West And Central Africa’s First Ladies Rally In Banjul To Tackle Gender-Based Violence
As gender-based violence continues to threaten the safety, dignity and future of millions of women and girls across Africa, regional leaders are stepping forward with renewed urgency to confront the crisis head-on.
First Ladies from SWEDD+ countries 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 landmark gathering, co-organised by the Government of The Gambia and the Economic Community of West African States, brings together influential voices and institutions committed to ending violence against women and girls.
Key partners include the United Nations Population Fund, World Bank and the Economic Community of Central African States.
The forum signals a growing recognition that addressing GBV requires not only national policies but also strong, coordinated regional action driven by political will and community engagement.
With violence against women and girls continuing to undermine human rights, public health and development outcomes, the Banjul meeting is expected to serve as a decisive platform for aligning leadership, strengthening partnerships and advancing a shared agenda for change.
More than just a conference, stakeholders say the forum represents a critical step towards building a safer, more inclusive future for women and girls across the region.
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