Every hour in the Central African Republic, two people experience gender-based violence. Our efforts to address this issue include a comprehensive strategy involving local men and Sudanese refugees, encouraging them to adopt and promote responsible behaviors within their communities.

 

The presence of active armed groups in northeastern Central African Republic, along with the ongoing crisis in Sudan, continues to displace people toward border cities such as Am-Dafock and Birao. This forced migration heightens the vulnerability of women and girls, putting them at increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence, with serious consequences for their physical and mental health, as well as for the socio-economic stability of their families.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), two people—primarily women and girls—fall victim to gender-based violence every hour in the Central African Republic. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, nearly 5,000 cases were reported, with sexual violence accounting for 37% of these incidents. The World Bank estimates an annual average of 11,000 cases of sexual violence, with 74% affecting minors of both sexes.

To address this urgent situation, a training session using the EMAP (Engaging Men through Accountable Practice) approach was organized in Birao, the capital of Vakaga prefecture in northern Central African Republic. This training is designed to engage men in the promotion of responsible practices and was attended by 16 community facilitators and two staff members. Participants included Sudanese refugees from the Korsi neighborhood, local youth, and humanitarian workers. The 12-day training was conducted by INTERSOS and UNHCR trainers.

At the opening session, Kenneth Chulley, UNHCR Deputy Representative for Operations, praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of engaging men in responsible practices as part of the broader effort to combat gender-based violence.

“I had never participated in a training like this before,” said Yasser, a local community member, who added that the experience had positively impacted his behavior: “Before the training, I would scold my sisters for not cleaning the yard. After following the EMAP modules, I decided to handle the cleaning myself every morning.”

Abdel Karim, another participant from the Korsi district, admitted he was unaware of the nature of gender-based violence and had often been violent towards his wife. “I used to hit her when the meal wasn’t ready when I got home. Now I understand that this is gender-based violence, and I am committed to treating her with greater respect.”

The EMAP approach will be rolled out in other neighborhoods of Birao in the coming weeks.