On 26 February 2015, some 110 Sudanese community policewomen concluded a five-day workshop on human rights, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and child protection conducted by UNAMID at the North Darfur State Police Headquarters in El Fasher.

The workshop, organized by the UNAMID North Darfur Police Command in cooperation with the local Sudanese police authorities, aimed at equipping community policewomen with knowledge on how to address human rights issues, protect children from sexual and physical violence and respond appropriately to SGBV victims.

In her remarks during the workshop’s closing ceremony, UNAMID Police Commissioner Brigadier Hester Paneras commended the great role women play in the society. "It is a great honour for me to speak to women who want to effect change in Darfur," she said, pointing out that women are the main pillar for any society. She called on the participants to use their gained knowledge in addressing community issues and support the SGBV victims in the region.

On his part, Mohammed El Amin Souef, Head of UNAMID Office in North Darfur, expressed his appreciation for the continued cooperation between UNAMID and the Sudanese Police. "As our cooperation with the police authorities continues, we shall spare no effort to enhance this cooperation," he said, reaffirming the Mission’s commitment to providing further workshops and training for the members of the Sudanese Police.

On behalf of the General Administration of Community and Popular Policing in North Darfur, Col. Ibrahim Mabyou expressed his gratitude for the joint cooperation between the Sudanese police and UNAMID. He also voiced his hope that the participants will apply their newly gained skills and knowledge in their work and denounce conflict in the region.

"We are pleased to have participated in the workshop and shall remain committed to applying what we have learnt for the sake of dissemination of peace culture," said Rabab Farouq, on behalf of the participating policewomen.