CRAWAH and Partners Host Community Research Engagement Workshop in The Gambia

By Yunus S. Saliu

The Center for Research and Advocacy for Women and Adolescent Health (CRAWAH), in collaboration with the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and GamRemTI, on Tuesday held a one-day workshop aimed at strengthening community participation in research in The Gambia. The event took place at the Baobab Resort in Bijilo and focused on promoting ethical, culturally grounded, and collaborative research approaches.

Under the theme “Enhancing Community Engagement in The Gambia,” the workshop brought together researchers, community leaders, youth representatives, health workers, and academics to build capacity in community-engaged research.

James Gomez, Director of Research at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST), presided over the opening on behalf of the ministry. He commended CRAWAH and its partners for advancing community-centered research and reaffirmed MOHERST’s commitment to promoting research aligned with national priorities and community needs.

“At MOHERST, the Directorate of Research serves as the national driver of research excellence, policy alignment, and ethical standards. Community engagement is not an optional add-on to research; it is the foundation of ethical, impactful, and sustainable research systems,” Gomez said, adding that communities should be empowered as co-creators of knowledge rather than passive participants.

CRAWAH CEO Phebian Ina Grant-Sagnia, in her opening remarks, emphasized the importance of inclusive research systems that reflect the voices of community members, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable groups. She said genuine community engagement strengthens trust, ownership, and sustainability of research outcomes.

“This workshop brings together researchers, community members, youth, health professionals, and development partners. Communities are not subjects of research; they are partners in the research process,” Grant-Sagnia stated.

The event featured presentations by community leader David Dawda Jones, CIAM representative Momodou K. Cham, Ariwaodo Chineye Agnes, and Dr. Henry Silverman, who shared case studies and strategies for building ethical and collaborative research partnerships. Participants also engaged in group work and presented their findings, fostering interactive learning and discussion.

The post CRAWAH and Partners Host Community Research Engagement Workshop in The Gambia appeared first on .

 By Yunus S. Saliu The Center for Research and Advocacy for Women and Adolescent Health (CRAWAH), in collaboration with the…
The post CRAWAH and Partners Host Community Research Engagement Workshop in The Gambia appeared first on .