COORDINATION MEETING WITH CSOs AND STATE AGENCIES ON DOMESTIC/GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE CASES

The Domestic Violence Secretariat of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) with support from UNFPA Ghana, held a coordination meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and state agencies to strengthen collaboration in the management and referral of domestic and gender-based violence (D/GBV) cases.

The purpose of the meeting was to provide a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, challenges, and best practices in handling cases, with a focus on improving survivor-centered approaches.

It was also to enhance coordination between service providers, ensure timely responses to survivors’ needs, and improve the effectiveness of referral pathways in addressing domestic and gender-based violence.

Speaking at the opening session on behalf of the Chief Director of MoGCSP, Dr Afisah Zakariah, the Head of the Domestic Violence Secretariat, Madam Malonin Asibi underscored the importance of a well-coordinated approach to tackling D/GBV, noting that the safety and well-being of survivors often depend on how quickly and effectively agencies respond.

She emphasised that partnerships between state institutions and CSOs are critical in closing service gaps and ensuring holistic support for survivors.

Madam Malonin Asibi further disclosed that through collaboration, the Orange Support Centre recorded 108 cases within the period of reporting from which 59 have been closed and 49 are ongoing.

The Head of the Domestic Violence Secretariat was optimistic that a united front and a collaborative work not in silos will deepen their responsibility in protecting the vulnerable in the country.

After expressing her gratitude to the UNFPA for their continuous support, she called on all to move out with a renewed commitment to ensure the vulnerable expecially women and girls are protected in our various communities.

Participants discussed existing challenges in case management, including limited resources, overlapping mandates, and inadequate survivor follow-up. They also explored strategies for strengthening information sharing, streamlining referral procedures, and enhancing the capacity of frontline responders.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively, share data and expertise, and advocate for policies and resources that will improve the D/GBV response system.

The coordination meeting forms part of the MoGCSP’s broader efforts to promote a survivor-centred approach in combating domestic and gender-based violence and ensuring access to justice and support services for all affected individuals.

Source: MoGCSP