The National Support Centre for Womens Organizations in Gabon

Brief Description

The National Support Centre for Women's Organizations in Gabon organization brings together women's associations and NGOs grouped into networks by strengthening their capacities. It is supported by the Government of Gabon and the African Capacity-Building Foundation (ACBF). The Centre, through its Network for Democracy, Law and Peace (REDDP), provides paralegal training in June 2008 for all district heads, with women a priority but with the inclusion of men so as to respect gender.

The training focused on available legal defences that women must know about and use when they are victims of any violation of their rights. Those leaders, in turn, provide awareness in the local areas under their authority with the help of legally qualified members of those networks. Brochures explaining women's rights have been distributed free, dealing with how to submit a complaint, the various elements of the Gabonese justice system, the various levels of courts and their roles, etc. A reminder letter was sent to the Minister of Justice to ensure the effective functioning of free legal aid, which has been made the subject of a law.