essential Services Package in breaking the cycle of abuse. He explained that the initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls.
Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop in their respective communities, working together to improve the accessibility and quality of essential services for survivors of GBV. Collaboration among stakeholders was emphasized as a key strategy in enhancing the support system for survivors and reducing the incidence of gender-based violence.
This workshop represents a significant step forward in strengthening the support system for GBV survivors in northern Ghana, with the broader goal of creating safer communities for women and girls across the region.
