First Ladies from countries participating in the Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend initiative are set to convene in Banjul from April 8 to 10, 2026, for a high-level forum aimed at promoting zero tolerance for gender-based violence (GBV) across West and Central Africa.
The forum, described as a landmark regional engagement, is being co-hosted by the Government of The Gambia and the Economic Community of West African States, in collaboration with global and regional partners including the United Nations Population Fund, World Bank, and the Economic Community of Central African States.
ECOWAS said the gathering will bring together political leaders, development partners, and stakeholders to strengthen regional coordination in tackling violence against women and girls.
In a statement ahead of the meeting, ECOWAS emphasised the urgency of collective action.
“Ending gender-based violence requires not only national commitment but strong and coordinated regional action,” the statement read.
The forum comes at a time when GBV continues to pose significant challenges to human rights, public health, and socio-economic development across Africa.
Stakeholders note that violence against women and girls undermines progress in education, healthcare, and economic participation, making it a critical issue for governments and development partners.
“The Banjul gathering represents more than a convening — it is a decisive step toward aligning political leadership, regional institutions, and community action behind a shared agenda,” the statement added.
According to the statement, the involvement of First Ladies reflects growing recognition of their influential role in advocating for social change and mobilising political will at both national and regional levels.
The forum is expected to produce actionable commitments aimed at strengthening policies, improving protection mechanisms, and enhancing support systems for survivors of gender-based violence.
RN
