By: Fatou Dahaba
The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO), in partnership with various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), hosted a prestigious awards night that spotlighted outstanding contributions to social progress and national development.
The event took place on Friday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, drawing leaders, activists, and supporters to recognize excellence across human rights and democratic governance, climate action, and gender equality. This marks a significant revival of such recognition, the second edition since 2012, a 13-year hiatus.
The Gambia Civil Society Excellence Awards honored NGOs, CSOs, and individuals for their tireless work in advancing democratic governance, human rights, accountability, social justice, peace-building, and sustainable development. The initiative aligns with TANGO’s core mission to bolster the NGO/CSO sector, encourage partnerships, and promote integrity, leadership, and professionalism in development efforts.
Nineteen diverse categories highlighted the breadth of civil society’s impact. These included Children’s Rights Award, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Award, Disability Inclusion Champion Award, Youth Empowerment Champion Award, Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action Award, Human Rights and Accountability Champion Award, Transparency and Anti-Corruption Champion Award, Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Champion Award, Transitional Justice Champion Award, Collaborative Excellence Champion Award, Agricultural Excellence Champion Award (also referred to as Agriculture and Food Security), Social and Food Security Champion Award, Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Champion Award, Community Development and Grassroots Impact Award, Women-Led Organisation of the Year Champion Award, Youth-Led Organisation of the Year Champion Award, Democratic Governance and Civic Participation Champion Award, and Social Service Delivery Champion Award.
Hon. Hamat Bah, Minister of Local Government, Lands, and Religious Affairs, delivered a keynote address praising civil society’s pivotal role in deepening democracy and fostering inclusive growth. He highlighted how CSOs amplify marginalized voices, mobilize communities during crises, and push for responsive policies. “Your work has strengthened social cohesion, nurtured civil participation, and enriched our national discourse,” Bah said. “Today’s awards represent excellent innovation and unwavering commitment.”
The minister reaffirmed the government’s support under President Adama Barrow, noting that sustainable development requires collaboration beyond state efforts alone. He acknowledged persistent challenges in education, health, climate resilience, youth employment, and socio-economic inclusion, but expressed optimism that joint innovation and mutual respect could yield lasting improvements.
Karl Frederick Paul, UN Resident Coordinator, offered four key recommendations to strengthen the sector. He urged CSOs to build greater community trust through demonstrated, measurable impact—especially for women, youth, children, and adolescents—while shifting from reactive advocacy to proactive policy engagement. Paul stressed forming coalitions to reduce fragmentation, increase influence with donors and government, and invest in institutional sustainability, transparency, diversified funding, and strong governance for long-term credibility.
Yadicon Njie Eribo, TANGO Chairperson, described the evening as an affirmation of civic space, volunteerism, and collective action. “It encourages excellence within sectors and inspires emerging organizations to strive for greater impact, professionalism, and sustainability,” she said. She pledged TANGO’s ongoing efforts to foster unity among members and deepen ties with the government and partners to support the National Development Plan.
Among the standout winners, Gambia Participate emerged triumphant, securing the Outstanding NGO/CSO of the Year Award, as well as the Democratic Governance and Civic Participation Champion Award and the Transparency and Anti-Corruption Champion Award. Activista claimed the Youth Empowerment Champion Award. ChildFund Gambia won the Children’s Rights Champion Award and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Champion Award. The African Network Against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances received the Transitional Justice Champion Award. ADWAC took the Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action Award, while the Network Against Gender-Based Violence earned the Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Champion Award. Caritas Gambia was honored with the Agriculture and Food Security Champion Award. Think Young Women won Women-Led Organisation of the Year, and the National Youth Parliament secured Youth-Led Organisation of the Year.
The ceremony underscored civil society’s indispensable role in community upliftment, social justice, and inclusive governance, inspiring continued collaboration to address national priorities and empower marginalized groups.
