Chad tackles gender-based violence with victim support mapping in N’Djamena

The Association of Women Leaders for Access to Rights and Gender Equity in Chad (AFLADEGT) is convening a two-day workshop in N’Djamena on August 12–13, 2026, to validate a groundbreaking study mapping legal and psychosocial support services for gender-based violence (GBV) survivors.

This initiative, part of the WISH 2-WACA project, aims to streamline victim referrals and strengthen coordination among service providers. Participants—including government officials, civil society representatives, technical partners, and specialized agencies—will review and refine the mapping results to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Strengthening victim pathways through coordinated action

AFLADEGT President Wouténé Mélissa emphasized that the mapping tool is far more than a document—it’s a strategic instrument for orientation, collaboration, and advocacy. “When a woman or girl faces violence, she needs immediate clarity on where to seek help, how to access services, and what support is available,” she stated. The study highlights critical gaps in service coverage, victim awareness, referral mechanisms, and resource allocation.

Key findings reveal uneven service distribution across districts, a lack of confidential safe spaces for survivors, and shortages in human and material resources. Mélissa stressed that these insights must drive actionable recommendations to enhance existing services, improve referral systems, and secure additional funding.

Chad’s public health sector weighs in on GBV response gaps

Dr. Kadidja Amadaye Abgrene, Director of Reproductive Health, underscored the severity of GBV as a violation of fundamental rights and dignity. While acknowledging government efforts—such as legal reforms and the establishment of integrated multisectoral service centers—she noted persistent challenges.

Less than 11% of identified survivors receive effective legal support, she reported, citing mediation as a common substitute for justice, inadequate victim information systems, and weak referral coordination as major hurdles. The study’s N’Djamena-specific data further exposes disparities in service access by district, reinforcing the need for targeted interventions.

For Dr. Abgrene, the validated mapping must now serve as a roadmap for policymakers, guiding improvements in survivor orientation, cross-sector referrals, and resource mobilization to address these systemic gaps.