The day-long forum marked the culmination of a crucial exercise funded by the UNFPA under its Joint Programme to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and implemented by ChildFund-The Gambia in partnership with GFD.
The mapping specifically targeted the challenges, discrimination, and lived experiences of women with disabilities across the country.
Speaking at the event, Fanta Darboe, ChildFund-The Gambia’s Assistant for Gender and Inclusion, underscored the project’s foundational principle: inclusion. “It’s always important to bring [people] to the forefront for them to talk about the issues that are directly affecting them, instead of us sitting there and designing for them,” Darboe stated.
She emphasised that ChildFund’s interventions, from formulation to implementation and monitoring, are designed to be inclusive, ensuring respect for all individuals irrespective of tribe, status, or ability. “Disability is actually factored. In being a disabled person doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t be included,” she added, highlighting dedicated programmes to amplify disabled voices.
Earlier, Muhammed Kurubally, representing the GFD – the national umbrella body advocating for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities – had welcomed participants.
He stressed the Federation’s commitment to upholding the rights of women with disabilities, who often face “aggravated or multiple forms of discrimination, violence, abuse, and exploitation.” Kurubally linked the initiative directly to international commitments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ratified by The Gambia in 2015) and the AU Protocol on Disability and the Rights of Older Persons, which mandate the empowerment of women with disabilities.
“The goal is to use the findings to influence policies, legislation, and programs that directly address the identified issues and uphold the rights of women with disabilities,” he stated.
“The need for the mapping stem from the recognition of these compounded challenges, funded by UNFPA and implemented through the ChildFund-GFD partnership – consultant Burama Kebba Sanyang conducted an extensive nationwide exercise. Sanyang engaged directly with women from various disability organisations to document their daily struggles, discrimination, and potential solutions,” said Kurubally.
The dissemination event signifies a concerted effort by UNFPA, ChildFund The Gambia, and GFD to move beyond rhetoric and ground the fight against discrimination and for inclusion in concrete data and live experiences, placing the voices of women with disabilities at the heart of shaping a more just and equitable Gambian society.
The detailed report is expected to serve as a critical advocacy tool in the coming months.
