ECOWAS to host First Ladies’ forum on zero tolerance for gender-based violence in Gambia

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will host a forum for First Ladies of SWEDD+ countries on zero tolerance for gender-based violence from April 14 to 16, 2026, in Banjul, The Gambia.
In preparation for the event, the ECOWAS Commission’s Department of Human Development and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the West African Health Organization (WAHO) and the Gambian authorities, carried out a technical mission to Banjul from January 26 to 30, 2026.
The mission was part of the implementation of the regional SWEDD+ project, supported by the World Bank, which focuses on empowering women and girls and addressing gender-based violence across West and Central Africa.
It brought together representatives from relevant ministries, the Office of the First Lady, technical and financial partners, as well as members of the national organising committees. The delegation assessed the level of preparedness for the forum, identified outstanding challenges, and finalised the technical, logistical and institutional arrangements for the event.