Following the successful conclusion of the four-day workshop on developing a communication strategy to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), the leadership of the Gambia Police Force hosted a closing session and welcomed the facilitators to Police Headquarters for final engagements.
AIG Ebrima Bah introduced the leadership team to the facilitators and extended sincere appreciation to Teresa Olbert from GIZ, Lieutenant Colonel Matthias Duchscherer and Professor John A. Kantara for their commendable work. He emphasized the importance of public awareness and actionable communication in achieving zero tolerance for SGBV, stressing that the strategy must be implemented as a shared responsibility.
Lt. Col. Matthias presented key outcomes from the workshop, referencing findings from the Wassu Study on perceptions of SGBV within and outside the GPF. He outlined 11 strategic lines of effort, including improving partnerships, changing internal attitudes toward SGBV and enhancing case handling. He highlighted tools such as reference cards and memos to support officers in the field, and stressed that increased knowledge and effective law enforcement would directly improve case outcomes.
AIG Demba Sowe also thanked the team, recognizing the strong and impactful partnership between GPF and GIZ. He assured the leadership’s full commitment to the strategy and its implementation.
DIG Momodou Sowe Speaking on behalf of the IGP commended the initiative, noting that while the GPF may be small in size, it holds great capacity. He emphasized that past trainings had often missed a vital component strategic direction and public engagement. He stated that the new strategy addresses this gap by introducing a component that reaches beyond the institution and speaks directly to society.
The session concluded with a called by the facilitators to the Police High Command on ensuring leadership directives and institutional alignment to sustain the momentum of this critical initiative.
