From March 31 to April 4, 2025, GS-Foundation hosted its first Train-the-Trainer course of the year in Abuja, aimed at empowering Gender Desk Officers of the Nigeria Police Force in their response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
14 officers from various Abuja-based police stations (12 women and 2 men) participated in the week-long training.
Practical, trauma-informed training
Throughout the seminar, participants were trained in key areas such as:
- Case management for SGBV-related incidents
- Legal knowledge, including the VAPP Act (2015)
- Psychological First Aid for survivors
- Understanding trauma and stress reactions
- Building trust through community and multi-agency collaboration
The training combined legal knowledge with psychological insight and hands-on methodology, including group discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises.
Interdisciplinary approach
The course was led by the Gender Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with GS-Foundation experts and civil society partners. A special focus was placed on addressing real-world challenges and providing practical tools that officers can immediately apply in the field.
Looking ahead
A follow-up workshop for all previously trained officers (2024 and 2025 cohorts) is scheduled for June 2025. It will focus on peer supervision, reflection, and experience-sharing.
With initiatives like this, the GS-Foundation continues its mission to strengthen a police force that not only protects survivors – but understands them.
