Advocacy & Lobbying

The Royal Norwegian Embassy andthe Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, in collaboration with UN Women,hosted a high-level dialogue titled "Power Without Fear: Ending Digital and Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Politics" as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) campaign under the theme "UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls" in Dhaka on December 7, 2025. The event convened political party representatives, young women leaders, civil society, academics, journalists, gender experts, development partners, and diplomats to address the currentthreats women face in political life.

Held at the Norwegian Residence, the dialogue focused on how digital violence has emerged as a modern barrier to democratic participation. As Bangladesh approaches its national elections, women engaged in political activities find themselves increasingly targetsof online harassment, intimidation, gendered misinformation, and coordinated smear campaigns that often extend into real-world harm.

Opening the event, H.E. Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, Ambassador of Norway, emphasized that digital spaces are now central to political engagement and must be safe for women's participation. As the Ambassador stated, "women's political participation is essential for inclusive democracy, sustainable development, and lasting peace. When women are silenced - whether through digital harassment, character attacks, threats, or physical violence - entire societies lose out. Today,let us explore how we can strengthen legal protections, promote digital safety, hold perpetrators accountable, and empower women to participate in politics without fear."

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The Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) officially launched, this Friday at the La Cretonne Hotel in Les Cayes, the General Assembly on “women’s political participation and electoral violence,” under the evocative theme: “There is no democracy or elections without women, zero violence.

The Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) officially launched, this Friday at the La Cretonne Hotel in Les Cayes, the General Assembly on “women’s political participation and electoral violence,” under the evocative theme: “There is no democracy or elections without women, zero violence.”

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A two-day national conference on Women’s Political Participation and Representation opened Monday at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara (SDKJ) Conference Centre.

The conference is being organized by The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and its partners.

The conference aims to assess progress made and identify gaps in women’s political participation since the country’s democratic transition in 2016.

Opening the forum, International IDEA Secretary-General Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora says nine years after the transition, The Gambia has significant achievements to celebrate, particularly its vibrant civic space and strengthened democratic institutions.

However, he notes that women’s political representation remains critically low.

“Women make up more than half of the population, yet they occupy only 8.6 percent of elected seats in the National Assembly. This is far below the 30 percent benchmark recommended by the Beijing Platform for Action,” Dr. Casas-Zamora said.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union Ambassador, Enya Braun says the theme of the conference highlights a persistent imbalance in decision-making spaces.

“While women are active in society, they are too often absent from formal decision-making structures. This must change,” she said, questioning how a society can claim to be democratic when more than half of its population remains underrepresented.

She reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to gender equality and inclusivity, stressing that political representation is not a privilege but a fundamental right and a proven asset for democratic governance.

Representing the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay says The Gambia stands at a critical stage in consolidating its democracy.

He pointed out that women constitute about 57 percent of registered voters and play a central role in political mobilization, yet their presence in executive positions, local councils and the national assembly does not reflect this reality.

“As the People’s House, Parliament must be inclusive. Political parties must dismantle gatekeeping barriers and move beyond using women solely as mobilisers to investing in them as candidates,” he said.

The conference is expected to consolidate stakeholder efforts to address systemic barriers, develop a unified strategy, and produce policy recommendations and capacity-building initiatives aimed at inspiring a new generation of women leaders in Gambian politics.

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Stakeholders, women leaders and development partners have called for increased participation of women in leadership and governance

They made the call during the Southern Kaduna Trailblazing Women Association (SOKATWA) Summit and Fundraising, held in Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Jerry Adams, emphasized that getting it right with women is key to getting society right, noting that women play a critical role in moulding character at home and within communities.

He commended the organisers for bringing together a high calibre of women at the summit and urged participants not to despise little beginnings but to remain focused and determined.

Earlier, the President of SOKATWA, Mrs. Belinda Augustine Istifanus, described the summit as a defining moment and a mission-driven gathering aimed at repositioning women as central actors in leadership and governance.

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YAMBIO – The Speaker of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, Ann Tunna Richard, has urged women to actively participate in politics ahead of South Sudan’s December 2026 general elections.

She made the call on Sunday, while addressing journalists at Yambio Airstrip upon return from an official trip to Juba.

While in Juba, she attended a national conference on women’s equal participation in governance.

Ann Tunna said women in Western Equatoria State and across the country should take advantage of the political space to engage fully in leadership and decision-making processes.

“We demand the full implementation of the 35 percent affirmative action for women, and any political parties that fail to respect the provision may not be registered to contest in the upcoming elections,” Tunna said.

The Speaker highlighted key challenges facing women in politics, including economic hardship, insecurity, and gender-based violence.

“We call on political parties, government institutions, and communities to provide protection, support, and equal opportunities for women candidates,” she said.

Tunna demanded appointment of more women to strategic ministries such as Finance and Defence, saying women have proven to be effective managers, strong peacebuilders, and critical actors in the fight against corruption.

She commended the SPLM leadership in Western Equatoria State, led by Chairperson Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapal, for appointing women to leadership positions within the party.

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