By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
A high-level ministerial meeting of SWEDD+ countries has reaffirmed strong regional commitment to ending violence against women and girls, with leaders calling for urgent, coordinated and measurable actions across West and Central Africa.
The meeting, held on April 9, 2026, in Banjul, formed part of the broader Forum of First Ladies of SWEDD+ Countries on Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence. It brought together Ministers in charge of gender, social affairs and child protection, alongside major development partners and regional institutions.
Key stakeholders at the session included the Economic Community of West African States, the World Bank, the United Nations Population Fund and the West African Health Organisation.
In her welcome address, Fatou S. Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare of The Gambia, stressed the urgent need to strengthen national responses to persistent gender-based violence. She called for sustained and coordinated mobilisation to tackle the challenge.
Speaking on behalf of the World Bank, Trina Haque highlighted the scale and complexity of gender-based violence in the region, urging governments to translate commitments into concrete and measurable outcomes.
Also addressing the meeting, Edwige Adekambi Domingo emphasised the importance of prevention, improved survivor care, and efforts to transform harmful social norms. She underscored the need for collective action to secure a better future for women and girls.
Delivering a statement on behalf of WAHO, Felix Agbla described gender-based violence as a human rights violation, a public health crisis and a major development challenge. He called for a shift from policy commitments to effective implementation, noting its far-reaching impact on health systems, communities and economic development.
Ministers from across the region also contributed to the discussions. Maimouna Dieye and Savia Mint N’tahah stressed the need to strengthen legal frameworks, improve access to justice and enhance institutional coordination.
On behalf of ECOWAS, Lilly French reaffirmed the organisation’s central role in coordinating regional efforts, calling for stronger collaboration to ensure effective implementation of agreed commitments.
The meeting was chaired by Véronique Tognifodé, who guided deliberations towards actionable outcomes. These include the adoption of a regional roadmap, strengthened monitoring mechanisms and a shared framework to accelerate progress.
The ministerial session marks a significant step in consolidating political will and advancing practical solutions aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls across the SWEDD+ region.