GAMBIA

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Gambia introduced its first National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security in 2012, aligning with the global commitments of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. While the initial NAP did not set a clear end date, it remained the core strategic document guiding gender and peace initiatives for nearly a decade. In response to evolving needs and lessons learned, a second-generation NAP was developed covering 2021–2025, signaling a renewed and more targeted national approach to women’s peace and security.

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Objectives:

The initial NAP focused on three primary goals:

• To ensure greater respect for women’s right to participation in the decision-making processes on equal footing with men.
• To eliminate discrimination against women and to end sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated against women.
• To involve women in the security sector, conflict resolution mechanisms and peace processes, including peacekeeping operations.

The first and second NAPs both share the overarching ambition of creating safer, more inclusive communities by enhancing the role of women in peacebuilding. The key aims include:

• Increasing women’s participation in peace processes, decision-making roles, and political spaces.
• Preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, particularly in the context of conflict and insecurity.
• Ensuring legal protections and access to justice for women impacted by displacement, conflict, and gender-based harm.
• Integrating gender perspectives across national security, law enforcement, and peacekeeping frameworks.

The Gambia’s NAP framework is built on three pillars:

1. Prevention

Focuses on early intervention to stop conflict before it arises. This includes:

• Supporting peace education and research into gender-security dynamics.
• Strengthening the capacity of women’s organizations.
• Training women as peacebuilders and mediators.
• Promoting interagency collaboration and early warning systems.

2. Protection

Prioritizes the safety and dignity of women, especially those affected by violence. Strategic measures include:

• Enforcing gender-sensitive legislation.
• Responding effectively to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
• Safeguarding the rights of displaced women and girls.

3. Participation

Centers on ensuring women’s presence and leadership in decision-making, elections, and peacekeeping:

• Promoting affirmative action for women in leadership roles.
• Encouraging women's involvement in electoral processes.
• Expanding women’s inclusion in peace and security sectors.

The NAP is supported by a results-based implementation plan, outlining government responsibilities, measurable outcomes, and resource allocation per activity.

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Civil Society Involvement

The development of the NAPs was not solely a government-led effort. Women’s rights groups, grassroots organizations, and national coalitions like the Gender Action Team (GAT) played instrumental roles in shaping priorities. CSOs were consulted during the drafting phase and continue to support implementation through advocacy, outreach, and monitoring.

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Evolving Priorities (2019–2025):

A national review conducted in 2019, as part of the Beijing +25 reporting process, assessed the impact of the 2012 NAP and outlined updated priorities. These include:

• Strengthening public understanding of women’s rights and peace initiatives.
• Building institutional capacity for sustained action on WPS.
• Expanding conflict early warning systems.
• Acting on research to improve women’s representation in politics and governance.
• Encouraging regional learning through exchange visits and collaboration with neighboring countries.

This process informed the structure and content of the second-generation NAP (2021–2025), which is currently guiding national efforts.

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UN Peacekeeping contributions:

As of May 2023, The Gambia had 63 uniformed personnel deployed to UN peacekeeping operations. Women made up 20.6% of that total — significantly above the global target of 15%. Their contributions included:

• 3 female mission experts,
• 5 female senior police officers,
• 5 female staff officers.

These deployments reflect The Gambia’s progress in advancing gender inclusion in international peace operations.

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Commentary:

The Gambia’s WPS efforts strongly align with SecurityWomen’s mission to ensure women are meaningfully involved in shaping security policy and practice. The country's commitment to expanding women’s representation in peacekeeping, justice, and governance — coupled with its emphasis on education, advocacy, and institutional reform — supports broader global goals for inclusive and sustainable peace.

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References:

• The Gambia NAP 2012 (full document):https://1325naps.peacewomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/GAMBIA-NAP.pdf
• UN Peacekeeping Statistics – May 2023:https://peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/05_missions_detailed_by_country_62_may_2023.pdf
• Beijing +25 National Review (The Gambia, 2019):https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/CSW/64/National-reviews/Gambia.pdf
• The Point (Gambia):https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/national-news/ecowas-women-have-historically-been-at-forefront-of-peace-building-but

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