By TOM CHIAHEMEN –
Officials of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), are currently participating in the technical Experts’ Meeting taking place in Banjul, Republic of The Gambia, ahead of the Forum of First Ladies of SWEDD+ countries on zero tolerance of gender-based violence.
The meeting brings together experts from SWEDD+ Member States, regional institutions and technical partners to review the regional situation of gender-based violence, identify key challenges and consolidate priority actions for consideration at the political level.
The SWEDD+ project (Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend) is a World Bank and UNFPA-supported initiative focusing on empowering women and girls across seven West and Central African countries namely, Burkina Faso, Chad, The Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Senagal and, Togo.
According to a statement from WAHO, discussions focus on regional trends, existing institutional responses and coordination mechanisms across key sectors, including health, justice, education and social protection. Structured around plenary sessions and thematic working groups, this meeting represents a key preparatory stage for the high-level engagements expected during the Forum.
Director-General of WAHO, Dr. Melchior Athanase Joël Codjovi AÏSSI, represented by Dr Felix AGBLA, in his remarks, said “gender-based violence remains both a serious human rights violation and a major public health challenge, undermining gender equality and sustainable development in the region. ”
He called for a shift from commitments to action through the development of concrete, operational and measurable solutions.
The WAHO Director-General further highlighted the central role of health systems in the regional response, particularly in ensuring integrated, accessible and survivor-centred care.
He said it was in this regard that WAHO continues to support Member States through coordinated multi-sectoral approaches involving health, justice, education and social protection, with a strong emphasis on accountability and effective implementation.
This meeting therefore represents a critical step ahead of the Forum, helping to align technical expertise and prepare concrete actions to end gender-based violence across West and Central Africa.
The First Ladies of SWEDD+ countries will convene in Banjul, The Gambia, from 8–10 April 2026 for a high-level Forum to advance Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence across West and Central Africa.
Co-organised by ECOWAS, WAHO and the Government of The Gambia, with partners including the WorldBank and UNFPA, the Forum aims to strengthen regional coordination, accelerate action, and deliver concrete outcomes to protect women and girls.
At the heart of this effort, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) is playing a key role in strengthening health systems to better support survivors, improve access to essential services, and promote a coordinated regional response.
Expected outcomes include a Regional Roadmap on GBV, the launch of a First Ladies Alliance, and a Joint Declaration to drive sustained action.
The Forum is seen by stakeholders as a decisive step towards safer, more inclusive and violence-free societies in West and Central Africa.
