Gender Justice Programme
Transitional Justice
Alongside The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), WILL has been documenting the stories of women under Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year dictatorship, which came to an end in 2017. The regime was characterised by widespread human rights violations including Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
SGBV disproportionately affects women. Due to the culture of silence, and the fear of stigma and backlash, many victims don’t speak up. It’s vital that measures are put in place to support women to share their experiences in a safe and confidential environment.
WILL has adopted different approaches to support The Gambia’s TRRC including community-led truth telling, memorialisation, social cohesion and peace-building, especially among rural communities and women.
We have created women-only listening circles to encourage them to speak; held discussions on what constitutes sexual violence; engaged with Keneleng women who are traditional communicators; and had ‘Ataya chats’ to engage men and boys.
WILL is continuing the TRRC’s work of taking victims’ statements.
Safe Spaces for Women and Girls
WILL offers psycho-social support for victims of SGBV, by providing them with a safe space at our centre in Brusubi.
In this space, we also educate young women about their rights and their bodies.
Our team is highly experienced in supporting women who have experienced trauma.
If you or someone you know has experienced an SGBV incident in The Gambia, please get in touch.
Jo Manji Mikka FGM Project
“Jo Manji Mikka” means “Let’s Dialogue”.
WILL holds workshops with communities where we discuss and challenge the social and cultural norms surrounding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
This dialogue is with men, women, boys and girls to raise awareness of the impact of FGM and demystify the myths around the practise.
Topics include the different types of FGM, as well the physical effects and mental health outcomes.