By Sarjo Camara, communications officer
In a move aimed at tackling deep-seated gender disparities, The Gambia has introduced a new National Gender Policy (2024-2033), setting the stage for a decade-long push towards greater equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
The policy, announced by Fatou Kinteh, Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, seeks to build on past initiatives while addressing persistent gaps that hinder women’s full participation in economic and political life.
“This policy is a bold step forward,” Minister Kinteh said in a statement. “We have made progress, but inequalities remain. Women and girls still face barriers to leadership, economic opportunities, and social protection. This framework will help change that.”
A Renewed Commitment to Gender Equity
The policy follows two earlier frameworks—the National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women (1999-2009) and the Gender and Women Empowerment Policy (2010-2020)—both of which helped bring progress in education, employment, and human rights. Yet, gender disparities remain a reality for many Gambian women, particularly in rural areas.
The new policy aligns with international gender equality commitments, including:
- The Beijing Platform for Action
- The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
- The African Union Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality
- The AU Protocol on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa
- The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
By embracing these frameworks, the government hopes to transform institutions, shift societal attitudes, and create real opportunities for women and girls.
Structural Barriers Remain
Despite policy advances, women in The Gambia still face significant hurdles. According to gender advocates, women remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles, and gender-based violence continues to be a major concern. Economic inequality is also a pressing issue, with many women struggling to access financial resources and land ownership.
The new gender policy outlines several key priorities:
Expanding economic opportunities for women and girls
Increasing female representation in leadership and governance
Strengthening protections against gender-based violence
Ensuring gender-responsive policies across all sectors
Gender rights activists have welcomed the policy, but stressed that implementation will be critical. “It’s a strong framework, but we need to ensure real action follows,” said a representative from a local women’s advocacy group.
A Call for Collective Action
For the policy to succeed, Minister Kinteh has called on government agencies, local authorities, civil society organizations, and the private sector to play an active role in its implementation.
“Achieving gender equality is not just the responsibility of the government,” she said. “It requires a national effort. Every sector of society must be engaged in making this vision a reality.”
As The Gambia moves into this next phase of gender policy, many are watching closely to see whether the ambitious framework can translate into real change—not just for women and girls, but for the nation as a whole.
