This joint mission is part of the technical assistance that UNFPA Chad provides for the implementation of the SWEDD project with the aim of reducing gender-based violence and harmful practices by 2030.
The joint mission will continue, from 17 to 21 June 2022, in the provinces of Mayo Kebbi East, Mayo Kebbi West, and Tandjilé. These provinces are targeted because of the extent of gender-based violence and low human capital indicators for girls (school dropout, early marriage, early pregnancy, dependency rates, etc.); significant issues addressed by the SWEDD project.
Gender-based violence severely affects women's and girls' health and undermines economic and social empowerment. To this end, they aim to establish an Integrated Multisectoral Service Center (IMSC).
The Integrated Multifunctional Service Centers (IMSCs) for survivors (GBV One-Stop Centers) provide spaces for prevention and holistic care for survivors to access quality health care and other relevant services such as legal assistance and support for socio-economic integration.
"UNFPA has been the first partner since the conception of the SWEDD project and its operationalization in Chad. We are pleased to continue to count on UNFPA's technical support, especially in implementing innovative solutions of Integrated Multisectoral Service Centers for caring for survivors of gender-based violence". Mr. Youssouf Awaré Neïssa, National Coordinator of the SWEDD Project Management Unit.
The Governor of the province of Chari Baguimi welcomed the joined mission. Then together with local authorities, they proceeded to the official launch of the training workshop for mentors of community and school-based safe spaces in this province as part of the implementation of SWEDD2.
"The Chari-Baguirmi province is the 2nd poorest province in Chad, and the SWEDD project and UNFPA are critical partners for the empowerment of women and girls, for the prevention and fight against violence against women. This is why, despite my busy schedule, I was keen to host the mission and open the safe space mentors' workshop." Mr. Ahmat Abdullah Fadoul, Governor of Chari Baguirmi Province, in Chad.
About the SWEDD project:
Launched in November 2015 with technical and financial support from the World Bank, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the West African Health Organization (WAHO), and through the strategic partnership with the African Union, the SWEDD project globally aims to accelerate the demographic transition, unleash the demographic dividend and reduce gender inequalities in the Sahel region and beyond.
The SWEDD project currently covers nine countries in West and Central Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger) and is now expanding to 13 countries with the adhesion of Senegal, Gambia, Republic of Congo, and Togo.
This expansion, which marks the entry into phase 3, is accompanied by the scaling up of interventions to reach more vulnerable adolescent girls and women.
Media Contacts:
Ms. Marie Chantal Uwitonze | Communication Specialist | UNFPA WCARO | Tel. +221783877442 | uwitonze@unfpa.org
Mr. Jacob Enoh Eben | Regional Communication Advisor | UNFPA WCARO | Tel. +221774504780 | eben@unfpa.org
