National Conference on Women’s Political Participation and Representation in The Gambia

Setting the Stage – 15 December 2025

08:00 – 09:00 – Arrival and Registration

09:00 – 10:30 – Opening Ceremony

Master of the Ceremony: Mrs. Jainaba Faye, Head of International IDEA’s Country Office, The Gambia

Welcome Statement: Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA (Virtual)

Solidarity Messages:

H.E. Immaculada Roca I Cortes – Ambassador, European Union Delegation to The Gambia

Mrs. Tobaski Njie Sarr – National Coordinator, CSO Gender Platform

Ms. Isatou Keita – President, Gambia Press Union

Commissioner Jainaba Johm – Vice Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission

Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay – Deputy Majority Leader, National Assembly of The Gambia

Keynote Address:

Hon. Janet Sallah Njie – Commissioner & Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

10:30 – 11:0 - Group Photo & Refreshment Break

11:00 – 12:15 - Panel Session 1: The Status of Women’s Political Participation and Representation in The Gambia

Women remain underrepresented across national and local political structures despite forming majority of the population. Recent election cycles show gradual but insufficient progress, with persistent barriers including limited financing, socio-cultural norms, party gatekeeping, and low visibility of female candidates. National data on trends in candidacy, voter participation, and leadership roles provides a critical foundation for targeted reforms. This session will explore progress, gaps, and the key drivers needed to strengthen inclusive democratic participation.

Q: Women are still below 12% in elected positions despite being 57% of voters, what specific, measurable actions must Executive, National Assembly and Political Parties take before the 2026-2027 elections to at least double women’s representation and why have previous promises failed to move the needle in almost three decades?

Moderator: Ms. Ndegen Jobe – President, Network of Women in Political Participation and Leadership

Panellists:

H. E. Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang – Former Vice President, Republic of The Gambia

Ms. Ramzia Diab – National People’s Party

Ms. Fatou Sowe – People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism

Ms. Ya Kumba Jaiteh – United Democratic Party

Discussions with Participants

12:15 – 13:30 - Panel Session 2: Legal and Policy Frameworks for Women in Politics

Legal and institutional frameworks shape women’s access to political space. While equality is constitutionally guaranteed, gaps remain in electoral laws, party policies, and enforcement mechanisms. Discussions on gender quotas, internal party democracy, and roles of the IEC and party councils are central to strengthening women’s representation. This panel examines how ongoing reforms and compliance with regional standards can create a more inclusive political environment.

Q: How can ongoing reforms be strategically aligned to introduce and enforce gender-responsive provisions such as quotas, internal party democracy requirements, and accountability measures while ensuring that institutions like the IEC and political parties have the authority and capacity to implement these changes effectively?

Moderator: Commissioner Halimatou Dibba, National Human Rights Commission

Panellists:

Mr. Joseph Colley – Chairman, In dependent Electoral Commission

Hon. Touma Njai – National Assembly Member, Banjul South

Ms. Anna Njie – President, Female Lawyers’ Association

Ms. Mariatou Faye – Principal State Council, Ministry of Justice

Discussions with Participants

13:30 – 14:30 – Lunch Break

14:30 – 16:00 - Panel Session 3: Breaking Barriers – Voices from Women in Politics

Women who have contested or served in office bring essential lived experiences that highlight resilience and challenges within Gambian politics. Their stories reflect barriers such as limited support, financial constraints, cultural expectations, and political intimidation. This session provides a platform to share lessons, strategies, and actionable recommendations to support emerging women leaders and strengthen solidarity.

Q: Reflecting on your personal experience contesting elections or holding office, what combination of cultural, institutional, and practical obstacles most affected your political journey, and what specific reforms or support mechanisms would have made the greatest difference in enabling your success and sustainability in leadership?

Moderator: Ms. Ngenarr Yassin Jeng – Deputy Executive Secretary, Victims Reparation Commission

Panellists:

Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe – Lord Mayor, Banjul City Council

Ms. Ndey Yassin Secka – Former Nominated Member of The National Assembly

Hon. Duta Kamaso – Former National Assembly Member

Ms. Michelle Mendy – Councillor, Essau Ward NBR

Discussions with Participants

16:00 – 17:00- Panel Session 4: Political response to Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence remains a critical obstacle to women. Women leaders face threats, harassment, and intimidation that limit their autonomy and discourage political engagement. This session explores the role of political actors, law enforcement, and institutions in preventing, addressing, and sanctioning GBV especially violence against women in politics. Strengthening accountability and survivor support is essential to creating safe political spaces.

Q: What comprehensive political and institutional model should The Gambia adopt to prevent, address, and sanction gender-based violence particularly violence against women in politics and how can political actors, security institutions, and oversight bodies collaborate to ensure accountability and survivor-centered support?

Moderator: Ms. Satang Dumbuya – Chairperson, National Youth Council

Panellists:

Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay – National Assembly Member, Old Yundum & Deputy Majority Leader

Mr. Fallu Sowe – National Coordinator, Network against Gender-Based Violence

Ms. Matida Komma – Coordinator, The Girls’ Agenda

Ms. Jainaba Bah – People’s Progressive Party

Discussions with Participants

17:00 – 17:15 - Closing Day 1 Summary & Announcements

Building Action and Accountability - 16 December 2025

08:00 – 09:00 – Arrival and Registration

09:00 – 10:30 - Panel Session 1: High Level Political Parties’ Panel – driving change!

Political parties determine candidate selection, financing, leadership opportunities, and internal democracy. All of which affect women’s representation. This panel brings party leaders together to discuss commitments, challenges, and policy shifts needed to promote gender balance. Emphasis will be placed on practical steps, including quotas, financial support, leadership pipelines, and eliminating discriminatory practices.

