National Population Commission Secretariat - The Gambia

Day Two:
The Vice President held a briefing at the Governor’s Office in CRR. The Vice President handed over three peanut picking machines to the communities of Jalla Koto, Jallow K***a, and Boyeram. This support came from the Government of The Gambia through the Vice President, who presented the machines to the beneficiaries.

The team, along with the Vice President, visited Bansang General Hospital, including the nutrition ward and the neonatal intensive care unit. The unit is funded by UNICEF through NaNA’s intervention. The team also visited the Accident and Emergency unit at the hospital.

The team then proceeded to the Governor’s Office in Basse, where new office structures are nearing completion. Three peanut picking machines were donated to the people of Basse, specifically for the communities of Baja K***a, Simoto Touba, and Koina. The communities expressed their gratitude to the Government of The Gambia through the Vice President, and the people appreciated this kind gesture.

The team also visited Fatoto Health Center to assess the progress of construction and rehabilitation work at the facility.

Also, the team visited Tinkinjo Village in URR a TVET Center at Tumana Agency for Development. This project is coordinated by the National Social Protection Agency and funded by the African Development Bank. It presents an opportunity for people in the vicinity to benefit, create opportunities, and build community resilience that harnesses the demographic dividend.
The Vice President also visited the flood intervention and flood prone areas at Giroba kunda/samba kato in URR, this is under the coordination of NDMA.

The Vice President of The Gambia, on behalf of the President, presented three milling machines to the communities of Upper Nuimi — specifically Fass Omar Saho, Njungu charr, and Kerr Alagie keru. This is a very important form of support to the people of Upper Nuimi from the Government of the Gambia. The construction and renovation of ECD buildings at Sami Karantaba Lower Basic School is ongoing. The project team has visited the site, where three classrooms and a staff room are being built. Additionally, the renovation of the staff quarters is almost complete. A borehole stand has been fixed, and the water tank is about to be installed. This project is being carried out under the support of the Social Protection Project.

The third session was facilitated by Mariatou Faye, who focused on the legal dimensions of gender-based violence and the constitutional responsibility of security personnel to protect the rights, dignity, and lives of all individuals. She highlighted the alarming prevalence of r**e cases, including incidents involving infants, and cited a disturbing case in which a four-month-old baby was s*xually assaulted. She urged law enforcement officers to uphold the law without bias in matters relating to gender-based violence and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
She also stressed the need for parents and communities to engage children through dialogue, education, and sensitization instead of resorting to violence or intimidation. The session later evolved into a lively debate on domestic violence and wife battering. During the discussion, participants expressed views that some men justify violence against their wives due to issues of authority within the household, refusal of intimacy, or negative peer influence. They referenced interpretations of the Holy Qur’an, stating that discipline should never be harsh or harmful. In contrast, others advocated for mutual respect and dignity in marriage, emphasizing that the same respect shown during courtship should continue throughout married life, with husbands treating their wives responsibly and compassionately.
She further addressed the issue of FGM, child marriage, trafficking, child labor, and other SGBV laws. She used the National compendium of legal text that was recently launched by the legal platform to point out the laws that affect women and called on law enforcing to understand the laws so aid them in safeguarding the Gambian borders
She concluded the session by calling on men to value and protect women, reminding participants that women should be regarded and treated with the same care and respect accorded to mothers, sisters, and daughters
She emphasized on the responsibility that law enforcement have in protecting and safeguarding the people and should uphold the law and help in the fight against all forms of harm against women and young girls

DAY FOUR REPORT
Training of Security Personnel on the Compendium of Legal Text
Organised by the Legal Platform under the National Population Secretariat, Office of the Vice President
Sabi – 11th May 2026

The fourth day of the Training of Security Personnel on the Compendium of Legal Text commenced with opening remarks delivered by Mrs. Binta Cham. She welcomed participants to Sabi, highlighted the objectives and importance of the training, and introduced the resource persons and facilitators. She also addressed the issue of cross-border child marriage and cross-border Female Ge***al Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), emphasizing the need for collective action to address these harmful practices.

