Banjul, 6 October 2025 – The Gambia today marked a historic milestone with the official launch of the UNDP Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, a transformative initiative designed to integrate gender equality into the core of public service delivery.

Speaking at the launch, the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Mandisa Mashologu underscored the importance of the Seal, describing it as “a bold step forward, a commitment to embed gender equality into the very fabric of our public institutions.”

The Honourable Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Honorable Fatou Kinteh, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment, stating: “This initiative represents a turning point in how we approach governance. By embedding gender equality in our public institutions, we are not only addressing long-standing disparities but also strengthening accountability and service delivery for every Gambian.”

The Gender Equality Seal provides a practical framework for reform, accountability, and recognition. Institutions that embrace it are supported to strengthen gender-responsive policies, improve inclusivity, and enhance service delivery. The Seal awards bronze, silver, or gold certifications to recognize progress and excellence.

The launch was attended by the Honourable Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reform, Policy Coordination and Delivery, the Auditor General of the National Audit Office, senior government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and members of the media.

The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Public Service, and the National Audit Office, is spearheading the first phase of the initiative. These three pilot institutions will participate in a three-day training facilitated by the UNDP Regional Gender Team, equipping Gender Equality Committees with the skills, tools, and frameworks needed to drive change.

Once the initial phase is complete, the Seal will be open for adoption by other public institutions, ensuring wider national impact. “Every institution has a role to play in advancing gender equality,” the UNDP Resident Representative noted.

Although women make up more than half of The Gambia’s population, they account for less than 40% of senior leadership positions in the civil service, with limited representation in politics and governance. The Seal aims to address these disparities by setting measurable standards and inspiring accountability across the public sector.

The initiative builds on global commitments, including the Beijing Platform for Action, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which places gender equality at the heart of sustainable development, governance, resilience, and inclusive prosperity.

With this launch, The Gambia joins over 100 public institutions in 30 countries worldwide that are using the Gender Equality Seal as a tool to transform governance and accelerate inclusive development. 

About UNDP 

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization committed to ending injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change globally. UNDP is dedicated to supporting The Gambia to achieve sustainable development, create opportunities for empowerment, protect the environment, minimize natural and human-caused disasters, build strategic partnerships, and improve the quality of life for all citizens. Learn more at gm.undp.org. 

For inquiries, please contact: 

Mariam Njai, Communications Analyst, UNDP Tel: +220 3303180 
Email: mariam.njai@undp.org