Gambia participates in Africa Pre-CSW70 Consultations, 10th AU STC on Gender Equality

The meetings, held in a hybrid format at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bring together policymakers, experts, and ministers to advance gender equality across the continent.

From 20–21 November 2025, Mr. Siaka Marong represented The Gambia at the 10th STC on GEWE Experts Meeting, where gender specialists from across Africa reviewed progress, persistent gaps, and emerging challenges in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. The experts engaged in technical discussions that will inform continental policy direction for the coming year.

Continuing the engagements, from 24–25 November 2025, Mr. Marong also attended the Expert Segment of the Africa Pre-CSW70 Consultations.

This year’s discussions focused on the theme: “Challenges and Strategic Pathways for Litigating Women’s and Girls’ Rights in Africa.” The forum explored the systemic barriers that limit women’s access to justice and examined innovative, context-specific solutions to strengthen accountability and promote legal protection for women and girls.

On 26 November 2025, the minister, Mrs. Fatou Kinteh, joined her counterparts for the Ministerial Segment of the consultations. Ministers deliberated under the global theme: “Promoting and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls.”

Discussions focused on eliminating discriminatory laws, fostering inclusive and gender-responsive legal systems, and addressing structural barriers that continue to hinder justice for women and girls across Africa.

The Ministerial meeting will continue from 27–28 November 2025, during which Ministers are expected to review and adopt The Experts’ Report on Women’s Access to Justice in Africa, and the Draft Common Africa Position (CAP) for CSW70.

Once adopted, the Common Africa Position will serve as a unified continental stance at the upcoming 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). It aims to ensure that justice, equality, and inclusive governance for women and girls remain central priorities on Africa’s development and human rights agenda.

By Sarjo M. Camara