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LESSON

Lesson Learned: Enhancing Women’s participation in Democracy in The Gambia

The project’s manual was praised both by trainers and trainees for being a comprehensive introduction to the principles of democratic governance. The materials and outputs of the project including a documentary video could be used to reach a wider group of women via the grantee’s website.
Project Partner
West African Network for Peacebuilding, The Gambia
Project Description
The project aimed to promote the involvement and participation of women in electoral processes and democratic governance. Following the decision of all but one of the opposition parties not to participate in the National Assembly elections, the grantee expanded the project to the local government elections. Project activities included focus groups about women’s rights to encourage active representation of women in the community decision-making processes. Open forums and regional radio programmes generated knowledge and vibrant discussion among the wider public. A capacity building scheme combined training, mentorship, and experience sharing. The project effectively questioned entrenched cultural norms and pervasive religious beliefs. However, in spite of the project’s advocacy activities and the provision of training and mentoring number female candidates in the local government elections was lower than during the previous 2006-2008 cycle.
Evaluation Date
January 2013
Country