The first session was facilitated by Mrs. Halima Jallow, who explained the distinction between s*x and gender, noting that s*x is biologically determined while gender roles can change over time. She discussed the various forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including physical, s*xual, emotional, and economic violence, and highlighted the growing concern over domestic violence, r**e, in**st, and violence against pregnant women. She further stressed that the culture of silence in society often forces survivors to endure abuse, which can lead to trauma, depression, and even su***de.

Mrs. Jallow also spoke on economic violence, particularly the denial of inheritance and land ownership rights to women in some communities. In addition, she sensitised participants on HIV/AIDS, its modes of transmission, and the importance of faithfulness, safe practices, and regular voluntary testing. She concluded by discussing Female Ge***al Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), its harmful health implications, and the differences between female and male circumcision in terms of health and social impact

Mr. Foday Ceesay facilitated the second session titled “The Role of Law Enforcement Officers in Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).” During his presentation, he extensively discussed the responsibilities and mandate of law enforcement officers as provided for under the Constitution and the laws of The Gambia. He emphasized the critical role security personnel play in responding to cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and ensuring justice for survivors.
He further highlighted reporting procedures for GBV cases and how officers should appropriately handle such reports. He stressed the importance of ensuring survivor safety, maintaining confidentiality, and upholding non-discrimination and respect throughout the process. He advised that interviews should be conducted in private settings, with officers remaining respectful, patient, and non-judgmental, asking only relevant questions. He also emphasized that officers should act as supporters of survivors, ensure proper handling and safekeeping of evidence and case files, and remain professional throughout investigations. He concluded by noting that law enforcement officers play a critical frontline role in addressing and combating SGBV.

In the third session, Mrs. Mariatou Fye presented on the legal component of the Compendium of Legal Texts. She explained key constitutional rights, including dignity, freedom of movement, assembly, and personal security, as well as legal provisions addressing domestic and s*xual violence. She noted that a major challenge in such cases is community influence, where social and family pressures often hinder prosecution of perpetrators. She also discussed the consequences of early marriage, sharing an example from her school experience where she helped prevent a forced marriage with support from a security officer. Finally, she addressed immigration concerns, highlighting weak border monitoring and stressing the need to ensure proper documentation before allowing entry into the country.

DAY-THREE
DAY THREE REPORT
Training of Security Personnel on the Compendium of Legal Text
Organised by the Legal Platform under the National Population Secretariat, Office of the Vice President
Janjangbureh 10th May 2026

The third day of the training on the Compendium of Legal Text for Security Personnel commenced with opening remarks delivered by Mrs. Binta Cham. In her statement, she expressed appreciation to all participants for their commitment, active participation, and continued engagement throughout the training sessions.
Mrs. Cham also gave an overview of the SWEDD Plus Project, explaining its mission and mandate in promoting the empowerment and protection of girls and young women. She encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and share experiences to enhance collective learning.
The first session of the day was facilitated by Mrs. Halima Jallow, who discussed gender roles, gender stereotypes, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). She explained that GBV is largely driven by inequality and abuse of power and highlighted its different forms, including physical, s*xual, economic, psychological violence, and harmful traditional practices.
Mrs. Jallow further emphasised the negative effects of GBV, such as unwanted pregnancies, s*xually transmitted infections, family conflicts, school dropout, depression, long term trauma, and death. She stressed the importance of awareness, prevention, and effective legal measures in addressing and combating Gender-Based Violence

