Inside West Africa’s Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — The numbers are chilling: In 2024 alone, Côte d’Ivoire recorded 9,607 cases of gender-based violence (GBV), impacting nearly 8,000 women and over 3,000 children.

These aren’t just statistics; they represent a silent epidemic tearing through communities, shattering lives, and perpetuating a cycle of trauma that touches every corner of society.

Against this stark backdrop, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), in partnership with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Women, Family and Children, convened a critical national training workshop from June 26-28, 2025, in Abidjan.

This three-day intensive brought together a diverse group of frontline actors, from judicial and health professionals to social workers, all united by a common, urgent goal: to strengthen their capacity to prevent and respond to GBV and sexual harassment.

“These overwhelming figures are voices crying out for justice, redress, and protection. Inaction is no longer an option,” declared Moussa Diarassouba, Chief of Staff for the Minister for Women, during the opening ceremony. His words underscored the growing recognition among West African leaders that GBV is not merely a social issue but a severe impediment to development, justice, and human rights.

The workshop’s focus was multi-faceted, aiming to equip participants with skills in early detection, effective management, and comprehensive care for victims. This holistic approach is critical, given that survivors often face complex challenges, including medical and psychological trauma, legal hurdles, and social stigmatisation.

Judicial actors were urged to ensure access to justice and fight impunity, health professionals to deepen their involvement in medical and psychological care, and social workers to support survivors’ social and economic reintegration.

A Regional Crisis

While Côte d’Ivoire’s figures are stark, they reflect a wider regional crisis. Across the ECOWAS region, more than 10% of women experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence, often within the presumed safety of their own homes.

This grim reality was dramatically exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw reported GBV cases skyrocket by up to 50% in some areas as lockdowns intensified vulnerability and curtailed access to support services.

Ms. Sandra Oulaté-Fattoh, Director of the CCDG, emphasised the crucial role of professionals in recognising the often-subtle signs of abuse. “To fulfil this role effectively, you need adequate training to enable you to recognise the signs and symptoms of gender-based violence and sexual harassment, even in cases where victims do not explicitly disclose their situation,” she stated.

Personal Stories and Systemic Change

Beyond the statistics and policy frameworks lie deeply personal stories of courage and struggle. In a safe house on the outskirts of Abidjan, a young woman named Mariam (name changed to protect identity) shares her journey. Fleeing years of abuse by a close relative, she found solace and support through a local NGO that received training similar to the current ECOWAS initiative.

“For so long, I thought it was normal,” Mariam whispers, her eyes downcast. “The shame, the silence… it was heavier than the beatings. But when someone finally listened, truly listened, I felt like I could breathe again.” Mariam’s story, though harrowing, highlights the profound impact that trained, empathetic frontline workers can have on a survivor’s path to healing.

These personal narratives fuel the collective push for systemic change. The ECOWAS initiative builds on a regional strategy adopted in 2021 to eradicate violence against women and girls. It recognises that strengthening individual capacities is only one piece of the puzzle. It requires sustained political will, legislative reform, and cultural shifts to challenge patriarchal norms and impunity.

Ambassador Fanta Cissé, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, lauded the Ivorian government’s efforts in leading the fight against GBV but stressed the need for even greater mobilisation. “The challenges are immense and require the combined efforts of all to achieve zero tolerance for gender-based violence and sexual harassment,” she asserted.

A Path Towards Zero Tolerance

The workshop represents a vital step towards creating a more robust, coordinated, and compassionate response system for survivors of GBV in Côte d’Ivoire and across West Africa.

By empowering judicial, health, and social actors with enhanced skills, ECOWAS and its partners are not just addressing symptoms; they are confronting a pervasive societal ill at its roots.

The ultimate goal remains clear: to dismantle the systems that enable violence, prosecute perpetrators, and provide comprehensive support to survivors, ensuring that every woman and child in West Africa can live free from fear, with dignity and respect.

The path is long, but with renewed commitment and strengthened capacities, the region moves closer to achieving a future of zero tolerance for gender-based violence.