[Mali] Assisting the DGPN to train focal point trainers

Mid-June, DCAF accompanied the Gender focal point of the National Police Inspectorate-General (DGPN) to assist with the training of instructors of police officials and civil society actors. This was one of the first Gender Focal Point training initiatives and it brought together police officials and humanitarian actors who have provided support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) during the Covid-19 crisis.

A total of 20 officials from all ranks of the national police force (of whom 8 were women), and 12 civil society actors (of whom 3 were women) took part in the 5-day programme. The sessions addressed a range of subjects including biosecurity, training/management based on results and training development process, ethics and neighbourhood/community policing, adult education, gender (coordinated by the Malian Institute of Research and Action for Peace (IMRAP)), and GBV (coordinated by UN Women).

The event as a whole enabled civil society actors to engage directly with police officials, especially during discussions on ethics and neighbourhood/community policing. According to Warrant Officer Madani Sangaré, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, the resources at his disposal are being deployed to assist any survivors who feel they have been let down by administrative procedures. The assertion was made in light of the point raised by the secretary-general of the Federation of Senegalese Women's Associations in Mali that survivors are reluctant to report the violence they experience to the police.

30.07.20