Gender-based violence is the most pervasive violation of human rights. Currently, about one in every three ever-married women in The Gambia has been subjected to some form of physical, sexual, or emotional violence by their current or most recent partner while about 9% of women aged 15-49 years have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. These figures are alarming and call for increased and rapid investments in the prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the empowerment of those most affected - women and girls - to live free of violence and dignified life. Although GBV is perpetrated against both men and women, women and girls are most affected due to the power imbalance in Gambian communities and socio-cultural and religious norms and practices that undermine their dignity and well-being, among other factors.
An approach to address such and a bid to see that women and girls are protected from all forms of violence UNFPA The Gambia with support from the UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund, through the Ministry of Health, supported the establishment of One Stop Centres across seven (7) administrative regions in The Gambia to provide sustainable and integrated services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The One-Stop centres provides a comprehensive all-in-one service where survivors of GBV are provided with legal aid, shelter, health care, referral assistance and post-traumatic counselling. This comprehensive approach enables stakeholders to address the multiple needs of vulnerable women and girls by bringing together trained social workers, experts and specialists from different sectors into one centre to ensure the delivery of excellent services.
Aisha (undisclosed identity) is a 20-year-old lady who dropped out of school due to financial instability. She got married as a teenager and moved with her husband and family. Over the years, she has experienced both physical and sexual violence from her partner, even putting her life on the line.
“My husband beats me up, rapes me, and verbally insults me. He has done this repeatedly and sometimes I get admitted to the hospital for days. I have never enjoyed a home of peace and love but only pain and hatred”. Aisha explained how her unborn twin was a result of him abusing her almost every day that sometimes she would bleed for days. She explained how on most nights she would dread her life and cry herself to sleep.
Aisha experience of physical and sexual violence has affected both her psychological wellness and emotional state. According to her, she has on several occasions been suicidal, by hitting her head against the wall multiple times. But the thought of her little son has always been a source of strength for her to live again.
“I had to leave the house as I couldn’t take any of the pain, humiliation, and the fact that I always felt I was going to be killed has been one that I feared the most”.
She had to leave her husband’s house and live with her friend for safety and refuge. She explained how at other times she would have to shuttle between two friends’ houses to feel safe.
“When I was told about the One-stop Centre, tears dropped from my eyes, because I feel I can live and be happy again. The comfort and care I get from the centre feels like a dream and hope for me to live again”. The One-stop Centre has empowered and contributed tremendously to the safety of survivors, after weeks of undergoing counselling and psychosocial support, they come back to the centre, and you can barely tell that they were the same women.
In the case of this 20-year-old, the shelter provided hope and another opportunity to regain her life and that of her young children. The One-Stop-Center has served as a beacon of hope to Aisha and other survivors of GBV in the Gambia.
“My life was scattered, buried, and crumbled, but I have hope and faith. Thanks to the One-stop Centre”, she exclaimed.
UNFPA remains committed to continuing supporting the government and people of The Gambia to create a safer Gambia for all, where women and girls are protected from violence and empowered to live safe and dignified lives. Through collaboration and partnership, the One-stop Centre will always bring hope to women in The Gambia.
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Media contact: Faith C. Ememodo – UNV Communications Associate ememodo@unfpa.org
