Supporting the Establishment of the Balaka District GBV Response Team

The Social Justice Foundation (SJF), under the Human Rights Grant, supported the Angaza Foundation in establishing a District GBV Response Team in Balaka during a two-day engagement held on July 16–17, 2024. This collaboration aimed to strengthen local systems for preventing and responding to gender-based violence, particularly in support of marginalized communities, including LGBTIQ+ individuals. The process involved orienting stakeholders on effective GBV case management, referral pathways, emergency response protocols, and survivor-centered approaches. Participants were drawn from key district structures, including social welfare, the police, health services, legal aid, traditional leaders, youth groups, and community-based organizations. Through interactive sessions and technical planning, the team collectively defined the composition, roles, and operational guidelines of the GBV Response Team. By the close of the meeting, Angaza Foundation had successfully formed a multi-sectoral GBV Response Team equipped with the knowledge and structure needed to coordinate and respond to GBV cases across Balaka District.