The 3-day gathering was part of UNFPA funded project activity on women’s political participation being implemented by ActionAid. The forum was held at TANGO Hall.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of ActionAid International The Gambia, Fafa Cham, AAITG’s Head of Programmes and Policy, described the workshop as timely. He said that women constitute 51% of the population of The Gambia, yet they are not properly represented in all decision-making processes.

He added that, in such situations, decisions taken cannot be regarded as just decisions.

Cham further said that, such realities exist both in our households and at national level.

Saidina Alieu Jarjou, AAITG’s Fundraising Manager indicated that, the workshop was intended to build the capacities of participants and spread key advocacy messages that were developed, using all available mediums to advocate for women’s inclusion in all decision-making processes at all levels.

Tabou Njie Sarr, AAITG’s Women’s Rights Manager and coordinator of the project, presented on the project background and how effective advocacy and lobbying to increase women’s inclusion in all decision-making processes, as well as advocate against issues affecting women such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child Marriage.