Over fifty security officers last Friday attended a one-day training seminar on the theme "Management and Prevention of Gender Based Violation" at the Joint Officers Mess in Kotu.

The seminar, organised by The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices affecting The Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP) in collaboration with UNFPA and the Women’s Bureau, was designed to build partnerships between civilians and security officers on the protection of women and children. It was also meant to equip officers with basic knowledge on issues affecting women and children.

In her welcoming address, Isatou Touray, the executive director of GAMCOTRAP, said the training was crucial in many ways as it will create a platform for the civilians and officers to share knowledge on gender based-violence and domestic ones.

According to her, the protection of the child is a collective responsibility of all.

"I must commend you to the officers for the good job. We at Gamcotrap are pleased to work with you at all times in creating a conducive environment for the women and children of this country," she said.

In declaring the seminar open, Lt Col Yankuba Drammeh, on behalf of the chief of defence staff of the Gambia Armed forces, Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, described the training as very important and timely.

According to him, sexual and gender-based violence remains one of the major problems affecting nations.

"In most cases, the victims feel reluctant to report the matter. This has a negative impact on the society as a whole. An effective response to this heinous act requires the collective actions of all stakeholders including security officers," he said.

Amie Bojang Cissoko, programme coordinator, Gamcotrap, also spoke at the ceremony.