On the third Session of Day-two on the Training of Compendium on legal
Text organized by National Population Secretariat. Mrs. Mariatou Fye delivered a comprehensive presentation on the legal component of the session, with a strong focus on the rights of adolescent girls and young women, as well as the various forms of human rights violations they continue to face. She highlighted critical issues such as early and forced marriage, gender-based violence, female ge***al mutilation (FGM), and other harmful practices. While acknowledging that human rights violations affect all individuals in different forms, she emphasised that the SWEDD project is specifically designed to empower adolescent girls and young women, hence the targeted focus on violations affecting this group.
During her engagement with participants, Mrs. Fye posed thought-provoking questions to security officers regarding the types of abuse and violations women may experience within the workplace. In response, a female security officer shared a concerning experience of s*xual harassment and intimidation within professional settings. She explained that in some cases, when victims attempt to report such misconduct to the appropriate authorities, they are instead threatened, intimidated, or subjected to punitive actions such as undesirable transfers. According to her account, these experiences often force many female officers to remain silent, thereby perpetuating a culture of underreporting and impunity.
The session was highly interactive, encouraging open dialogue, questions, and exchange of perspectives between Mrs. Fye and the participating security personnel. She further challenged the officers with practical scenarios, including how they would respond if a young girl reported that she had been r**ed by her uncle, given that they are often the first point of contact. This sparked meaningful discussion and differing views among participants, leading to a constructive debate on appropriate response mechanisms, survivor-entered approaches, and referral procedures.
Mrs. Fye also underscored the growing concern of human trafficking in The Gambia, noting that it remains a serious and increasing threat. She specifically highlighted the emerging trends of organ trafficking and s*xual exploitation networks. She urged immigration and border security officers to remain highly vigilant at all entry and exit points, stressing the importance of thorough screening and monitoring of movements across borders. She warned that traffickers often disguise themselves as family members or guardians, transporting children across borders under false pretences for purposes such as organ harvesting or s*xual exploitation.

The second session on the Training of compendium of Legal Text by National Population Secretariat was done by Deputy Police Superintendent Modou Ceesay.He facilitated a comprehensive session on the role of police officers and other security personnel in responding to Gender-Based Violence (GBV). During his presentation, he emphasised the critical responsibility of law enforcement officers in protecting survivors, ensuring justice, and upholding human rights principles at all times.
He stressed that security personnel must respect the survivor’s right to privacy and confidentiality, particularly when they are the first point of contact. According to him, officers should create a safe and supportive environment where survivors feel protected, listened to, and treated with dignity and empathy. He further highlighted the importance of providing appropriate counselling and reassurance to survivors while ensuring that their emotional and psychological wellbeing is taken into consideration throughout the process.
Mr. Ceesay also underscored the need for law enforcement officers to apply the full force of the law against perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence. He noted that perpetrators must be held accountable through proper legal procedures and impartial investigations. In addition, he emphasized that all survivors and perpetrators must be treated equally before the law without discrimination, bias, stigma, or prejudice, regardless of social status, gender, background, or affiliation.
Furthermore, he urged security officers to build trust and confidence with survivors by maintaining strict confidentiality and guaranteeing their safety, as well as the protection of witnesses involved in such cases. He encouraged officers to conduct thorough and professional investigations in order to establish the facts and determine whether the law has been violated.
Mr. Ceesay further advised officers to assess the immediate needs and safety of survivors, including determining whether it is safe for them to return home or whether temporary safe accommodation and protection services are required. He reminded participants that survivors of Gender-Based Violence should never be intimidated, antagonized, blamed, or subjected to harsh treatment by security personnel. Instead, officers should demonstrate professionalism, compassion, patience, and respect in handling such sensitive matters.
In conclusion, he reaffirmed that the primary responsibility of law enforcement officers is to investigate cases objectively, protect survivors, preserve evidence, and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.

