Since 2017, Amnesty International has championed human rights education (HRE) across over 60 communities in Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, initially targeting female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. As of 2024, this initiative has evolved to encompass all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), reinforcing their mission to foster safer communities for all.
Amnesty International utilises human rights education as a powerful tool to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to promote equality and challenge GBV. By addressing the root causes of violence, this approach encourages shifts in societal attitudes and behaviours. Training local professionals rooted in the communities is essential, enabling them to effectively prevent GBV and support survivors through informed responses and interventions.
Key community figures such as teachers, healthcare providers, and journalists serve as catalysts for change. By incorporating human rights education into their practises, these advocates work to inspire a safer environment for women, girls, and youth throughout the three nations. Amnesty International fosters collaboration between HRE Coordinators and these vital professionals to amplify outreach and impact.
Teachers, often the first to encounter violence in educational settings, are pivotal in nurturing safe spaces for their students. Through trainings ranging from one to three days, teachers learn about human rights, safeguarding, and GBV. Employing engaging methods like drawings and debates equips them with fresh pedagogical techniques while enhancing their ability to support students.
According to Rigobert Kaly Boubane, a teacher who benefitted from the training, “The training was very interesting…now I have a clear understanding” of gender-based violence. Community activities such as Razz ball games further foster dialogue about GBV between students, parents, and educators, engaging the wider school community in constructive discussions and inter-school competitions.
Midwives and healthcare providers also play essential roles in addressing GBV by educating mothers about its harms. Following targeted training sessions, midwives in Senegal and elsewhere have launched awareness initiatives and connected survivors with support services. These vital links provide survivors with pathways to heal and access necessary resources.
Community meetings, such as those with local imams, further highlight connections between GBV and sexual health, emphasising religious leaders’ significant role in awareness-raising during sermons and ceremonies. Furthermore, midwives across several regions have facilitated multiple awareness-raising sessions for adolescents and women, demonstrating their commitment to combatting these issues.
Journalists amplify education about GBV through their platforms, with Amnesty International providing them with knowledge on the harmful impacts of FGM and child marriage. Joint training with healthcare providers strengthens community outreach, leading to informative media segments on radio shows that discuss vital topics such as the consequences of FGM.
Michel Bancé, a local journalist, notes: “Now I can tell people what GBV means…”. Through cultivated partnerships among various stakeholders, these initiatives seek to combat GBV effectively at the community level.
Since 2020, Amnesty International has made a significant impact; reaching over 40,000 individuals and fostering roughly 830 community-led initiatives. Moreover, they have established over 52 Human Rights Clubs in schools, enhancing awareness among children and youth. This robust groundwork has also supported legal reforms across the region, proving the efficacy of community action in combating GBV.
With the alarming prevalence rates of GBV, including up to 83% of girls experiencing FGM in Sierra Leone, this work remains urgent. The United Nations Population Fund statistics further confirm that 10 to 30% of women in West and Central Africa have recently faced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the need for sustained efforts in education and community empowerment.
Amnesty International has expanded its human rights education programme in West Africa to address all forms of gender-based violence (GBV) since 2017. By engaging key community members, such as teachers, midwives, and journalists, the initiative empowers local advocates to educate and support victims. Over the years, it has trained tens of thousands, facilitating numerous community-led actions and enhancing understanding of human rights, contributing to legislative improvements to combat violence.
Amnesty International’s multifaceted approach to human rights education has shown promising results in combating gender-based violence in West Africa. By training teachers, healthcare providers, and journalists, the initiative has built a network of informed advocates. This grassroots movement has not only educated thousands but also fostered community-led actions and strengthened legal frameworks to protect the rights of women and children. Enhanced understanding, collaboration, and commitment are pivotal in striving for a future free from gender-based violence.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
