On 17–18 July 2026, the Centre Arrupe Madagascar (CA-MDG), through its Health and Family Programme (Programme Santé et Famille – PSF), organized a two-day capacity-building workshop in Toliara, Madagascar, bringing together community association focal persons committed to combating violence, particularly violence against women and girls.

The training built upon the momentum of a previous workshop held on 23 April 2026, reaffirming CA-MDG’s commitment to strengthening community-based responses to gender-based violence. Its primary objective was to equip association representatives with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to prevent violence, provide compassionate first-line support to survivors, and refer them to appropriate care and protection services available in Toliara.

A total of 34 participants representing 18 community associations attended the workshop. Some of the organizations have long been involved in preventing violence, while others are expanding their commitment to protecting vulnerable members of their communities. Throughout the two-day training, participants demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm, actively engaging in discussions, sharing experiences, and exploring practical approaches to addressing violence at the grassroots level. Their participation reflected a shared determination to build communities that are safer, more inclusive, and more supportive for women and girls.

The workshop explored several key themes essential to effective community action against gender-based violence. Participants strengthened their understanding of the different forms of gender-based violence, its causes and consequences, and the mechanisms available for survivor support and care. Discussions also examined the relationship between gender, social inequalities, and violence, highlighting how discrimination and unequal power relations contribute to abuse.

The training further introduced participants to the human rights principles and legal frameworks that guide the prevention of violence and the protection of survivors. Particular emphasis was placed on the responsibilities of community association focal persons, including active listening, respectful reception of survivors, appropriate referral pathways, and ongoing accompaniment to ensure victims receive the care and support they need.

Beyond theoretical learning, participants collaborated to develop association-specific action plans designed to strengthen local prevention initiatives within their respective communities. These practical plans will serve as roadmaps for awareness campaigns, community engagement, survivor support, and collaboration with existing service providers.

The workshop marks another important milestone in establishing a network of trained community focal persons capable of responding effectively to violence where it occurs most often—within local communities. By investing in the capacities of these community actors, Centre Arrupe Madagascar is helping to improve violence prevention efforts while ensuring that survivors have better access to compassionate guidance and appropriate services.

Preventing violence is a shared responsibility. Every trained community focal person becomes a catalyst for hope, protection, and lasting change, helping to foster communities where the dignity, safety, and rights of every woman and girl are respected and upheld.

By, Communications Team,

Centre Arrupe-Madagascar (CA-MDG).