TrustAfrica has launched a project over the past two years to address gender-based violence as a persistent obstacle, among others, to Francophone women empowerment in West Africa, particularly in three priority countries, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The Foundation has invested in this through the transformation of social norms, research, technical assistance, and capacity building.

With the global pandemic COVID-19, the main risk factors and acts of violence against women and girls have been exacerbated, especially with the closure of schools and universities and the lockdown. Besides physical and verbal abuse, many girls have had to drop out of school. TrustAfrica, together with its partners, was able to respond immediately to the crisis by establishing a rapid response mechanism to support initiatives that address these issues in this new context.

Using the “International 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based violence (GBV)” as a pretext, TrustAfrica organizes a panel discussion to support the current initiatives, mobilize actors and share knowledge with the various stakeholders.

Objectives

• Strengthen advocacy for the fight against GBV and contribute to the mobilization efforts ;
• Share community response best practices through a case study ;
• Making TrustAfrica’s work on the issue more visible.

Expected results

• A better knowledge of GBV in the region;
• Best community response practices are shared;
• Better visibility of TrustAfrica’s work.

Methodology

The panel will be conducted online with a group of experts. Mrs. Coumba Touré, Chair of TrustAfrica’s Board of Directors will moderate discussions following presentations by the Keynote Speaker and other stakeholders.

Opening remarks: Dr. Natalia Ka