AORC AOMA

25/08/2026

📺 NOW AVAILABLE ON THE AOMA–AORC YOUTUBE CHANNEL

- Missed our recent AORC–IOI Women’s Month Webinar, or would you like to revisit the conversation?

Watch “Celebrating Women’s Month: Handling Gender-Based and Discrimination Complaints” and explore practical insights on investigating GBV and discrimination complaints, trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches, accountability and systemic reform.

▶️ Watch the webinar on YouTube : https://youtu.be/1_zfzvuItjg

And while you are there, explore our previous webinars for more conversations, expert insights and practical learning on issues shaping the work of Ombudsman institutions across Africa and beyond.

Learn. Revisit. Share. Strengthen practice. Aoma Aorc

In celebration of South African Women’s Month, the African Ombudsma...

18/08/2026

MORE THAN 200 PARTICIPANTS JOIN AORC–AOMA–IOI WOMEN’S MONTH WEBINAR ON INVESTIGATING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION

This morning, Tuesday, 18 August 2026, more than 200 participants joined the African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC), the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA) and the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) for a powerful Women’s Month webinar on “Handling Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination Complaints.”

The webinar brought together distinguished practitioners from Africa, Europe and Latin America to examine how Ombudsman institutions can investigate gender-based violence and discrimination effectively, sensitively and without causing further harm to survivors.

In her welcome address, the Public Protector of South Africa and Chairperson of the AORC Board, Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka, challenged Ombudsman institutions to move beyond routine complaint handling and confront the structural conditions that allow gender-based violence and discrimination to persist.

“This is not investigation as usual.”

She further emphasised that:

“Every gender-based violence investigation should leave the system better than it found it.”

This powerful message set the tone for a discussion focused not only on resolving individual complaints, but also on identifying institutional failures, strengthening accountability and preventing future violations.

Justice Florence Mumba, former Ombudsman of Zambia, provided an authoritative overview of the legal and policy framework governing Ombudsman work on gender equality, discrimination and gender-based violence. Drawing upon international and regional human-rights instruments, she underscored the importance of independent, accessible and accountable institutions.

“The Ombudsman is an important human-rights and good-administration institution.”

She also reminded participants that effective complaint handling must be guided by strong institutional values:

“Efficiency is important, as are transparency and accountability.”

Her presentation demonstrated that legal frameworks must be translated into practical institutional mechanisms—including accessible complaint procedures, confidentiality, specialised expertise, secure information-management systems, staff training and effective public reporting.

Ms Irine Chikhladze, Deputy Ombudsman of Georgia, then brought the discussion firmly into practice. Through real cases involving discrimination against women in professional sport and unequal power relationships within educational institutions, she illustrated how discrimination can be hidden within apparently neutral policies and systems.

“Comparable protection was not available to women in professional sport.”

Her presentation highlighted the importance of examining context, unequal power relations and the broader institutional environment—not merely the isolated facts of a complaint.

“Our work is communication with the victim, helping her navigate the institutional system and, where necessary, access services and support.”

Her practical experience reinforced the need for victim-centred communication, cooperation between institutions, careful evidence gathering and remedies that address both individual harm and recurring patterns of discrimination.

Joining from Argentina, Ms Verónica Manquel, Coordinator of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Team in the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Penitentiary System, delivered a deeply compelling presentation on trauma-informed and survivor-centred investigations in places of detention.

Using an investigation into invasive bodily searches and medical examinations of women in custody, she demonstrated how practices presented as legitimate security procedures may acquire a dimension of sexual or institutional violence when applied within relationships of custody and profound power imbalance.

One of the strongest lessons of the webinar was her reminder that:

“An investigation should not produce new burdens for the person who reports, especially when dealing with potentially traumatic experiences.”

She explained how joint interviews, informed consent, medical records, institutional documentation and corroborating testimony can reduce the need for survivors to repeat traumatic accounts while still strengthening the investigation.

Her concluding message captured the essence of survivor-centred investigation:

“The complainant’s account is not the end of the investigation; it is the starting point.”

The discussion was skilfully facilitated by Adv. Ingrid Husselmann, Chief Ombudsman of Namibia, who connected the legal framework, practical methodologies and survivor-centred approaches presented by the speakers. She guided a valuable exchange on building public trust, identifying systemic discrimination and ensuring that investigations lead to meaningful institutional reform.

