Description
The Gambia Teachers’ Union (GTU) organized a two-day intensive training on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) for teachers, held at the Christian Council on the 20th and 21st of February 2025. The primary objective of the training was to build teachers’ capacity in identifying, preventing, and responding to GBV within school environments. The training provided a platform for educators to deepen their understanding of GBV concepts, legal frameworks, and intervention strategies to ensure safe and supportive learning spaces for students.
The training sessions were facilitated by experts from various backgrounds, including gender specialists and social workers. The participants comprised teachers from primary and secondary schools in region 1 & 2, with a strong emphasis on practical applications and interactive engagement.
Objectives
Specific Objectives:
- Raise awareness and train teachers and students on the phenomenon of violence at schools and in homes.
- Identify strategies to counter violence against women and girls.
- Promote among teachers and pupils/students, citizen awareness of the impact of violence against women and girls at school.
- Identify causes of action for the development of relevant strategies to combat the phenomenon of violence against girls.
Activities
Planned Activities:
- 8 Community Radio Programmes
- 2 days workshops for 50 teachers and Education staff on the issue of violence against women
- Training Sessions
Day 1:
- Session 1: Introduction to Gender and Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
- Session 2: Causes and Effects of GBV
- Session 3: Signs and Indicators of GBV
Day 2:
- Session 4: Understanding the Laws on GBV
- Session 5: GBV Reporting Mechanisms
- Session 6: Tips on First Aid Counselling and Interview Techniques
Outcomes
The two-day training on GBV was an impactful initiative aimed at equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to combat GBV in schools. The interactive sessions enabled participants to:
- Deepen their understanding of GBV and its root causes.
- Identify and respond appropriately to signs of GBV among students and colleagues.
- Navigate the legal landscape regarding GBV reporting and intervention.
- Provide initial counselling support and referral services to GBV survivors.
At the end of the training, participants expressed their commitment to integrating GBV awareness into their teaching practices and advocating for safe and inclusive school environments. Moving forward.