By Alex Adi
From April 8–10, 2026, the First Ladies of SWEDD+ countries will gather in Banjul for a high-level forum dedicated to advancing a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence across West and Central Africa.
Co-organised by the Government of The Gambia and ECOWAS, and held in close partnership with UNFPA, the World Bank, ECCAS, and SWEDD+ member states, the forum brings regional leaders together to coordinate policy, strengthen regional action, and mobilize resources.
This co-leadership highlights the belief that ending GBV requires sustained national commitment, backed by strong, collaborative regional strategies.
At a moment when violence against women and girls continues to erode human rights, public health, and development, the Banjul Forum aims to align political will, regional institutions, and community efforts behind a shared, urgent agenda for change.
