Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a socially challenging problem with infrastructure and systems issues. From service unavailability to limited GBV-specific services in regions that deny service providers access to reach survivors, thus making interactions with them unproductive. This has also hugely impeded service providers in terms of successfully making referrals for such cases.
In an effort to address such issues, UNFPA in partnership with ITC, UNDP, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Welfare established a Gender Information Management System (GIMS) center. The center aims to build a strong evidence base on GBV by providing a safe, confidential, and convenient way for reporting GBV cases, as well as the delivery of quality services, whilst adhering to global standards and GBV guiding principles.
On Wednesday 22nd March 2023, the UNFPA Country Representative was joined by the Minster of Gender Children Welfare, representatives of sister agencies, and other dignitaries, to inaugurate the GIMS center. The center-focused platform (GMIS) aids the digital reporting of GBV cases through an anonymous website and provides a 199 helpline that offers a safe and confidential option for survivors and individuals who are vulnerable to voicing out violence and abuse. They will be provided with critical psychological first aid, psychosocial support, case management, and access to safety, medical care, and justice.
Speaking at the Inauguration ceremony, the UNFPA Country Representative Madame Ndeye Rose Sarr, points out that the GIMS centre presents a unique opportunity to gather relevant data on GBV and deliver critical & life-saving services to survivors in The Gambia.
Hon. Minister of Gender Children and Social Welfare Madame Fatou Kinteh, emphasized on how her office will continue to have a strong collaboration between GBV actors, especially those directly dealing with survivors.
the center will be a catalyst in delivering psychosocial and legal support to survivors.
So far 91 cases have been reported to the GIMS center including Rape, Sexual assault, Physical Violence, Early and Forced Marriage. UNFPA remains committed to the continued support of the government and people of the Gambia in creating a safe space for women and girls in providing proper management of GBV survivor information facilitating timely delivery of services for survivors.
Media contact:
Faith Ememodo- Communications Associate, UNFPA The Gambia ememodo@unfpa.org
