FLAG Launches New Project on ”Increasing Access to Justice and Women’s Political Participation in The Gambia”
Group Photo (West Coast Region)
Female Lawyer's Association Gambia (FLAG) is proud to announce its latest project aimed at transforming the landscape of women’s rights and political engagement across The Gambia. This ambitious initiative focuses on increasing access to justice and empowering women to participate actively in the country’s political processes, particularly in key regions vital to national development. The project kickstarts in Brikama (West Coast Region) on the 15th November, 2025 funded by Canada Fund For Local Initiatives (CFLI).
The project will operate across several strategic regions including Banjul, Kanifing Municipality, West Coast Region, Central River Region, Upper River Region, Lower River Region, and North Bank Region. These areas, characterized by diverse demographics and varying socio-cultural norms, are crucial for fostering inclusive governance. Women in these regions face different degrees of marginalization, making them ideal focal points for driving meaningful change.
By targeting these communities, the project aims to address specific local barriers to women’s political involvement, ranging from cultural and social norms to limited legal awareness. Empowering women at the community level ensures that their voices are heard and that they can influence policies affecting their livelihoods and social standing. Ultimately, the project aspires to embed gender equality deeply within local governance structures and community life.
In The Gambia, women remain significantly underrepresented in political spaces. To date, no woman has held the presidency, and only a handful of women occupy ministerial positions or serve as members of the National Assembly. Women in politics face social shaming, online bullying, and limited support from political parties, which tend to be male-dominated. Cultural and religious norms further hinder women’s ambitions and participation.
FLAG’s project aims to challenge these systemic barriers by fostering an environment where women’s voices are valued and their leadership potential is recognized. Through targeted advocacy, community engagement, and capacity-building, the initiative seeks to create a political landscape where women’s participation is not just encouraged but institutionalized.
FLAG’s New Initiative: Increasing Access to Justice and Women’s Political Participation in The Gambia
FLAG (Fostering Leadership and Gender Equality) is proud to announce its latest project aimed at transforming the landscape of women’s rights and political engagement across The Gambia. This ambitious initiative focuses on increasing access to justice and empowering women to participate actively in the country’s political processes, particularly in key regions vital to national development.
Targeted Regions for Long-lasting Impact
The project will operate across several strategic regions including Banjul, Kanifing Municipality, West Coast Region, Central River Region, Upper River Region, Lower River Region, and North Bank Region. These areas, characterized by diverse demographics and varying socio-cultural norms, are crucial for fostering inclusive governance. Women in these regions face different degrees of marginalization, making them ideal focal points for driving meaningful change.
By targeting these communities, the project aims to address specific local barriers to women’s political involvement, ranging from cultural and social norms to limited legal awareness. Empowering women at the community level ensures that their voices are heard and that they can influence policies affecting their livelihoods and social standing. Ultimately, the project aspires to embed gender equality deeply within local governance structures and community life.
Addressing Underrepresentation and Systemic Barriers
In The Gambia, women remain significantly underrepresented in political spaces. To date, no woman has held the presidency, and only a handful of women occupy ministerial positions or serve as members of the National Assembly. Women in politics face social shaming, online bullying, and limited support from political parties, which tend to be male-dominated. Cultural and religious norms further hinder women’s ambitions and participation.
FLAG’s project aims to challenge these systemic barriers by fostering an environment where women’s voices are valued and their leadership potential is recognized. Through targeted advocacy, community engagement, and capacity-building, the initiative seeks to create a political landscape where women’s participation is not just encouraged but institutionalized.
Project Goals and Long-term Vision
The overarching goal of this project is to significantly increase women’s access to justice and political participation, ensuring women can actively shape policies that impact their lives. Through awareness campaigns, legal empowerment activities, and strategic advocacy, FLAG aims to dismantle the barriers that limit women’s civic and political engagement.