DAY TWO REPORT
Training of Security Personnel on the Compendium of Legal Text
Organised by the Legal Platform under the National Population Secretariat, Office of the Vice President
Jarra Soma – 9th May 2026
The second day of the ongoing training on the Compendium of Legal Text for Security Personnel, organised by the Legal Platform under the National Population Secretariat under the Office of the Vice President, was successfully conducted on 9th May 2026 in Jarra Soma.
The session commenced with opening remarks delivered by Ms. Binta, who warmly welcomed participants and expressed appreciation for their commitment, presence, and active participation throughout the training programme. She underscored the importance of equipping security personnel with adequate knowledge of legal instruments and human rights standards to enable them to effectively discharge their duties while protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly women, girls, and vulnerable populations.
In her presentation, Ms. Binta highlighted the significance of the SWEDD Initiative and provided participants with a detailed overview of its mandate and objectives. She explained that SWEDD, which stands for Sub-Saharan Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend, is a regional initiative designed to improve the social and economic wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women through education, empowerment, protection, and inclusion.
She further elaborated on the programme’s guiding framework known as the “Four Es”, which represent the core pillars of women and girls’ empowerment:
• Education : Promoting equal access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for girls and women;
• Enhancement : Improving the health, wellbeing, safety, and overall development of women and girls;
• Employment: Opportunities for economic empowerment, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods; and
• Empowerment: Enabling women and girls to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes and realise their full potential in society.
Additionally, Ms. Cham provided an overview of the structure, objectives, and operational mandate of the Legal Platform under the National Population Secretariat. She explained that the platform functions as a collaborative coordination mechanism bringing together government institutions, security services, and civil society organisations to promote legal awareness, strengthen protection systems, and address issues affecting women, girls, children, and young people.
She further noted that the Legal Platform comprises several key institutions and stakeholders, including the National Youth Council, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Justice, the Female Lawyers Association of The Gambia (FLAG), the Gambia Armed Forces, the Gambia Immigration Department, the Gambia Police Force, and the National Population Commission, among others. According to her, the collective involvement of these institutions is essential in ensuring coordinated responses to social and legal challenges affecting vulnerable communities.
The session of the day was facilitated by Mrs. Halima Jallow, who delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Health Component of the training, with particular emphasis on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Mrs. Jallow explained that physical violence remains highly prevalent, especially within intimate partner relationships and domestic settings. She emphasised that many victims continue to suffer in silence due to fear, stigma, social pressure, and lack of adequate support systems. She further discussed various forms of violence, including s*xual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse, highlighting their devastating and long-lasting effects on survivors.
During her presentation, Mrs. Jallow expressed serious concern over the increasing cases of in**st and s*xual abuse involving minors and young girls within society. She lamented that in many instances, survivors do not receive adequate legal protection or justice, as cases are often settled informally within families and communities without proper legal action being taken against perpetrators.
She strongly criticised what she described as the “Masla Syndrome” — a culture of compromise and silence that often prioritises family reputation or social settlement over justice and accountability. According to her, this practice undermines the rule of law, perpetuates impunity, and exposes survivors to further trauma and emotional suffering.
Mrs. Jallow also extensively discussed psychological and emotional violence, explaining that abuse is not always physical. She noted that constant insults, humiliation, intimidation, verbal attacks, and discouraging remarks can inflict deep psychological harm on individuals, particularly children and young girls. She observed that some parents and guardians unknowingly subject children to emotional abuse through repeated negative statements, curses, and expressions that diminish their confidence and self-worth.
She further highlighted the long-term emotional and psychological consequences of gender-based violence on survivors, especially young girls who experience r**e or forced relationships. She explained that in some communities, when a girl becomes pregnant as a result of r**e, families may pressure the survivor to marry the perpetrator rather than pursue justice through legal channels.
Mrs. Jallow questioned the morality and psychological implications of forcing survivors into marriage with those who violated them, stressing that such practices can lead to lifelong trauma, depression, emotional instability, and other social complications. She called on security personnel and community leaders to prioritise the protection, dignity, and wellbeing of survivors while ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under the law.
The session also explored issues surrounding socially imposed gender roles within families and communities. Mrs. Jallow explained that girls are often disproportionately burdened with restrictive expectations and responsibilities, which can limit their opportunities and personal development.
On the issue of Female Ge***al Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), Mrs. Jallow delivered a detailed health-based presentation highlighting the medical and psychological risks associated with the practice. She explained the anatomical differences between male and female reproductive systems and emphasised that female circumcision has no medical benefit and can lead to severe health complications, including infections, childbirth complications, psychological trauma, and long-term reproductive health challenges.

