By Aja Beyai
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has launched the Women’s Political Coordination Network in The Gambia, a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing women’s participation in the country’s political processes. The launch, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center, drew representatives from government, civil society, and media, marking a significant step toward gender equality in the nation’s democratic framework.
The WFD, a UK-based organization dedicated to strengthening global democracies, has been active in The Gambia since 2018. Working with the National Assembly and other partners, the WFD promotes inclusive and accountable governance. The Women’s Political Coordination Network, funded by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), is a cornerstone of WFD’s Women in Political Leadership project, aimed at dismantling barriers to women’s political engagement.
Tobaski Njie Sarr, WFD Country Director, underscored the urgency of gender equality in her address, quoting UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “Gender equality is not just a matter of fairness, it is a matter of power, and the time to act is now.” Sarr highlighted WFD’s ongoing collaboration with local partners to establish the network, which seeks to empower women in political spheres and foster inclusive governance.
Martin Norman, Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, acknowledged the vital contributions of Gambian women across sectors but pointed out their underrepresentation in politics. With only five women in the National Assembly, structural barriers and cultural expectations continue to limit their participation. “When women enjoy full and equal participation in social and political life and are given the opportunity to lead, we don’t just uplift individuals, we strengthen entire nations,” Norman said. He emphasized that networks like this provide critical spaces for solidarity, skill-building, and advocacy, describing investment in women’s political participation as a “strategic imperative” for robust democracies.
The Women’s Political Coordination Network is poised to play a transformative role as The Gambia approaches the 2026-2027 electoral cycle. By advocating for women’s rights and promoting inclusive democracy, the network aims to address systemic inequalities and amplify women’s voices in decision-making processes. This initiative signals a promising shift toward a more equitable political landscape, strengthening the foundation of Gambian democracy for future generations.