Long-term, the project envisions a more inclusive and representative governance system where women hold leadership roles at all levels—local councils, national assembly, and even the presidency. This transformation will promote gender-balanced policies addressing women’s needs and foster a culture of active civic participation. It will also strengthen the legal foundation for women’s rights, providing resources and support for justice in cases of gender-based violence and discrimination.
By inspiring future generations, the project aims to cultivate a society where women’s voices are an essential part of decision-making, leading to a more just, equitable, and prosperous Gambia.
Key Activities and Expected Outcomes
The project’s immediate activities are designed to generate tangible results quickly:
- Workshops for Women in Politics: Conducted across the seven regions, these workshops will equip women with leadership skills, strategic campaigning techniques, and awareness of their political rights.
- Community Engagements: Focused on educating women about their political rights, encouraging active participation in elections, and overcoming social and cultural barriers.
- Radio & TV Programs: Amplifying women’s voices, sharing success stories, and raising awareness about the importance of women’s political involvement to inspire community-wide support.
- Political Party Consultations: Engaging political party leaders to institutionalize women’s participation, ensuring women are included in leadership structures and decision-making roles.
FLAG-UNICEF Radio Talk Show On Harmful Traditional Practices And Upholding The Ban on FGM In The Gambia.
For his part, Mr. Mass Laye spoke aabout the severe medical risks of FGM shedding light on Gambian clinical and population studies (and local NGOs) which link FGM to higher rates of obstetric complications and lifelong physical, sexual and psychological harms. Recent Gambian hospital research and program reports document these problems in local settings. He reiterated on the fact that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains one of the most deeply rooted harmful practices affecting girls and women in The Gambia. While conversations around FGM often focus on tradition, culture and changing social norms, the health consequences of the practice are far less visible—and far more devastating—than many realise. Behind every statistic is a girl, a mother, a sister, or a neighbour whose life has been shaped by pain, trauma, or long-term health complications that could have been prevented.
Across communities in The Gambia, FGM is still commonly performed on young girls, often by traditional practitioners and usually without any form of anaesthesia or sterile equipment. For many, the suffering begins immediately. The sharp pain, heavy bleeding, and shock that follow the procedure can leave girls fighting for their lives. Some experience severe infections or find themselves unable to urinate due to swelling and injury. In households without quick access to medical care, these complications can escalate within hours.
But the impact does not end there. As survivors grow older, many grapple with deep, persistent pain that becomes a normal part of their everyday lives. Scarring caused during cutting can lead to repeated infections, menstrual difficulties, and cysts that sometimes require surgery. For some women, intimacy becomes painful or distressing, affecting their relationships and emotional wellbeing in ways they rarely feel safe to speak about publicly.
Imam Ousman Jah and Mr. Mass Laye
Mr.Mass Laye further laid emphasis on which are beyond the physical consequences, the emotional wounds of FGM run deep. Many survivors carry memories of fear, confusion, or betrayal from being cut at a young age. Others struggle with anxiety, depression, or trauma—feelings that are rarely addressed due to stigma or lack of access to mental-health support. The silence surrounding these experiences can be just as damaging as the procedure itself.
He further stating that ending FGM is not only about changing laws or challenging traditions—it is about acknowledging the lived realities of Gambian women and girls. It is about listening to survivors, recognising their strength, and ensuring that no child endures the pain and lifelong consequences of this harmful practice
Pink October- Cancer Awareness Month.
As October ends, awareness must continue.
Nationwide Mobile Legal Aid Clinics: Day 1, 2 & 3 in Njau and Panchange, Upper Saloum
Nationwide Mobile Legal Aid Clinics: Day 1 in Njau, Upper Saloum
The first day of our Nationwide Mobile Legal Aid Clinics kicked off in Njau, Upper Saloum, bringing together community members for an engaging and insightful session. Participants were divided into focused groups to discuss key societal issues affecting their daily lives, fostering open dialogue and shared understanding.
During the session, our team provided in-depth information on how our pro bono legal aid services operate, ensuring that participants are aware of their rights and the available legal support systems. Both women and men actively took part in the discussions, learning from our legal experts about the appropriate and lawful ways to address issues impacting their wellbeing.
