By: Momodou Gagigo
Forty young representatives from The Gambia’s Central River Region (CRR) have completed a five-day intensive training programme focused on leadership, the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to development, and Feminist Leadership.
The training, which concluded recently in Wassu, Sillah Kunda, formed part of a broader initiative aimed at empowering marginalised young people for greater inclusion in civic spaces. It was funded by the United Nations Peace Building Fund and implemented by ActionAid International, The Gambia, through its Local Rights Programme 8 (LRP8) Apex.
Participants, drawn from various communities across CRR, engaged in sessions covering human rights principles, gender equality, safe spaces, and transformative leadership models. The programme sought to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to bridge the gap between national policies and grassroots realities while fostering inclusive decision-making.
Ndey Touray, a participant from Ballangharr, described the training as “incredibly vital.” She said: “I learned so many things here, especially about human rights and gender, which are crucial. I will share the knowledge gained with my fellow youth. We need to understand our rights and responsibilities as young people, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve gained.”
Manlafe Jallow from Basang echoed the sentiment of inspiration and motivation. “We focused on key issues such as female leadership and masculinity, emphasising the importance of young girls and women stepping into leadership roles and participating in decision-making,” he noted. “We also discussed safeguarding, ensuring everyone feels safe at work, in communities, districts, and nationally. Everyone deserves to be safe and heard.”
Jallow added that he now sees himself as an ambassador: “Today, I see myself not just as a participant but as an ambassador, ready to share what I’ve learned with my people.”
Kaddijatou Sam from Janjangbureh used a powerful metaphor to reflect on women’s resilience: “Women are like teabags. We truly discover our strength only when we’re in hot water.” She described gaining deeper insight into feminist leadership, human rights, and women’s rights.
“Feminist leadership isn’t just about women—it’s about empowering all genders, male and female alike,” Sam explained. She highlighted the distinction between human rights and individual rights, using practical examples: “You have the right to teach at your school but not necessarily at others… Rights like the right to life are universal—everyone has them. If you’re travelling to Senegal, no one has the right to harm you because you have the right to life.”
Sam said the training empowered her to act on issues such as rape and child marriage: “This training has empowered me to report cases… They even provided us with contact details so we can report incidents directly.”
Amadou Njie, Public Relations Officer at the CRR Regional Youth Committee (RYC), described the training as “very educational and timely.” He acknowledged that feminism is often misunderstood as solely empowering women, but the sessions clarified its broader scope.
“As a youth leader, I encourage everyone to become ambassadors of HRBA and feminist leadership in their districts and organisations, working towards a just CRR,” Njie stated. He extended thanks to ActionAid International, The Gambia, through its LRP8 Apex for its continued efforts to empower people in the region.
Jim Lowe, Regional Youth Coordinator for CRR, officially closed the five-day programme. He praised the participants’ dedication and urged them to translate their learning into community action.
“The certifications you have earned are a testament to your readiness to lead with integrity,” Lowe said, encouraging the youths to bridge policy and community realities.
Saiba T. Suso of ActionAid’s Local Rights Programme called on the young leaders to apply their knowledge with courage. He urged them to champion human rights and feminist values to drive transformative change in their communities.
The training aligns with ActionAid’s broader work in The Gambia to strengthen youth and women’s participation in governance and peacebuilding processes. Organisers hope the empowered participants will now serve as multipliers of knowledge, promoting safer, more inclusive civic spaces across the Central River Region.
Participants left the programme with certificates, renewed confidence, and a commitment to advocate for human rights, gender equality, and youth inclusion at the community, district, and national levels.