Q: Given the central role of political parties in shaping who gets selected, supported, and elected, what concrete commitments can parties adopt such as financing thresholds, quota compliance, leadership pipelines, or disciplinary measures against discrimination to meaningfully increase women’s representation and influence within party structures and national politics?

NB: Panellists for this session were selected based on parties currently represented in the National Assembly and those that were presidential candidates in the 2021 elections – those in coalition are represented by coalition lead)

Moderator: Ms. Fatou Jagne Senghore – Founder, Center for Women's Rights and Leadership (CWRL)

Panellists:

Hon. Essa Faal – Party Leader, APP Sobeyaa

Hon. Mama Kandeh – Party Leader, GDC

H. E. Adama Barrow – Party Leader, NPP

Hon. Lamin J. Darbo – Party Leader, NUP

Hon. Halifa Sallah – Party Leader, PDOIS

H. E. Ousainu Darboe – Party Leader, UDP

Discussions with Participants

10:30 – 11:00 - Tea Break

11:00 – 12:30 - Breakout Sessions: Participants divide into three Thematic Working Groups to explore challenges and solutions

Thematic 1: Tackling hate speech and violence against women in the digital era

Online harassment has become one of the fastest-growing barriers to women’s political participation worldwide and in The Gambia. Female politicians, journalists, and activists face coordinated trolling, doxxing, sexualised threats, and deep-fake imagery, often intended to force them out of public life. Young women aspirants are particularly vulnerable. This panel examines patterns of online abuse, legal protections, reporting mechanisms, digital literacy, and collective strategies to ensure safer digital spaces for women in politics.

Q: With online platforms becoming both essential political tools and major sites of gendered harassment and hate speech, what comprehensive framework should be put in place to effectively prevent and respond to technology-facilitated violence against women in politics in The Gambia?

Moderator: Ms. Isatou Keita – President, Gambia Press Union

Panellists:

Ms. Ya Amie Touray – Commissioner, Information Commission

Dr. Njogu Bah – Director General, PURA

Mr. Basiru Bah – Ag. Director, Legal and Investigation - National Human Rights Commission

Ms. Mariama Barry – Deputy Superintendent of Police, Gambia Police Force

Discussions with Participants

Thematic 2: Women’s Capacity Building, Grassroots Mobilization and Campaign Financing

Women’s political participation is influenced by access to skills, networks, and financial resources. Capacity-building programs, mentorship, and grassroots mobilization significantly improve women’s political readiness, yet financing remains a major barrier. This session explores strategies to strengthen leadership skills, enhance community support, and improve access to campaign funding for women aspirants.

Q: What integrated strategy would most effectively strengthen the pipeline of women candidates across local and national levels, and how can civil society, development partners, and political parties collaborate to sustain these efforts?

Moderator: Mrs. Tabu Njie Sarr – Coordinator, CSO Gender Platform

Panellists:

Hon. Fatou Kinteh – Minister for Gender, Children and Social Welfare

Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe – Lord Mayor, Banjul City Council & President, REFELA Africa

Ms. Yadi Njie Eribo – Director, FAWEGAM and Chair, TANGO

Ms. Salama Njie – National Network Coordinator, WANEP-The Gambia

Discussions with Participants

Thematic 3: The Role of Youth and Male Allies in Promoting Women’s Political Participation

Youth and male allies are key drivers of cultural transformation and inclusive politics. Young people can challenge stereotypes, promote accountability, and support women’s leadership through activism, digital advocacy, and party engagement. This session explores how youth and allies can strengthen movements for women’s political advancement.

Q: How can youth and male allies be mobilized as transformative actors in shifting political and cultural norms that restrict women’s participation, and what specific platforms, partnerships, and advocacy strategies can empower them to actively promote gender-inclusive political spaces?

Moderator: Hon. Jabou Sisawo – Speaker, National Youth Parliament

Panellists:

Hon. Gibbi Mballow – National Assembly Member, Lower Fulladu West

Mr. Lamin Camara – Assistant Country Representative, UNFPA

Ms. Satang Dumbuya – Chairperson, National Youth Council

Mr. Modou Lamin Davies – Founder, Men 4 Equality

Discussions with Participants

12:30 – 14:00- Panel Session 2: Exchanges with Female Heads of Mission in The Gambia

Several countries have dramatically increased women’s representation through quotas, public funding tied to gender equality, and strong enforcement. Female diplomats bring global insights into successful approaches for enhancing women’s political representation. This panel provides an opportunity to learn practical lessons and explore how international partnerships can support Gambian efforts.

Q: Drawing from your country’s experience, what key policies, institutional or legal reforms, or multi-stakeholder strategies have proven most effective in increasing women’s political representation, and how can these lessons be adapted to The Gambia’s unique political, cultural, and institutional context to accelerate progress?

Moderator: H. E. Imma Roca i Cortés – Ambassador, EU-Delegation

Panellists:

H. E. Mariame SY – Ambassador, Senegalese Embassy

H. E. Harriet King – High Commissioner, British High Commission

H. E. Carmelina Ramirez Rodriguez – Ambassador, Cuban Embassy

Ms. Khadijatu E. Alpha – Deputy High Commissioner, Sierra Leone High Commission

Discussions with Participants

14:00 – 15:00 – Lunch Break

15:00 – 16:30 – Presentation and adoption of the Conference Communiqué

Establishment of the Joint-Political Party and other stakeholders' Working Group on WPP

Follow-up Strategy

19:30 – 22:00 - Official Closing Ceremony – Dinner (strictly by invitation)

Reflections from key participants

Remarks from Organising Team

Remarks from the EU and IDEA

Signing of the Adopted Conference Communiqué

Cultural & Educational Performances