By Omar Bah
The One-Stop Shop Entrepreneurship and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Support Center in Farafenni, The Gambia, has been established to offer a comprehensive range of services to women affected by gender-based violence. Constructed through the collaboration of the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the center aims to provide economic and social support to address the challenges faced by survivors of gender-based violence.
The center offers various services, including training to assist women in registering their businesses, professionally packaging and labeling their products, and enhancing sales. Moreover, it supports small businesses in creating much-needed employment opportunities. The center’s establishment was made possible through partnerships with the Kerewan Area Council, the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), and the Gambia Association for Local Government Authorities. The United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and the United Nations Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund provided $100,000.
Furthermore, the center aids cross-border traders, mainly women in the region, by providing trade information and resources through a Trade Information and Border Assistance Office. Additionally, it offers survivors health, legal, and psycho-social services, creating a safe space to promote prevention, justice, and healing. The center comprises a training room, shared offices for business support organizations, consultation rooms for GBV survivors, a meeting room, and an innovation hub.
The center’s establishment marks a significant milestone and is a cause for celebration. UN Resident Coordinator Karl Frederick has praised it as a powerful testament to the commitment to private sector development, women’s and youth socio-economic empowerment, and improving the resilience of vulnerable communities. This celebration underscores the significance and impact of this initiative, instilling a sense of optimism and progress.
