By Abdulrahman Aliagan
First Ladies from SWEDD+ countries across West and Central Africa are set to converge in Banjul, The Gambia, from April 8 to 10, 2026, for a high-level forum aimed at advancing Zero Tolerance to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the region.
The strategic gathering is expected to bring together influential women leaders, policymakers, development partners and stakeholders to deepen regional commitment toward ending violence against women and girls.
The forum is being co-organised by Economic Community of West African States, West African Health Organisation and the Government of The Gambia, with support from key international partners including World Bank and United Nations Population Fund.
According to organisers, the forum seeks to strengthen regional coordination, accelerate collective action and deliver concrete outcomes that will improve protection mechanisms for women and girls across the sub-region.
At the centre of the initiative is the vital role of the West African Health Organisation, which is championing efforts to strengthen health systems to better support survivors of gender-based violence, expand access to essential services and foster a more coordinated regional response.
The meeting is also expected to produce major outcomes, including the development of a Regional Roadmap on Gender-Based Violence, the launch of a First Ladies Alliance, and the adoption of a Joint Declaration to ensure sustained political and institutional action against GBV.
Observers say the forum represents a decisive step toward building safer, more inclusive and violence-free societies for women and girls across West and Central Africa.
With the growing urgency to tackle all forms of abuse, discrimination and violence, the Banjul forum is expected to send a strong message of solidarity, leadership and renewed commitment from the region’s highest female advocates.