This interactive exchange marked a significant step toward promoting access to justice and legal empowerment at the grassroots level, reaffirming our commitment to supporting communities across The Gambia.
Day 2 and Day 3
Imam Jah engaging with the community of panchang to comprehend the religious perspective on marriage & divorce, child custody & maintanance, inheritance and land rights
Phychosocial Support from Peace of Mind by Fatoumatta Jallow
Mr Mass.Laye, a Mid wife offering medical support to a client
Personal Sharia Law Certification Ceremoney.
Empowering Young Minds: Human Rights, Women’s Rights, and Legal Careers Outreach – 2025
Empowering Young Minds: Human Rights, Women’s Rights, and Legal Careers Outreach – 2025
As part of the 2025 Waging Justice for Women Fellowship, supported by the Clooney Foundation for Justice, the Female Lawyers Association – Gambia (FLAG) conducted an inspiring school outreach session aimed at empowering young Gambians—especially girls and students with disabilities—through legal education and mentorship.
Led by FLAG’s Legal Fellow, the interactive sessions focused on raising awareness about human rights, women’s rights, and gender justice, while encouraging students to consider public interest law as a meaningful and impactful career path.
In many parts of The Gambia, young people still lack access to information about their legal rights and the opportunities available within the justice system. FLAG’s outreach sessions addressed this gap through open discussions, interactive learning, and storytelling, creating a safe and inclusive space where students could ask questions, connect with legal mentors, and envision themselves as future changemakers.
This initiative is part of FLAG’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a new generation dedicated to equality, fairness, and social transformation in their communities.
About FLAG’s Legal Aid
We Represent Women. Protect Children. Seek Justice.
The Female Lawyers Association – Gambia (FLAG) is dedicated to empowering women and protecting children by providing free legal aid to those in need. Our mission is to ensure access to justice for the most vulnerable in society.
We provide expert legal assistance in the following areas:
⚖️ Human Rights Violations – Defending fundamental rights and freedoms.
🚫 Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) – Supporting survivors through legal guidance and representation.
👩‍👧 Child Custody & Maintenance – Protecting the best interests of children.
💍 Marriage & Divorce – Offering legal support for family law matters.
Visit Us:
đź“Ť Kanifing Industrial Layout (Next to GRA)
đź“ž +220 720 0004
✉️ clinic@flag.gm
Mobile Legal Aid Clinic Radio Talk
Honorable Tijan Manga , Ward Councillor for Foni Kanilai revealed their level of preparedness to ensure that we have a successful Clinic in his community. He stated that we will be joined by the Alkalo, Chef District, VDCs, Imam & Priest on 10th October 2025 to ensure an interactive and informative session.
Nationwide Mobile Legal Aid Clinics In Bwiam (Foni Kansal)
Empowering Communities Through Legal Awareness in Bwiam
On October 10th, the Female Lawyers Association–Gambia (FLAG) hosted an engaging and impactful community session in Bwiam, Foni Kansala, centered on promoting legal assistance and awareness. The event brought together 100 participants eager to learn about their rights and access to justice.
During the session, community members received comprehensive information about FLAG’s pro bono legal services, which support victims of human rights violations, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), as well as individuals facing challenges related to marriage and divorce, child custody and maintenance, land rights, and inheritance matters.
The discussions also delved into the health and societal implications of SGBV and examined religious perspectives, providing a holistic understanding of how these issues affect vulnerable women across local communities.
Building on this effort, on October 11th and 12th, FLAG’s legal team conducted one-on-one consultations with community members in classroom settings. These personalized sessions offered direct legal advice, assistance, and psychosocial support, in partnership with a representative from Peace of Mind.
This initiative reflects FLAG’s continued commitment to empowering Gambian communities, enhancing access to justice, and fostering a society where everyone’s rights are protected and upheld.
#FLAGambia #LegalEmpowerment #LegalAdvice #AccessToJustice #SGBV #CommunityEngagement