Risks related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) were reduced and the holistic response benefitting survivors was improved in all camps and ZARs. With regards to prevention, a change in attitude and behaviour was noticeable for the majority of refugees. During the year, the partner NGO DIKO sensitized a total of 16,000 refugees (some 4,900 men and 11,100 women). The commemoration of International Women’s Day on March 8 and the campaign “16 Days of Activism” also contributed to achieving this result.
The community’s regular reporting of rape, marital violence and early or forced marriages testify to the change in the community’s perception, attitude and behaviour, compared to previous years, when it was difficult to identify such cases in the refugee community. This is a remarkable achievement considering the sensitivity associated with refugees publicly denouncing actions of SGBV. Girls and boys have access to basic education and men and women are aware of the consequences of child marriage, thus decreasing the gender inequality.
Incidents of SGBV were collected in the camps and the ZARs with the gender-based violence IMS tool. The reporting and data analysis were systematic and results were interpreted to understand trends in SGBV. 75 cases were identified, documented and referred to available services for an adequate response. 36 cases were identified and documented on the Abala camp, 8 cases in Tabareybarey, 15 cases in Mangaize and 1 case in the Intikane Refugee Hosting Zone. Medical, psychosocial and economic responses were provided to survivors who expressed a need for assistance, following the approach to assistance based on the right and the consensus of the survivor.