The Togolese government has taken a significant step in its fight against gender-based violence with the inauguration of two transit houses in Dapaong, a town in the Savanes region. The houses, which were opened on November 3, are designed to provide a safe haven for victims of physical, psychological, economic, and sexual violence. The facilities were made possible through a collaboration between the Réseau des femmes et développement (REFED), a local women's development network, and several international partners.
The two transit houses are part of a larger project aimed at strengthening the care and protection of women and girls who have been victims of violence in the Savanes region. The houses will offer a range of services, including counseling, psychosocial support, medical and legal assistance, and help with reintegration into society. The facilities are expected to provide a secure and supportive environment for survivors of violence to recover and rebuild their lives.
The Minister of Solidarity, Gender, Family, and Child Protection, Mme Sankaredja-Sinandja Moni, attended the inauguration ceremony and praised the initiative. She emphasized that the transit houses represent a safe space for women and girls who have been subjected to violence, and encouraged victims to speak out and seek help. The minister also highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen national prevention and protection measures, including the establishment of "one-stop centers" and community-based monitoring mechanisms.
The Governor of the Savanes region, Atcha-Dédji Affoh, also spoke at the ceremony, congratulating REFED on its commitment to promoting women's rights and combating gender-based violence. He stressed the importance of the transit houses in implementing Togo's commitments to protecting women's rights. The governor's comments were echoed by Mme Kabissa-Lamboni Confort, coordinator of REFED, who noted that the inauguration marked the beginning of the 16-day campaign against violence against women and girls.
REFED, which was established on April 3, 2004, with 26 member associations, has grown to become a major player in the fight against gender-based violence in Togo. Today, the network comprises over 500 associations and cooperatives across the country. The organization has been working closely with international partners, including the German association TogoVerein, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The inauguration ceremony was attended by a range of stakeholders, including representatives of partner organizations, senators, deputies, prefects, mayors, and traditional and religious leaders. The event marked a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence in Togo, and highlighted the government's commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls.
The two transit houses in Dapaong are a welcome addition to the region's efforts to combat gender-based violence. With the support of REFED and its international partners, the Togolese government is taking concrete steps to provide victims of violence with the care and protection they need to recover and rebuild their lives. The initiative is also expected to raise awareness about the importance of preventing and combating gender-based violence, and to encourage victims to seek help.
Key points
- The two transit houses in Dapaong will provide shelter and support to victims of gender-based violence.
- The initiative is a collaboration between REFED and several international partners, including the UNDP, UNFPA, and ECOWAS.
- The transit houses will offer a range of services, including counseling, psychosocial support, medical and legal assistance, and help with reintegration into society.
