By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), June 11, GNA – Stakeholders in the Oti Region have undergone intensive training on the Essential Services Package (ESP) framework to strengthen the prevention of and response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the region.
The training was organised by the Department of Gender under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
It brought together representatives of key government institutions and agencies, including the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Police Service, Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Civil Society Organisations, the National Peace Council, traditional leaders and other stakeholders.
Addressing participants, Mrs Esther Hammond, Acting Oti Regional Director of the Department of Gender, said the programme was aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of the ESP framework and strengthening institutional collaboration to ensure survivors of SGBV receive timely, quality and coordinated support services.
She explained that the training formed part of ongoing efforts to build the capacity of the Oti Regional ESP Committee and frontline service providers to implement national policies and international standards on gender-based violence prevention and response.
As part of the programme, Mrs Thywill Eyra Kpe, Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist, facilitated a capacity-building session on gender intersectionality for members of the Oti Regional ESP Committee.
The workshop strengthened participants’ understanding of how gender intersects with other social identities and circumstances, including age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic status, in shaping experiences of SGBV.
Mrs Kpe stressed that adopting an intersectional approach was essential for effective prevention and response, as survivors often face multiple and overlapping forms of discrimination and vulnerability.
She guided participants through discussions on inclusive service delivery, survivor-centred approaches and the importance of institutional collaboration to ensure vulnerable populations have equitable access to protection, support services and justice.
According to her, applying an intersectional lens enables service providers and policymakers to design interventions that respond to the diverse realities and needs of survivors across communities.
She noted that factors such as poverty, social exclusion, stigma, disability and unequal power relations often increase vulnerability and must be considered when designing support services.
Mrs Kpe also took participants through referral pathways, case documentation procedures, coordination mechanisms and ethical standards required in handling SGBV cases, stressing the need for confidentiality, professionalism and survivor safety.
The facilitator underscored the importance of a coordinated multi-sectoral response to violence against women and girls, advocating stronger collaboration among health, social welfare, law enforcement and justice institutions to ensure timely and effective support for survivors.
Briefing participants on the Essential Services Package framework, Mrs Kpe explained that the ESP comprises five key modules: health services, police and justice services, social services, coordination and governance, and community engagement.
She emphasised that these components must function collectively to provide comprehensive and effective support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Mr Edem Gudisu and other participants described the training as timely and insightful, noting that the knowledge gained would enhance the committee’s capacity to provide coordinated, inclusive and ethical services in line with national policies and international standards.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the quality of SGBV prevention and response services across the Oti Reg
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah