By Haddy Touray
Eighteen of the twenty-two registered political parties in The Gambia have endorsed a historic communiqué, committing to reforms to boost women’s political participation and representation.
The endorsement followed a two-day National Conference on Women’s Political Participation and Representation, held from 15–16 December at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center. The conference was organized by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) under the EU CODE-funded project, in partnership with the National Assembly, National Human Rights Commission, Gambia Press Union, and the CSO Gender Platform.
The conference held under the theme – “Breaking Barriers, Building Power: Advancing Women’s Political Participation and Representation in The Gambia,” brought together national stakeholders to assess the state of women’s participation in politics and agree on reforms ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Delegates noted that women remain underrepresented in political decision-making. They currently hold only 8.6% of National Assembly seats and 14.2% of cabinet positions, and are similarly marginalized in local governance, despite comprising more than half of the population and the majority of registered voters.
The communiqué sets out measures to strengthen women’s participation, including introducing gender-sensitive electoral reforms, lowering nomination fees, enforcing gender quotas in political parties and leadership structures, and providing mentorship and leadership programs. It also calls for safer political environments through laws against gender-based violence, security for women candidates, and independent reporting mechanisms.
Resources will be mobilized through a national women’s political empowerment fund, dedicated party budgets, and strengthened collaboration with civil society, private sector, and development partners. The communiqué also emphasizes fair media coverage, public awareness campaigns, and engagement with traditional and religious leaders to amplify women’s voices.
The adoption of the communiqué was led by H.E. Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang, former Vice President, and seconded by Mr. Joseph Colley, Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
The 18 political parties, civil society, state institutions, and development partners affirmed that women’s equal participation in politics is a democratic imperative and called on all stakeholders to translate commitments into concrete action.
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By Haddy Touray Eighteen of the twenty-two registered political parties in The Gambia have endorsed a historic communiqué, committing to…
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