The Gabonese government and civil society organizations have concluded a campaign to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Libreville. The campaign, part of the ACT-VBG project co-funded by the European Union and the French Embassy in Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe, aimed to raise awareness and push for stronger laws to protect victims of GBV. The project brought together institutional and civil society actors to discuss ways to improve support for GBV victims.
During the closing workshop, stakeholders called for stronger implementation of the 2021 law (n° 006/2021) on violence against women and concrete actions to address GBV. They emphasized the need for a concerted effort to translate recommendations into tangible actions to improve victim support. The law, which focuses on preventing and punishing violence against women, has been criticized for its limited impact on the ground.
Bertrand Homa Moussavou, president of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), urged for increased awareness, adequate resources, and an improved judicial system to combat GBV. He stressed the importance of involving men in sensitization and prevention efforts, starting from early childhood, to promote respect for human dignity and protection of life. Moussavou emphasized that men must be encouraged to take an active role in preventing GBV.
Edith Liliane Mekina, vice-president of the REFLET association, presented a positive assessment of the advocacy work done but highlighted shortcomings in victim support. She noted that observations from the field, particularly in Libreville, identified areas for improvement in the 2021 law. Mekina called for the recommendations to be translated into concrete actions through a concerted roadmap and common commitments between public authorities and civil society organizations.
Mekina emphasized the need to intensify awareness-raising efforts in all provinces and mobilize sufficient financial resources to ensure the continuity of actions engaged. She stressed that diagnosis was no longer enough and that urgent action was required to address GBV. The workshop marked the end of the ACT-VBG project's advocacy campaign, which began in April.
The ACT-VBG project aims to combat all forms of GBV and promote a culture of respect for human rights. The project's stakeholders have committed to working together to ensure that recommendations from the campaign are implemented. They acknowledged that addressing GBV required a sustained effort and cooperation between government institutions, civil society, and the international community.
The closing workshop demonstrated the commitment of Gabon's government and civil society to addressing GBV. Key stakeholders have agreed to work together to strengthen the implementation of existing laws and policies, increase awareness and education, and provide adequate support to victims of GBV. The project's impact will depend on the effectiveness of these collaborative efforts.
Key points
- - The Gabonese government and civil society organizations concluded a campaign to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Libreville. - The campaign aimed to push for stronger laws to protect victims of GBV and raise awareness about the issue. - Stakeholders have committed to working together to ensure that recommendations from the campaign are implemented.
