In the Central African Republic, women and girls, including an estimated 73,000 pregnant women, are struggling to access reproductive healthcare and gender-based violence (GBV) services as insecurity continues to heighten their protection risks.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and its implementing partner operate a health referral centre in Bimbo, providing crucial maternal healthcare services to women in need. These services encompass family planning, prenatal and postnatal care, as well as the clinical management of rape for survivors of GBV.
The protracted conflict has resulted in the displacement of approximately one in five people, either internally or across borders. Clashes between conflicting parties, attacks on civilians, and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law remain widespread, particularly in the southeastern and western regions of the country. Moreover, the ongoing conflict in Sudan and instability in southern Chad have further exacerbated vulnerabilities in the northeastern and northwestern areas.
UNFPA has also extended its support to the Boeing Bimbo Safe Space, a dynamic hub for empowerment and education, offering a diverse range of programmes. These include training in computer skills such as Excel and Word, as well as livelihood initiatives like baking and sewing. By equipping participants with practical skills, the safe space fosters independence and economic self-sufficiency, ultimately contributing to the reduction of GBV.
Gender-Based Violence Case Manager, Delphine Gisèle Thile, highlighted that the centre receives physically assaulted women and girls, offering them the necessary care and support. She described the safe space as an inclusive and welcoming environment for displaced individuals and members of the broader community. Survivors of violence receive compassionate assistance through private counselling, case management services, and both psychological and medical support, aiding in their recovery from trauma. Additionally, other women engage in life skills training and income-generating activities, enabling them to sustain themselves financially.
Minister for Gender Promotion, Protection of Women, Family and Children in the Central African Republic, Dr Martha Augustine Kirimat, expressed concern over the potential cessation of funding, warning that it would severely impact the healthcare services available to women and girls in the country.
She further noted that the maternal mortality rate in the Central African Republic remains among the highest in the sub-region and one of the highest globally, with over 800 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The discontinuation of funding would have a devastating effect on maternal and child health, leading to a rise in mortality rates.
In 2024, UNFPA supported a total of 12 safe spaces across the Central African Republic, providing GBV case management, psychosocial support, and livelihood training to vulnerable women and girls.
