The Alliance for Defense and Counseling of Women (ADCF) recently organized a workshop in Aléhéridè, Tchaoudjo 3, Togo, to advocate for the protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The event, which took place on September 29, was part of the group's project to provide urgent protection for the rights of women and girls displaced internally within the commune. The project, funded by Urgent Action Fund-Africa, ran from June to September 2026.
The workshop aimed to strengthen institutional consideration of the rights and protection needs of IDPs, particularly women and girls vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV). The ADCF presented the main activities carried out under the project and the results obtained, and used the opportunity to lobby for greater recognition and attention to GBV affecting women and girl IDPs. The group engaged with local authorities, discussing the need for more effective mechanisms to protect and address the needs of IDPs.
As part of its efforts to enhance protection for IDPs, the ADCF implemented an intervention to better understand their situation and strengthen community-based protection mechanisms. This involved training community relays on GBV, the vulnerability of IDPs, and information collection tools. The relays then participated in gathering information from IDPs to document their situations, needs, and concerns. The ADCF also conducted community sensitization, dialogues with community and religious leaders, and psychosocial support for IDPs.
The ADCF's executive director, Mme Dédjila Faouzia, stated that the activities allowed the group to collect information on the realities faced by IDPs and highlight concerns related to their protection, particularly GBV. She emphasized the need to share these findings with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that these concerns are better addressed institutionally. The workshop provided a platform for the ADCF to present its findings and push for greater institutional support for IDPs.
The mayor of Tchaoudjo 3, Ouro-Bodi Dissadama, welcomed the ADCF and its partner for the workshop, which he said would help address the challenges faced by IDPs in the municipality. He stressed the importance of mobilizing financial and technical resources to guarantee urgent access to IDPs. The mayor's comments underscored the need for collaborative efforts to address the protection needs of IDPs in Tchaoudjo 3.
The ADCF's project and workshop reflect a broader effort to address the protection concerns of IDPs in Togo. The group's activities have raised awareness about the situation of IDPs and pushed for greater institutional support. The engagement with local authorities and stakeholders is seen as a critical step towards ensuring that IDPs receive the protection and support they need.
Key stakeholders, including local authorities and community leaders, have expressed support for the ADCF's initiatives. The collaboration between the ADCF, local government, and community actors is crucial in addressing the complex challenges faced by IDPs. The momentum generated by the workshop is expected to contribute to improved protection and support for IDPs in Tchaoudjo 3 and beyond.
Key points
- The ADCF's workshop aimed to strengthen institutional consideration of the rights and protection needs of IDPs, particularly women and girls vulnerable to GBV.
- The project was funded by Urgent Action Fund-Africa and ran from June to September 2026.
- The ADCF's efforts have raised awareness about the situation of IDPs and pushed for greater institutional support.
