In March 2026, UNDP The Gambia joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day (IWD) under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” The commemoration served not only as a moment of reflection, but as a call to accelerate progress and translate commitments into tangible outcomes for women and girls across the country. Through a series of targeted advocacy, engagement, and communication initiatives, UNDP reinforced its role as key partner in advancing gender equality and inclusive development in The Gambia. 

Advancing the conversation on women’s access to justice

At the heart of this year’s commemoration was a renewed focus on access to justice as a cornerstone of gender equality. UNDP organized a national radio talk show that brought together key actors to critically examine the realities women face in navigating the justice system.  and spotlight ongoing national efforts to strengthen women’s access to justice. The discussion moved beyond general awareness to address persistent structural barriers, including limited legal literacy, gaps in enforcement and the intersection of formal and customary systems.

Importantly, the platform also highlighted ongoing reforms supported by UNDP to strengthen gender-responsive legal frameworks and institutions. By centering the conversation on practical solutions, the dialogue reinforced the urgency of building a justice system that is not only accessible, but responsive to the lived experiences of women and the marginalized population. 

Strengthening collective UN action

UNDP actively contributed to the United Nations Country Team’s International Women’s Day commemorations through a range of initiatives that promoted both empowerment and practical support for women. These included participation in the “Her Marketplace”, which showcased and supported women-led businesses, as well as a self-defense training session aimed at strengthening the safety and confidence of female personnel. In addition, UNDP engaged in the UN International Women’s Day Townhall, which served as a strategic platform for UN agencies to reflect on progress, align priorities, and reinforce collaboration under the “Delivering as One” framework.

Together, these engagements underscored a critical reality: advancing gender equality requires sustained, coordinated action across sectors and institutions. By bringing its expertise in Gender, Governance and rule of law, UNDP continues to play a pivotal role in shaping integrated, system-wide responses that address both structural barriers and immediate needs facing women and girls.

Leveraging digital platforms for advocacy and impact

Recognizing that change is driven as much by narratives as by policy, UNDP leveraged digital platforms to amplify voices, challenge norms, and inspire action. Throughout the month, a targeted online advocacy campaign featured impactful messaging on gender quality, alongside stories and articles that highlighted UNDP’s work and impact.

A standout feature of the campaign was a human-interest story spotlighting a UNDP female driver, whose journey reflects resilience, courage, determination, and the quiet disruption of entrenched gender roles. Her story resonates widely, serving as a powerful reminder that advancing gender equality is not only about policy reform, but about expanding possibilities and visibility for women in all spheres of life. 

Strengthening Women’s Political Participation through African Women’s Leadership Network (AWLN Gambia Chapter)

As part of its commitment to advancing women’s leadership and inclusive governance, UNDP supported the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Gambia Chapter to deliver a regional training on women’s political participation. The training convened emerging and established women leaders from across the country, providing a platform to strengthen leadership skills, enhance advocacy strategies, and deepen understanding of electoral processes ahead of the 2026 elections.

The initiative focused on equipping participants with practical tools to navigate political spaces, engage effectively in decision-making, and influence policy processes. By investing in women’s leadership capacity, the training contributes to building a more inclusive and representative political landscape in The Gambia, where women are better positioned to participate meaningfully and lead.

From Momentum to Measurable Change 

International Women’s Month at UNDP The Gambia is not treated as a standalone event, but as part of a broader, sustained commitment to gender equality. The initiatives undertaken throughout March reinforce a clear direction: moving from advocacy to action, and from dialogue to measurable change. 

As The Gambia continues its development trajectory, UNDP remains steadfast in supporting national efforts that promote women’s leadership, expand access to justice, and dismantle the structural barriers that limit opportunity. The focus going forward is clear, ensuring that gender equality is not only articulated in policies, but a lived reality for all.