The First Ladies of SWEDD+ countries have convened to push for zero tolerance against gender-based violence (GBV) in West and Central Africa, highlighting the urgency of legal, policy, and community interventions.

Speaking at a press conference in Banjul on April 5, 2026, Fatou Kinteh, Gambian Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, said the forum “builds on the momentum of the SWEDD+ project and strengthens our collective commitment to protecting women and girls, promoting accountability, and fostering social change across the region.”

The forum, hosted in collaboration with ECOWAS, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the World Bank, will run from April 8 to 10 and includes leaders from Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Togo, and regional economic communities.

Fatou Kinteh emphasized that despite political commitment, GBV remains widespread, with harmful practices like child marriage, female genital mutilation, and human trafficking continuing to threaten women and girls.

“Through leadership and coordinated action, we aim to translate policies into tangible protections and services for survivors,” she added.

The forum will adopt a SWEDD+ Regional Roadmap on Zero Tolerance for GBV, launch the SWEDD+ First Ladies Alliance Against GBV, and endorse a joint declaration reaffirming commitment to legal and social reforms.

It will also showcase the “Together for Her” regional campaign, mobilizing communities to prevent GBV and provide survivor-centred support.

By Adama Makasuba