Category Archives: News

The New Project aimed at ”Increasing Access to Justice and Women’s Politial Particpant”

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-UNICEF HOUR ON UPHOLDING THE BAN ON FGM.

He also proposed key strategies to protect women and girls, including engaging Madrassas, Imams, and Arabic schools in awareness campaigns.

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

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

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.