Baidoa, Somalia – Thirty representatives from the police, civil society, and youth organizations in Somalia’s Southwest State have successfully concluded a three-day workshop focused on combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through community policing.
Organized with support from the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), UN Women, and Somalia’s Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development, the training aimed to strengthen the capacity of local actors to address and prevent SGBV in their communities.
Participants were trained on community policing strategies, survivor-centered approaches, and engagement techniques to build trust between security forces and the communities they serve. The training was also anchored in Somalia’s national frameworks and aligned with international human rights and gender equality standards.
“This workshop is a critical step in ensuring that our police and community leaders are well-equipped to identify and respond to gender-based violence,” said a representative from the Southwest State Ministry of Women Affairs. “It’s about building a culture of prevention and accountability.”
Experts facilitated sessions on the legal and social dimensions of SGBV, trauma-informed response, and the importance of involving youth and civil society in long-term prevention strategies.
“Strengthening collaboration between communities and police is key to tackling SGBV effectively,” noted a trainer from UN Women. “This approach ensures that the response is not only reactive but also proactive and inclusive.”
The workshop marks part of a broader national effort to improve human rights protections and promote gender equity in Somalia. Similar trainings are expected to be rolled out in other federal member states in the coming months.
