WFD launches women’s political network to bolster female leadership

The initiative seeks to strengthen women’s political participation and leadership across all levels of governance, marking a major step toward inclusive and gender-balanced democracy in The Gambia.

Speaking at the launch, WFD Country Director Tobaski Njie Sarr described the event as a defining moment in The Gambia’s democratic journey, emphasising that the network represents “not just a structure but a living commitment to justice, inclusion, and equality.”

“It is with great honor and a deep sense of purpose that I welcome you all. This is not merely a ceremony, but a statement of our collective resolve to make leadership spaces more inclusive,” Mrs. Sarr said.

She explained that the network was established under WFD’s Governance and Inclusion in Africa (GIA) Programme with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It was developed following extensive consultations with key national stakeholders, including the Ministry of Gender, the National Assembly Gender Committee, political parties, and civil society organisations.

According to Mrs. Sarr, the creation of NoWPaL is aimed at amplifying women’s voices in decision-making and supporting mentorship and advocacy initiatives, particularly for women and persons with disabilities.

Reflecting on The Gambia’s democratic transition, she noted that democracy cannot thrive without gender justice. “We cannot talk about democracy if women and girls especially those living with disabilities remain excluded from leadership,” she stated.

Mrs. Sarr acknowledged the government’s progress in promoting gender equality through legislation and policy reforms but noted that women’s representation in decision-making remains low due to cultural and social barriers. “Despite progress made, invisible walls still limit women’s potential; walls that are even higher for women living with disabilities,” she stressed.

With the 2026–2027 election cycle approaching, she called for stronger collaboration among partners to ensure greater female participation in politics. “It is urgent that we unite and support each other to raise the number of women in leadership,” she urged.

Delivering a goodwill message, Martin Norman, Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, reaffirmed the UK’s continued support for WFD and commended Gambian women for their courage and contributions to national development. “When women’s voices are missing, we all lose,” he said, noting that inclusion remains a key driver of sustainable growth.

He acknowledged that while progress has been made globally including the UK where women now constitute 40 percent of Parliament, gender equality remains a continuous journey. He described NoWPaL as “a vital stepping stone for strengthening women’s presence and influence in leadership.”

Honourable Fatou Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare officially launched the network, symbolising renewed national commitment to inclusive governance. She pledged to convey the event’s key recommendations to the President, particularly on the nomination of women to leadership positions.

Minister Kinteh applauded WFD’s role in strengthening democracy and reaffirmed that women’s leadership is not only an achievement but a necessity. “When women lead, they succeed- failure does not exist in their vocabulary,” she said.

The minister encouraged women to take ownership of leadership opportunities, act in solidarity, and actively engage in the upcoming political processes. She further highlighted ongoing structural and societal barriers, especially for grassroots women, and called for more advocacy against gender-based violence and patriarchal norms.

Honourable Kebba T. Sanneh, National Assembly Member for Foni Jarrol and member of the Gender Committee, praised the establishment of NoWPaL, noting that empowering women is key to national development. He emphasised the committee’s commitment to ensuring the network’s effective coordination and operation.