In one of the largest cross-party accords on gender changes in the nation’s recent history, eighteen of The Gambia’s twenty-two registered political parties have signed a wide communiqué promising specific actions to increase women’s participation and representation in national politics.
At the National Conference on Women’s Political Participation and Representation, which was organized by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in cooperation with regional partners and took place from December 15–16, the agreement was approved. In order to evaluate the obstacles that women face in public life and to develop a cohesive reform agenda ahead of the upcoming election cycle, the two-day event gathered together political leaders, election authorities, civil society actors, and advocates.
The statement highlights pledges to increase the number of women in politics, create safer and more welcoming political environments, and fortify systems that give women’s opinions more weight in national institutions and party structures. Additionally, parties committed to implementing gender-responsive election reforms, such as implementing gender quotas, and offering security assistance to female candidates and aspirants—actions that gender advocates have long favored.
The agreement, according to organizers and participants, is a significant step in bridging the gender gap that still exists in Gambian politics. Former vice president Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang and Independent Electoral Commission chairman Joseph Colley were among those present, and they both emphasized the necessity of persistent political determination to put the promises into action.