During the second session of the Training on the Compendium of Legal Texts for Security Officers held organized by National Population Secretariat under the office of the Vice President in Amdalai, Mrs. Mariatou Fye, chairman of the Legal Platform under the National Population Secretariat delivered a comprehensive presentation on the legal components of the compendium.

She provided detailed explanations on critical issues affecting society, particularly Human Trafficking, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Physical Violence. Her presentation highlighted the legal responsibilities of security officers, the importance of protecting vulnerable persons, and the need to uphold human rights and professionalism while carrying out their duties.

Mrs. Fye also engaged participants through practical case scenarios designed to test the knowledge and response mechanisms of security officers when handling sensitive cases. These scenarios encouraged active participation and professional discussion among the trainees.

One of the case studies focused on child trafficking, where participants, particularly immigration officers, were asked how they would respond upon identifying a suspected trafficking situation involving a child. Discussions centered on the importance of safeguarding the child, conducting proper investigations, reporting through the appropriate legal channels, and ensuring that the rights and welfare of the child are protected at all times.

Another scenario involved a case of domestic violence, where a wife reported physical abuse by her husband to the authorities. Participants discussed the proper procedures security officers should follow, including receiving the complaint respectfully, ensuring the immediate safety of the victim, documenting evidence professionally, providing legal guidance, and referring the matter for further investigation and protection measures in accordance with the law.

Mrs. Mariatou Fye also spoke extensively on gender roles and responsibilities between husbands and wives within the home. This topic generated lively and constructive debates among participants, particularly between male and female security officers, who shared different perspectives and experiences regarding traditional and modern gender roles in society. The discussions emphasized the importance of mutual respect, shared responsibilities, understanding, and equality within families and communities.

The session was highly interactive, educational, and practical, enabling participants to better understand the legal frameworks and professional approaches required when handling cases related to violence, abuse, human trafficking, and gender-related issues. It further strengthened the capacity of security officers to respond effectively, ethically, and lawfully in the course of their duties.

The Training on the Compendium of Legal Texts for Security Officers organized by National Population Secretariat under the office of the Vice president, is currently ongoing in Amdallai. The training has brought together security personnel to strengthen their understanding of legal frameworks relating to the protection and rights of women and girls in The Gambia.

Mrs. Mariatou Fye the Chairperson of the Legal Platform under the National Population Secretariat officially welcomed participants and provided an overview of the objectives of the training. She emphasized the importance of equipping security officers with adequate knowledge of legal texts and policies to effectively respond to issues affecting women, girls, and vulnerable groups within society. She encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the sessions and apply the knowledge gained in their professional responsibilities.

Speaking during the session, Ms. Binta Cham highlighted the significance of the Sub-Saharan Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus (SWEDD+) Project. She explained that the initiative has been implemented for several years across Francophone countries in the region and noted that The Gambia is proud to join the SWEDD Plus phase as the first Anglophone country participating in the project. She further underscored the project’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment, gender equality, adolescent girls’ protection, and sustainable demographic development.

The first training session was facilitated by Halima Jallow, a health practitioner, who delivered a comprehensive presentation on the health challenges and social issues affecting adolescent girls and young women. Her presentation covered Gender-Based Violence (GBV), HIV/AIDS awareness, Female Ge***al Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), and other harmful traditional practices.

She extensively discussed the serious health implications associated with FGM/C and ge***al mutilation, particularly the physical and psychological consequences faced by women and girls. She highlighted complications that may arise during marriage consummation, childbirth, and labor, as well as the long-term reproductive and emotional effects of such practices. Participants were also sensitized on the importance of prevention, protection of survivors, and the role of security officers in safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls