Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-02-22 08:24:02
Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Project Plus (SWEDD+) recently kicked off a three-day consultation workshop aimed at developing a training manual on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation, and Sexual Harassment (GBV/SEA/SH). The workshop, held at the NaNA Conference Hall in Bakau, brought together experts from various fields to discuss and create a comprehensive manual on these critical issues facing the country.
Mr. Omar Mbacky from the Ministry of Health expressed his pleasure at being part of the workshop, highlighting the importance of the SWEDD+ project supported by the World Bank. The project focuses on addressing issues affecting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. Specifically, it aims to support young women and adolescent girls in advancing their education, specifically up to the secondary level. Additionally, the project works to reintegrate children who have dropped out of school back into the educational system by providing them with necessary support and resources.
One of the key components of the project is to enhance sexual and reproductive health services for young women and adults facing various health challenges. Mr. Mbacky emphasized the importance of providing these individuals with the necessary care, protection, and resources to support their educational and health-related needs.
The project is multi-sectoral and is not confined to one ministry but is supported by the World Bank. Ma’am Fatoumatta Kasama from Girls’ Pride Gambia highlighted that the manual developed during this workshop will be utilized for community presentations as part of the Sub-Saharan African Woman Empowerment Demographic Project, focusing on issues related to gender-based violence, sexual reproductive health, sexual harassment, and exploitation.
Ms. Phebian Ina Grant Sagnia, the Focal Person for the SWEDD+ Project, expressed gratitude to the World Bank for funding the project and thanked all participants for their involvement in the manual development workshop. Various groups participated in the development of the manual, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education – Gender Unit, Ministry of Gender, and several civil society organizations focused on gender-based violence and youth empowerment.
Overall, the consultation workshop facilitated essential discussions on addressing GBV, SEA, and SH in the country and developing a robust training manual to guide future initiatives. By bringing together experts and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, the workshop aimed to create a comprehensive resource that will support efforts to empower women and vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The SWEDD+ project continues to play a crucial role in promoting gender equality, supporting education, and improving access to essential health services for those most in need.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
