The Gambia has develop into the primary African nation to ratify the African Union Conference on Ending Violence Towards Ladies and Women, marking a significant milestone within the nation’s efforts to advance girls’s rights and strengthen protections in opposition to gender-based violence.
The historic ratification passed off on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, after members of the Nationwide Meeting unanimously permitted a movement tabled by the Minister for Gender, Kids and Social Welfare, Hon. Fatou Kinteh.
The Conference, adopted by the African Union to fight violence, discrimination and dangerous practices in opposition to girls and ladies throughout the continent, now turns into a binding authorized instrument for The Gambia.
Talking shortly after the ratification, Hon. Kinteh described the event as a landmark achievement for the nation and a big step in direction of safeguarding the rights and dignity of ladies and ladies.
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“The Gambia has ratified the African Union Conference on Ending Violence Towards Ladies and Women, cementing its dedication to guard girls and ladies from abuse and discrimination throughout all spheres of life,” she stated.
In response to the minister, the ratification transforms The Gambia’s earlier signing of the Conference into binding authorized obligations, requiring the nation to align its legal guidelines, insurance policies and programmes with the provisions of Africa’s first continent-wide framework devoted to ending violence in opposition to girls and ladies.
The conference seeks to handle varied types of violence, together with home abuse, sexual violence, dangerous conventional practices, financial exploitation and discrimination, whereas selling entry to justice, safety providers and empowerment alternatives for ladies and ladies.
The unanimous approval by lawmakers displays rising nationwide consensus on the necessity to strengthen authorized and institutional mechanisms geared toward stopping gender-based violence and guaranteeing accountability for perpetrators.
Hon. Kinteh praised members of the Nationwide Meeting for his or her assist, noting that their determination has positioned The Gambia as a continental chief in advancing the rights of ladies and ladies.
“With this achievement, The Gambia has inscribed its identify in historical past as the primary African nation to ratify the conference,” she stated whereas expressing gratitude to lawmakers for endorsing what she described as an essential African instrument.
The ratification is predicted to boost ongoing efforts by authorities and civil society organisations to fight gender-based violence, promote gender equality and create safer environments for ladies and ladies all through the nation.
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