The Guinean government's Office for the Protection of Gender, Children and Morals (OPROGEM) recently shared its experience with young people on the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). At a meeting held on the eve of Guinea's national day on October 2, OPROGEM Director-General Marie Gomez briefed the youth on the office's role and her own career path in the police force. Gomez emphasized her commitment to protecting citizens and their property.
Gomez highlighted the police force's mission to safeguard vulnerable individuals and enforce the law when they are victims of crimes. She encouraged GBV victims to report cases to the authorities and seek justice. The director-general also stressed the importance of awareness-raising in preventing GBV. She praised the support of non-governmental organizations and police efforts to educate the public through training and sensitization campaigns.
According to Gomez, these initiatives help inform the population about various forms of GBV, their consequences, and the corresponding legal sanctions. She noted that communicating in local languages is crucial to facilitate understanding of often French-written legal texts. This approach enables more effective dissemination of information and better comprehension of the law.
OPROGEM's statistics on rape cases show fluctuations over the years. In 2017, the office recorded 204 cases, which decreased to 116 in 2018. The number then rose to 393 cases in 2019, followed by 374 in 2020, 306 in 2021, and 291 in 2022. In 2024, OPROGEM reported 225 rape cases. These figures indicate a general downward trend in reported rape cases.
For 2026, OPROGEM recorded 15 rape cases between January and March 31. However, data collection for the remaining period is ongoing, as regional representatives continue to submit reports. Gomez expressed her optimism that awareness-raising efforts and measures taken by various stakeholders are contributing to strengthened prevention and fight against GBV in Guinea.
The OPROGEM director-general emphasized the significance of collaboration between authorities, civil society, and the public in addressing GBV. She encouraged young people to take an active role in promoting a culture of respect and equality. By working together, Gomez believes that Guinea can make progress in reducing GBV and creating a safer environment for all.
As Guinea continues to tackle GBV, OPROGEM's efforts to engage with the public and provide support to victims are crucial. The office's work, combined with that of other stakeholders, aims to create a society where GBV is no longer tolerated. With ongoing data collection and awareness-raising initiatives, OPROGEM is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of Guineans.
Key points
- OPROGEM reports a decrease in rape cases, with 225 recorded in 2024, down from 393 in 2019.
