The Kaffrine region has just taken a major step forward in the protection and support of victims of gender-based violence (GBV) with the official establishment of the coordination team for the single point of contact for holistic care. This structure, the first of its kind in Senegal, complements a national system currently under development and positions Kaffrine as a pioneer.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ndèye Coumba Diagne Ba, the center's new coordinator, expressed her gratitude to the administrative authorities for the trust placed in her. "Mr. Governor," she said, "I thank you for the confidence you have placed in me by appointing me as coordinator of the single reception center for victims of gender-based violence."

She praised the governor's decisive commitment to the rapid commissioning of the center:

"The opening of the center is an example of your achievement, as you spared no effort to ensure its functionality as quickly as possible. The inauguration would never have been possible without your personal commitment."

A native of the region, the coordinator emphasizes the historical significance of this infrastructure: "The population will remember this holistic, historic gesture, which will forever be etched in the annals of our region." The center will help prevent victims from experiencing "secondary victimization," often linked to the multiplicity and dispersion of services.

From now on, the entire care chain will be centralized: medical care, psychological and social support, legal assistance and social reintegration.

She also pledged to ensure the smooth running of the service: "I make this commitment to you, Mr. Governor, and I extend my hand to the entire team and all those willing to help for the proper functioning of the center."

A national pilot center

For Abdoulaye Cissé, a sociologist and expert in the prevention and fight against sexual and gender-based violence at Enabel, Kaffrine has just sent a strong signal: “Kaffrine is the first region to have made its single reception center operational, after Kaolack and Fatick. This center is the first in Senegal to provide care for victims of gender-based violence, and Kaffrine has the honor of hosting this structure.”

He points out that a significant budget is dedicated to supporting these infrastructures and that their operational readiness was a prerequisite for any further support. "What we were waiting for was the functionality of this infrastructure."

The challenge now is to widely inform the population. "We will deploy on the ground to raise awareness so that the entire population of Kaffrin is informed of the existence of the unique holistic care center."

The inauguration of this center marks a turning point in the fight against gender-based violence and opens a new era of solidarity, protection and action in service of the most vulnerable populations.