The closing remarks and vote of thanks were delivered by Hon. Bashir Abubakar, Chief Commissioner of Nigeria’s Public Complaints Commission and Deputy Secretary General of AOMA, who expressed appreciation to the speakers, organisers and participants for contributing to this important continental and international conversation.

AORC and AOMA extend their profound appreciation to the Public Protector of South Africa, Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka, for her leadership and continued commitment to strengthening Ombudsman institutions across Africa.

We equally acknowledge the International Ombudsman Institute for its valued collaboration and support in making international knowledge, experience and expertise accessible to the Ombudsman community.

Our deepest appreciation goes to our distinguished panellists—Justice Florence Mumba, Ms Irine Chikhladze and Ms Verónica Manquel—for sharing their expertise, practical experiences and powerful lessons so generously. We also thank Adv. Ingrid Husselmann for her excellent facilitation and Hon. Bashir Abubakar for bringing the programme to a fitting conclusion.

To the more than 200 participants who joined us: thank you for making this webinar an exceptional platform for learning, reflection and institutional action.

And to those who could not attend—you missed an extraordinary exchange that moved from international legal standards to real investigations, real institutional failures and practical strategies for protecting survivors. The lessons and presentations will continue to inform the work of Ombudsman institutions well beyond this webinar.

Our collective outcome and call to action:

LISTEN TO THE SURVIVOR. INVESTIGATE THE SYSTEM. TRANSFORM THE INSTITUTION.

Because a successful investigation must do more than close a complaint—it must help prevent the next violation.

Public Protector South Africa Office of the Ombudsman Namibia Public Complaints Commission Nigeria Office of the Public Protector - Zambia

14/08/2026

📢 Don’t Miss Out — Join Us!

In celebration of South African Women’s Month, join the AORC–IOI Webinar on “Handling Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination Complaints.”

Hear practical insights from international Ombudsman experts on gender rights, effective investigations, and trauma-informed, survivor-centred approaches.

📅 Tuesday, 18 August 2026
🕙 10:00–11:30 SAST (GMT+2)
💻 Online | Participation is FREE

👉 RSVP now: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1fKNEaVlQUmVtBMf5fHhew

Listen • Protect • Empower

11/08/2026

The African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA) is pleased to welcome Hon. Conrad GBAGUIDI, the new Mediator of the Republic of Benin. 🇧🇯

His appointment opens a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between AOMA and the Institution of the Mediator of the Republic of Benin. AOMA looks forward to working closely with Hon. GBAGUIDI in advancing Ombudsman values, strengthening institutions and promoting accountable and responsive governance across Africa.

As we welcome this new chapter, AOMA also expresses its profound appreciation to Hon. Pascal Essou, former Mediator of the Republic of Benin and Treasurer General of AOMA, for his distinguished service, leadership, integrity and valuable contribution to the Association.

Welcome to the AOMA family, Hon. Conrad GBAGUIDI. We look forward to a strong and fruitful collaboration.

30/07/2026

📢 SAVE THE DATE | INTERNATIONAL WEBINAR

In celebration of Women's Month in South Africa, the African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC)—the research and training arm of the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA)—in partnership with the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), warmly invites Ombudsman institutions, Mediators, public officials, legal professionals, civil society organisations, academics, students, development partners, and all those passionate about justice, equality and human rights to join this important international webinar.

Investigating Gender-Based Violence & Discrimination Complaints

🗓 Tuesday, 18 August 2026
🕙 10:00 – 11:30 (SAST | GMT+2)
💻 Platform: Zoom

Gender-based violence and discrimination continue to affect millions of lives, undermining dignity, equality and access to justice. Yet many people are unaware of the critical role Ombudsman institutions play in protecting victims, holding public institutions accountable, resolving complaints, and promoting fair, inclusive and responsive governance.

This webinar offers a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished international experts as they share practical experiences, innovative investigative techniques and best practices in addressing gender-based violence and discrimination complaints through human rights-based, trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches.

Whether you work in the justice sector, public administration, academia, civil society—or simply believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness—this conversation is for you. Come and discover how Ombudsman institutions are making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable people and strengthening accountability across Africa and beyond.

🔗 Register today and be part of the conversation:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1fKNEaVlQUmVtBMf5fHhew

🌍 Simultaneous interpretation will be available in: English | French | Arabic | Portuguese | Spanish.

🤝 This webinar is made possible through the generous funding support of the African Renaissance Fund (ARF), through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), South Africa.

📣 The official event announcement, programme and distinguished panel of international speakers will be unveiled soon. Save the date, register now, and join a growing community committed to advancing justice, equality and human dignity through the work of Ombudsman institutions.

