Preparatory Mission for the First Ladies' Forum on Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission, the World Bank and UNFPA, conducted a preparatory mission in The Gambia from 26 to 30 January 2026, as part of the organisation of the First Ladies' Forum on Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence, scheduled to take place in Banjul from 24 to 26 March 2026.

This mission aimed to strengthen coordination with national authorities, assess the progress of preparations and finalise the technical, logistical and institutional arrangements necessary for holding this high-level regional event, which forms part of the implementation of the SWEDD+ project.

The mission was marked by a strong commitment from the Government of the Republic of The Gambia, illustrated notably by the active involvement of the First Lady, whose leadership proved instrumental in mobilising national stakeholders and partners. The discussions enabled the reaffirmation of the shared determination to make the Forum a strategic platform for advocacy and concrete action towards the elimination of gender-based violence and the promotion of the rights of women and girls in West and Central Africa.

West African Health Organization
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