Mobile Legal Aid Clinics reach Fonis to tackle GBV

The outreach focused on key issues such as gender-based violence, inheritance, property rights, marriage and divorce, and child custody, while offering participants an opportunity to seek legal advice and psychosocial support.

Speaking to journalists, Anna Njie, President of FLAG, said the mobile clinic is part of their ongoing mission to help Gambians understand the laws that safeguard the rights of women and children, particularly in cases of sexual and gender-based violence.

“We have witnessed a rise in violence against women and children, especially sexual violence. It is crucial that communities know where to seek help and what laws exist to protect them,” she said. “That’s why we are taking this campaign beyond Greater Banjul to ensure people nationwide are aware of their rights and available legal support.”

She explained that the mobile legal aid clinics, which started in Banjul and parts of West Coast Region, will continue to other parts of the country in the coming weeks.

“We engage local communities to understand their needs and ensure everyone is represented men, women, young people, and persons with disabilities so that access to justice is inclusive,” Njie added.

Beyond legal education, FLAG also collaborates with experts including a Sharia specialist, a medical nurse, and psychosocial support providers to ensure a holistic approach to justice and wellbeing.

According to Njie, the first day of the exercise focused on community sensitisation, while the following days offered in-depth discussions on pro bono legal access, inheritance, and family law matters.

“Our goal is to ensure that access to justice is not confined to urban areas. Every woman and child in this country deserves legal protection and the ability to seek justice when needed,” she stressed.

Resource person Alasan Gitteh, an expert on women’s rights and religious perspectives, emphasised the importance of respecting both men’s and women’s rights. He urged communities to discard outdated beliefs that hinder women’s education and employment opportunities.

Another speaker, Mass Gaye, highlighted the health implications of gender-based violence and called on communities to uphold and respect individual rights.

The event drew a diverse audience, including men, women, and students, all eager to learn about the legal protections available to them.