Together, let us strengthen the voices that protect the vulnerable, uphold human rights, and ensure that every complaint has the opportunity to become a pathway to justice.

27/07/2026

Day 3 Highlights | Driving Digital Transformation and Building Africa's Future Investigators Aoma Aorc Office of the Ombudsman Namibia

WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA – The final day of the African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC) continental training programme brought together the knowledge and practical skills acquired throughout the week, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and institutional sustainability. Hosted at the Windhoek Country Club Resort by the Office of the Ombudsman of Namibia, Day 3 challenged delegates to embrace technology while reinforcing the legal, ethical and professional foundations of Ombudsman investigations.

Under the leadership of Mr Brian Sebola, representing the African Renaissance Fund (ARF), South Africa, the day's programme commenced with reflections on the journey thus far and an outline of the final day's objectives. Delegates were then inspired by Prof. Thuli Madonsela, Social Justice Chair at Stellenbosch University, who reflected on the key lessons from Day 2, encouraging participants to translate new knowledge into lasting institutional change.

Building on the momentum from the previous day, delegates returned to the mixed-group practical exercise under the guidance of Hon. George Robert, Ombudsman of Seychelles. Teams continued analysing investigative scenarios, testing evidence, debating findings and applying forensic methodologies in a collaborative environment that strengthened peer learning and practical problem-solving.

The training then turned decisively towards the future of Ombudsman investigations through a comprehensive series of presentations by Professor Manoj Maharaj from the School of ICT, University of KwaZulu-Natal. Across three interconnected sessions, delegates explored digital evidence and electronic case handling, digital case management systems and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in investigations, and cybersecurity, data protection and technology integration, drawing lessons from the Namibian experience. Together, these sessions demonstrated how emerging technologies can enhance investigative efficiency while safeguarding the integrity, security and confidentiality of Ombudsman processes.

Continuing the digital transformation agenda, Mr Melvin Yogolingam, ACFE Board Member and Chief Executive of FinCrime & AI Strategy at Merlynn Intelligence Technologies, introduced delegates to the concept of AI-enabled public-private partnerships, illustrating how collective intelligence and strategic collaboration can strengthen fraud detection, digital investigations and institutional resilience in the fight against corruption.

The programme then shifted focus to the effective conclusion of investigations. Hon. Grace Malera, Ombudsman of Malawi, outlined the principles of investigation reporting, emphasising legal and forensic standards that ensure reports are accurate, credible and capable of withstanding public and judicial scrutiny. This was followed by Hon. Basilius Dyakugha, Ombudsman of Namibia, who explored the importance of sound findings, recommendations and remedial action, highlighting how well-crafted remedies ultimately determine the impact of Ombudsman investigations.

Preparing delegates for the realities that often follow major investigations, Mr Charles Orinda Dulo, Chairperson of the Commission on Administrative Justice, Kenya, delivered an insightful session on litigation readiness and courtroom exposure, equipping participants with practical guidance on defending investigative findings and presenting evidence confidently before the courts.

A significant milestone of the training was the launch of the AORC Virtual Training Faculty, led by Prof. Thuli Madonsela, signalling a new era of continuous learning, collaboration and knowledge sharing among Ombudsman institutions across Africa. The launch was immediately followed by a Train-the-Trainer session facilitated by Hon. Caroline C.Z. Sokoni, Secretary-General of AOMA and Public Protector of Zambia, where delegates committed to cascading the knowledge gained throughout the training within their respective institutions, ensuring that the benefits of the programme extend well beyond Windhoek.

Following the evaluation session, Hon. Bashir Abubakar, Deputy Secretary-General of AOMA and Ombudsman of Nigeria, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of the facilitators, partners and delegates who made the programme a success. The training officially concluded with closing remarks by Hon. Aimée Laurentine Kanyana, Acting First Vice-President of AOMA and Ombudsman of Burundi, who encouraged participants to return home as ambassadors of excellence, innovation and accountability within Africa's Ombudsman institutions.

The programme concluded with an informal networking dinner, providing delegates with a final opportunity to strengthen professional relationships, exchange experiences and reinforce the continental partnerships established throughout the week.

Over three days, the AORC Continental Training Programme successfully combined forensic investigation, digital innovation, practical learning and peer collaboration, equipping Africa's Ombudsman institutions with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to strengthen accountability, integrity and good governance across the continent.

24/07/2026

23/07/2026