Two-Day Workshop Trains Service Providers to Protect Dignity and Rights of SGBV Survivors

_Crystal Palm Hotel Hosts UNFPA-PPAG funded Programme Training Sexual and Gender-Based Violence / Sexual Reproductive Health Rights

A two-day capacity building workshop aimed at strengthening the response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) has been held for frontline service providers.

The workshop, organized under the UNFPA-PPAG Funded and implemented Programme, was held at the Crystal Palm Hotel and brought together key actors who provide direct support to survivors and victims of abuse.

The training sought to equip service providers with up-to-date information and practical skills SGBV prevention and response, and survivor-centered approaches to care and protection.

Participants included officers from the Department of Social Welfare, Mental Health Authority, personnel from the Ghana Health Service, Legal Aid officers, media practitioners including ADOATV’s Reginald Pepsival Robertson, and other allied service providers.

Facilitators took participants through best practices in handling SGBV cases, including how to receive survivors, how to protect their privacy and dignity, referral pathways, and the importance of a coordinated, multi-sectoral response.

A major focus of the workshop was on ensuring that when victims seek support, they are met with empathy, professionalism, and respect for their SRH rights, without stigma or secondary victimization.

The Field Officer for the Accra Metro Project, Mr. Luther Dennis Nii Antieye Addy, expressed strong optimism about the impact of the training. He noted that the workshop will significantly help victims to receive the right support and ensure that service providers refer all SGBV cases through the appropriate channels and to the relevant health facilities when needed.

The interactive sessions also created a platform for service providers to share experiences, challenges and best practices from the field, and to explore ways to strengthen collaboration among institutions in the fight against SGBV.

At the end of the workshop, participants expressed commitment to apply the knowledge acquired to improve service delivery and ensure that survivors receive timely, confidential and dignified support.

Organizers noted that continuous training of service providers is critical to ending sexual and gender-based violence and upholding the rights of all, especially women and girls.