The Women and Sports Association, in partnership with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy in Mali and the Delegation of the European Union, convened a critical discussion forum on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at the Bamako Youth Center on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This gathering of partners and stakeholders revealed alarming statistics: reported GBV cases surged from 15,993 in 2023 to 22,700 cases in 2024—a staggering 42% increase in just one year.
This dramatic rise in violence against women and girls represents more than just numbers—it signals a deepening humanitarian crisis in a region already facing multiple challenges. The European Union has responded by placing GBV prevention and response at the core of its development and humanitarian work, recognizing that sustainable peace and development cannot be achieved while half the population lives under threat of violence.
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During the 16 Days of Activism campaign, Ms. Bettina Muscheidt, Chargée d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Mali, articulated the EU’s comprehensive approach: “The shocking increase to 22,700 GBV cases in 2024, with 98% affecting women and girls and 25% involving rape, represents an emergency that demands immediate, coordinated action. These aren’t abstract statistics—each number represents a human being whose life has been shattered, whose dreams have been interrupted, and whose basic right to safety has been violated.”
Ms. Muscheidt emphasized that the EU’s support extends beyond funding to include technical assistance, capacity building for local organizations, and advocacy for legal reforms. “Our initiatives focus on enabling survivors to regain their dignity through comprehensive support systems that address both immediate needs and long-term recovery,” she explained.
Ms. Célia d’Almeida, Country Representative of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy in Mali, highlighted the critical need for political will and structural change: “We must create enabling environments where women’s rights are protected through legislation and where women have meaningful representation in decision-making bodies. Advocacy alone is insufficient without the political frameworks to sustain progress.”
The forum featured expert insights from Ms. Rose Bouzaid, Gender Training Expert from the Eucap Sahel Mali Mission, who outlined a multi-pronged approach to combating GBV: “We must break the silence through community education, establish protective mechanisms like one-stop centers that provide medical, legal, and psychological support in a single location, and implement emergency hotlines that are accessible even in remote areas. Prevention requires changing social norms that tolerate violence, while response demands specialized services that prioritize survivor safety and dignity.”
Ms. Traoré Fatoumata Diallo, President of the Women and Sports Association, expressed gratitude for the partnership while emphasizing the long-term vision: “Our aspiration extends beyond managing cases of violence—we envision a world where women and girls can live without fear, where their rights are respected, and where zero tolerance for GBV becomes our collective reality. Sport serves as a powerful tool for empowerment, helping women develop confidence and community support networks.”
The event included a powerful choreography performance by students from the Balla Fasséké Kouyaté Multimedia Conservatory, using artistic expression to visualize the trauma of GBV and the hope for healing. Such cultural interventions play a crucial role in raising awareness and challenging harmful social norms that perpetuate violence.
Kada Tandina
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