The Gambia Reparations Commission, in collaboration with the International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and the Alliance of Victim-Led Organisations (AVLO), has initiated a nationwide capacity-building program. This key initiative aims to enhance women victims' access to gender-sensitive reparations across The Gambia. Running from September 14-20, 2026, the seven-day program is designed to strengthen local capabilities in regions including West Coast, North Bank, Lower River, Central River, and Upper River. This concerted effort seeks to ensure that women survivors of past injustices can effectively utilize the established reparations mechanisms, fostering a more inclusive and equitable justice process. The program shows a commitment to addressing the specific needs of women who have endured significant harm.
Program Goals and Content
The capacity-building initiative aims to enhance women victims' understanding of reparations, their inherent rights, and the various ways they can meaningfully participate in the ongoing process. The program's design focuses intently on empowering these women to engage effectively with the established mechanisms, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences are acknowledged throughout the reparations journey. This empowerment is critical for building trust and facilitating access to justice.
The training sessions are structured to provide in-depth information regarding the mandate and operational work of The Gambia Reparations Commission. A significant emphasis is placed on gender-sensitive and gender-responsive approaches, ensuring that the reparations framework addresses the specific needs and experiences of women victims. This detailed understanding of the Commission's functions and its commitment to gender-specific considerations is vital for participants. The program seeks to demystify complex legal and administrative processes, making them accessible to all women victims, regardless of their background or prior knowledge.
Addressing Unique Barriers
The program directly addresses unique barriers faced by women victims, including societal stigma, economic dependence, limited access to information, fear of retaliation, and cultural constraints. These obstacles often prevent women from coming forward or fully engaging with justice mechanisms. The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) previously documented widespread violations against women under the former regime. These violations included severe forms of sexual violence, torture, arbitrary detention, and loss of livelihoods, leaving deep and lasting impacts on survivors and their communities. Recognizing the profound and multifaceted nature of these abuses, the current outreach initiative will also serve as an identification exercise, aiming to locate eligible women victims who have not yet registered for reparations. This effort will provide immediate support to help these women register with the relevant mechanisms, ensuring that no survivor is left behind due to lack of awareness or practical assistance. The program is designed to create a safe and supportive environment where women can share their experiences and seek redress without fear.
Methodology and Support
The program receives vital support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which is contributing to the implementation of the nationwide capacity-building initiative. This funding enables the full outreach and training sessions designed to enhance women victims' access to gender-sensitive reparations across The Gambia. The CFLI's involvement is key for strengthening local capabilities in regions such as West Coast, North Bank, Lower River, Central River, and Upper River, ensuring that women survivors can effectively utilize established reparations mechanisms. The support facilitates the program's objectives of informing women about their rights and the operational work of The Gambia Reparations Commission. This financial backing is instrumental in covering logistical costs, training materials, and the deployment of expert facilitators, all of which are essential for the program's success and broad reach. The partnership with CFLI shows an international commitment to human rights and gender justice in The Gambia.
Partnerships and Reach
The program is projected to reach approximately 300 women victims across The Gambia. Its outreach efforts will span five regions, including West Coast, North Bank, Lower River, Central River, and Upper River. This regional focus aims to ensure that a broad spectrum of women survivors can access the necessary information and support for reparations, regardless of their geographical location. By concentrating efforts in these diverse regions, the initiative ensures that women in both urban and rural areas benefit from the capacity-building sessions. The collaboration between The Gambia Reparations Commission, the International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), and the Alliance of Victim-Led Organisations (AVLO) exemplifies a multi-stakeholder approach to transitional justice, leveraging collective expertise and resources to maximize impact for women victims. This partnership ensures a full and coordinated effort in delivering justice and support.