Africa-Press – Gambia. A nationwide community engagement initiative aimed at increasing women’s political participation and improving access to justice was launched on 15 November.
The launching ceremony was held at Sama Kairo Conference Hall in Brikama, and it brought together political party leaders, community elders, civil society organisations, and both seasoned and aspiring women leaders.
The programme seeks to confront long-standing challenges faced by women in Gambian politics by rolling out community dialogues, targeted workshops, media advocacy, and direct consultations with political parties. Its overall goal is to strengthen women’s leadership pathways and ensure that the environment is more inclusive, fair, and supportive.
Delivering the opening remarks, Ms. Anna Njie, President of the Female Lawyers Association Gambia (FLAG), described the event as a landmark moment. She noted that for the first time under this programme, “we have women political space,” stressing that women’s political participation is not a partisan concern but a national development priority essential to democratic growth and good governance.
Ms. Njie says Gambian women already serve as leaders in their homes, communities, and workplaces, as well as in peacebuilding processes. Yet, she continues, they continue to be underrepresented in formal political leadership. She highlighted barriers such as cultural resistance, intimidation, cyberbullying, limited mentorship opportunities, and restricted access to justice.
She emphasizes that FLAG’s mission is to ensure women understand their civic and political rights, gain confidence to engage in leadership, and have access to justice when discrimination or intimidation threatens their participation. She explains that access to justice is not limited to courtrooms — it also means knowing one’s right to vote, to run for office, to influence public policy, and to challenge exclusion with knowledge of the law and adequate support.
“We do not only want to increase the number of women in politics,” she said. “We want women to influence decisions, shape policies, and hold leadership positions at all levels.” Achieving this, she added, required collective effort among community structures, political parties, and civic institutions.
Ms. Njie also expressed FLAG’s appreciation to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives for its continued support, noting that the organisation’s investment is expanding access to justice, amplifying women’s leadership, and creating opportunities across the country.
“FLAG stands firmly with every woman on this journey today, tomorrow, and until women’s leadership becomes fully recognised, respected, and protected,” she reaffirmed.
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