Tamale: The Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana) has organized a one-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing psychosocial support services for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the Northern Region. The training targeted frontline service providers, including safe space personnel from health facilities, school counselors, and mental health practitioners, with a focus on equipping them with essential knowledge and practical skills in delivering psychosocial support services and psychological first aid.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative is a part of the 'EMPOWERHER: Advancing Institutional Strength, Leadership, Protection and Inclusion for Sustainable Impact' project. This project is executed by SWIDA-Ghana in collaboration with Plan International Ghana and is funded by Global Affairs Canada under the Renewed Women's Voice and Leadership (RWVL) project. Implementation of the project is ongoing in the Tamale and Sagnarigu Municipalities, focusing on bolstering the capacity of personnel responsible for counseling and mental health support services in healthcare facilities and schools.
Miss Fatimata Abdul-Rasheed, the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Officer and Project Lead for EMPOWERHER, addressed the training participants. She highlighted the training's goals to enhance the ability of participants in providing psychological first aid, managing SGBV and mental health-related cases, and offering appropriate support and referrals to those in need. She stated, "This training is geared towards improving support systems for women and girls, particularly survivors of SGBV, while ensuring that frontline personnel have the necessary skills to respond effectively to their needs."
Ms. Abdul-Rasheed further explained that the training aligns with the EMPOWERHER project's broader objectives, which include improving women's participation in decision-making processes and enhancing protection against SGBV. The project is expected to directly benefit approximately 1,660 people, including 600 women, 500 youth, 200 girls, and 50 persons with disabilities, alongside numerous indirect beneficiaries.
Mr. Aram Nyame, the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer at Total Life Enhancement Centre, facilitated the training. He emphasized the role of counseling in supporting vulnerable individuals and promoting mental well-being. Participants were engaged in understanding the purpose of counseling, distinguishing it from other forms of support, and applying ethical principles in counseling practice. Mr. Nyame also addressed the importance of active listening, empathic communication, and effective questioning techniques.
Special attention was given to children affected by crises and traumatic experiences. Mr. Nyame advised participants to use simple language, provide reassurance, maintain routines, encourage expression through play, and avoid exposing children to overwhelming information that could increase anxiety and distress.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the training, describing it as timely due to growing concerns about mental health and SGBV in communities. They committed to applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills to enhance psychosocial support services and strengthen protection mechanisms for women, girls, and other vulnerable groups in their respective communities.