The Gambia has inscribed its name in history as the first African country to ratify the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.
On 9 July 2026, Hon. Fatou Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, presented the motion before lawmakers, who unanimously endorsed the landmark convention.
Expressing her delight, Hon. Kinteh described the ratification as a historic milestone that cements The Gambia’s commitment to protecting women and girls from abuse and discrimination across all spheres of life.
“This ratification transforms last year’s signing into binding legal obligations, aligning our national laws with Africa’s first continent-wide framework to end violence against women and girls,” she stated.
The unanimous vote by the National Assembly underscores the country’s determination to champion gender equality and safeguard the rights of women and girls. With this achievement, The Gambia has set a precedent for other African nations to follow, demonstrating leadership in advancing human rights and social justice.
