First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow has arrived in Dakar, Senegal, alongside fellow members of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) for a high-level engagement focused on advancing the wellbeing and empowerment of adolescent girls and young women across Africa.

The gathering brings together African First Ladies, students, teachers and development partners to strengthen efforts addressing some of the challenges affecting girls and young women, particularly in the areas of health, education and social empowerment.

A key focus of the campaign is adolescent health, including efforts to prevent early pregnancies and support girls to remain in school and complete their education.

The engagement highlights the role of coordinated advocacy and partnerships in creating an environment where adolescent girls can access the information, support and opportunities needed to make informed decisions about their lives and futures.

The First Ladies and their partners are also expected to promote initiatives aimed at strengthening communities and improving outcomes for young women across the continent.

The Dakar gathering reflects OAFLAD’s broader efforts to mobilise leadership and partnerships around issues affecting women, girls and families, while encouraging stronger national and regional action.

For The Gambia, the participation of First Lady Bah-Barrow provides an opportunity to contribute to continental discussions on adolescent health, girls’ education and women’s empowerment.

The campaign also seeks to encourage collaboration among policymakers, educators, development partners, families and communities in addressing barriers that can prevent girls from remaining in school and reaching their full potential.

The organisers say investing in adolescent girls and young women is essential to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities.

The Dakar engagement is therefore expected to reinforce the shared commitment of African First Ladies and their partners to strengthening opportunities for girls and young women and supporting their development across the continent.

By Adama Makasuba