Insights

Although the extent of gender-based violence (GBV) in Mali is difficult to assess, it is recognised as pervasive. Conflicts in the north and centre of the country and the rise of violent extremism are exacerbating the phenomenon, while the inadequacy and inaccessibility of victim support services, fear of reprisals and socio-cultural pressures discourage victims - and society at large - from speaking out. 

According to the GBV Information Management System, 64% of urban women have not sought help or spoken out about the violence they have experienced. This figure rises to 70% for women who grew up in rural areas. 

There are many reasons why victims are unable to talk, and one of them is the way they are treated by defence and security forces. 

The National Gendarmerie of Mali, a military force in charge of law enforcement, has been working for several years to better integrate the gender dimension within its institution, particularly on the issue of gender-based violence. 

UNDERSTANDING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN ORDER TO ELIMINATE IT

DCAF has been supporting the efforts of the Malian Gendarmerie since 2018, and has found that a significant proportion of gendarmes, who are the military members of the gendarmerie, have limited knowledge of the concept of gender equality, which prevent them from identifying and responding appropriately to victims.

I used to advise or encourage victims of GBV not to press charges, especially in cases of domestic violence - Gendarme

The Gendarmerie's gender self-assessment and the development of a national action plan identified several key areas for improvement, such as the lack of training on gender-based violence. This partly explains the lack of understanding of the issue.

Gendarme holding the training module on GBV developed by DCAF. Photo: DCAF 

DCAF supported the institution to develop a comprehensive training module on changing perceptions of gender-based violence. The three part module focuses on the theoretical understanding of GBV, why it is the duty of a gendarme to take GBV into account, and provides the technical skills to deal with cases. 

I became aware of the causes, consequences and best practices for supporting victims of GBV and the organizations that protect them, and I understood that GBV can hinder women's development – Chief Warrant Officer

I learnt that GBV includes all forms of abuse using coercive means and physical, sexual and psychological threats against different genders. - Gendarme

IMPLEMENTING CHANGE OVER TIME

To ensure the sustainability of the work, DCAF has supported the training of seven male and five female trainers from the Gendarmerie. The institution now has the internal resources to disseminate the module within its ranks.

Gendarmes working on exercises during GBV training. Photo: DCAF 

The new trainers then conducted five sessions, training 125 of their colleagues in the regions of Bamako, Koulikoro, Segou, Sikasso, and Kayes. It turned out that 80% of the participants had not received any training since leaving the academy, let alone on gender-based violence. According to one Lieutenant, the training is bearing fruit:  

In my unit, I now apply the various techniques I have learnt to the following stages: a warm welcome, a suitable environment, empathy, confidentiality, respect for the victim's best interests, and if necessary, referral to a specialised structure.

In addition, awareness can have a snowball effect, multiplying the impact of the training.

Welcoming and communicating with victims of GBV is essential. Once I'm back in my home unit, if there is a case of GBV, I will be able to train my colleagues who have not had the opportunity to receive the training. - Gendarme

The testimonies of the participants are corroborated by people from local communities, who say that they are more likely to approach the gendarmerie to report or denounce acts of GBV. 

Clearly, there is still a long way to go in the fight against GBV in Mali. However, DCAF's support to the gendarmerie is making a real difference to the situation of victims of GBV, who now have trained professionals to receive and accompany them when necessary.