Fighting Gender-Based violence in Northwestern Côte d’Ivoire

With the expansion of the “Mousso Djidji” project funded by the European Union, AVSI is committed to supporting survivors of gender-based violence and raising awareness through outreach campaigns.

Date 30.10.2024
Author by Marina Sakande, communication manager for AVSI in the Côte d’Ivoire

October marked a significant step forward in the implementation of the Mousso Djidji project, funded by the European Union, which offers comprehensive support to women survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), including medical, psychosocial, psychological, economic, legal, and judicial assistance. AVSI and its partners, the Missionary Community of Villaregia (CMV) and the DJIGUI LA GRANDE ESPÉRANCE Foundation (FDGE), launched the second phase of the project in northwestern Côte d'Ivoire with an official ceremony held at Biankouma Town Hall and attended by a European Union delegation. The launch included a visit to the Man Legal Clinic and the handover of essential supplies to the Community Reception and Rehabilitation Center for Girls and Women (CECAREF). These activities aim to strengthen support structures for survivors of gender-based violence and increase project awareness among local stakeholders.

partecipanti all'evento di lancio del progetto di avsi contro la violenza di genere nel nord-ovest della costa d'avorio

Extending the Mousso Djidji project to Northwestern regions

On October 10, Biankouma Town Hall was packed, bringing together representatives of women’s associations, civil society organizations, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and regional directors united in a common goal: fighting gender-based violence.

During the ceremony, local speakers shared examples of survivor assistance. Then, religious and community leaders, who play a crucial role in sensitizing and mobilizing their communities, addressed the audience on ways to reduce GBV. Attendees discussed measures in place, shared information with the public, and raised awareness about the existing support systems.

Francesca Di Mauro, European Union Ambassador to the Côte d'Ivoire, highlighted the importance of collective efforts to fight gender-based violence: “We must understand that violence against women and girls is not only a private issue but a social one. It cannot be resolved without inclusive dialogue frameworks.”

Strengthening support structures for survivors

In this second phase, a visit was organized to the Man Legal Clinic, a key structure providing legal support for GBV victims, where new materials were donated to improve the clinic’s field interventions.

On October 11, activities continued in Logoualé at the Community Reception and Rehabilitation Center for Girls and Women (CECAREF). AVSI, alongside the EU delegation, donated equipment worth five million CFA francs (over 7,500 euros) to bolster the center’s capacity to assist survivors of violence in the Tonkpi region. Thanks to this initiative, CECAREF can now welcome a greater number of vulnerable women and girls.

Visita di AVSI e della delegazione dell'Unione europea alla Clinique juridique de Man
Visita di AVSI e della delegazione dell'Unione europea alla Clinique juridique de Man

The Mousso Djidji Project

Funded by the European Union, the Mousso Djidji project is implemented by AVSI in collaboration with CMV and the DJIGUI LA GRANDE ESPÉRANCE Foundation. Since its launch in Abidjan, the project has conducted training on GBV case referrals, promoted positive masculinity initiatives, and held meetings with stakeholders involved in combating GBV. Additionally, it has reinforced local organizations' intervention capacity through material and equipment support.

“This project builds on best practices developed by AVSI in the Côte d'Ivoire for human rights advocacy. By focusing on strengthening the capacities of national actors, we can implement concrete actions to ensure effective support for survivors of violence, restoring their dignity,”

Bamba Lassiné, AVSI Country Representative in the Côte d'Ivoire

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