Mapping services to empower victims of gender-based violence in N’Djamena
The Association of Women Leaders for Gender Rights and Equity in Chad (AFLADEGT) is hosting a two-day workshop in N’Djamena from August 12 to 13, 2026, to validate a groundbreaking study on the mapping of legal and psychosocial support services for victims of gender-based violence (GBV). This initiative, part of the WISH 2-WACA project, aims to enhance victim orientation, streamline coordination among service providers, and strengthen the overall response to GBV cases.
The gathering brings together representatives from relevant ministries, civil society organizations, technical and financial partners, and specialized agencies to review and refine the mapping outcomes. The goal is to transform this tool into a dynamic instrument for guiding victims, coordinating services, and advocating for policy changes.
Key objectives of the GBV service mapping initiative
During the opening session, AFLADEGT President Wouténé Mélissa emphasized the critical role of this mapping in improving victims’ access to essential services. She stressed that the document should not remain static but must serve as a living resource for orientation, coordination, and advocacy.
« When a woman or girl experiences gender-based violence, she needs immediate clarity on where to seek help, which services to access, and how to receive appropriate care, » Mélissa stated. The study highlights significant gaps in service coverage, victim awareness, referral mechanisms, and resource allocation. These findings are intended to inform actionable recommendations for strengthening existing services, refining referral pathways, and mobilizing additional support.
Challenges and gaps in GBV support services
Dr Kadidja Amadaye Abgrene, Director of Reproductive Health, underscored that gender-based violence undermines fundamental rights and dignity. She acknowledged government efforts, including legal reforms and the establishment of integrated multisectoral service centers, while acknowledging persistent challenges in legal and judicial assistance.
According to the study’s data, fewer than 11% of identified victims receive effective legal support. Informal settlements, lack of awareness, and weak coordinated referral systems are among the key obstacles. The mapping also reveals uneven service distribution across N’Djamena’s districts, insufficient secure spaces for confidential victim reception, and critical shortages in human and material resources.
For Dr Abgrene, the study’s findings must now guide operational improvements in victim orientation, referral efficiency, and evidence-based policymaking to ensure no one is left without support.
